Hello everyone! | Ahojte všetci!
My name is Arturo Movsesyan, and I’m 17 years old. I study at Loulé Secondary School, where I’m currently in the 12th grade.
Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ internship in Lithuania, where I gained valuable experience and learned a lot about a different culture and work environment. Now, I’m excited and fully prepared for my next Erasmus+ experience in Slovakia!
I love discovering new places, meeting new people, and embracing challenges that help me grow both personally and professionally. I believe these experiences will be a great step toward my future!
Looking forward to this new adventure!
The day started before sunrise—I was up at 5:00 AM, making sure everything was packed and ready. By 6:30 AM, we were already at the airport, having planned some extra time in case of unexpected delays.
After a brief wait, I made my way toward the airport entrance at around 7:00 AM. The rest of the group arrived shortly after, and we moved on to check-in. With some time to spare before boarding, we took a few farewell pictures, capturing the excitement of the trip. The hours passed quickly, and by 9:00 AM, it was time to board our flight.
Our journey from Portugal to Vienna had finally begun. The flight, which lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes, was mostly smooth, though there were a few moments of turbulence. Watching the clouds from above and catching glimpses of the landscape below made the time go by faster.
Upon arriving in Vienna, we wasted no time and headed directly to the bus station. The next leg of the trip was a 55-minute ride to Bratislava. The road stretched between scenic landscapes, with small towns and open fields passing by as we approached our destination. Once we reached the city, our first stop was the hostel, where we quickly dropped off our luggage before setting off to explore.
Bratislava welcomed us with its charming streets, unique sculptures, and striking architecture. Every corner of the Old Town told a story, blending history with a modern touch. The air was fresh, and although a light drizzle followed us throughout the day, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the city.
Given our short stay, we focused on taking in as much as possible. We admired iconic landmarks like the Cumil statue, wandered through picturesque squares, and caught a glimpse of Bratislava Castle in the distance. To finish the day, we sat down at a traditional Slovak restaurant. I ordered a dish of homemade dumplings, topped with creamy cheese and crispy bacon—an absolute delight and the perfect way to end our first day in Slovakia.
In the first night I started updating my Erasmus+ Blog, my colleague took this photo while I was working.
One of the highlights of the day was our visit to Bratislava Castle, an iconic landmark that dominates the city's skyline. The castle itself was enormous, standing tall with its four grand floors. Inside, we explored a series of exhibitions showcasing everything from historical uniforms and intricate paintings to ancient weapons and fascinating artifacts. Every room told a different story, giving us a glimpse into the city's rich past.
We dedicated the entire day to exploring the remaining sights of Bratislava. Wandering through the city, we stopped at several traditional spots, soaking in the local culture and trying some delicious Slovak sweets. Each bite was a new experience, adding to the charm of our adventure.
And after dinning I found the Armenian flag.
Today was an important day—we were finally heading to Levice, where we would meet the teachers who would be guiding us throughout our month-long stay. Excitement filled the air as we made our final preparations. To start the day right, we bought a breakfast pack, ensuring we had enough energy for the journey ahead.
Once everything was set, we wasted no time and got moving to catch our train, scheduled to depart at around 1:45 PM. To make things easier, we split into groups, called Ubers, and made our way to a shopping center that also had a train station—or so we thought.
Upon arrival, we began searching for the station, only to realize that we were in the wrong place! With time running out, we had to think fast. Instead of rushing aimlessly, we decided to take a break, have lunch there, and then sort out our tickets before heading to the correct station. While waiting for lunchtime, I wandered through the shops, taking in the lively atmosphere and browsing through different stores. Despite the unexpected detour, the day was shaping up to be an adventure of its own.
As soon as we arrived in Levice, we were met with a warm reception from Professors Marianna, Miriam, and Peter, who had even brought his young son along. Their kindness was evident from the start as they offered to load our luggage into their cars. However, since our hotel was just a short walk away, we decided to go on foot instead.
This short walk allowed us to take in our new surroundings and get a first impression of the city. Along the way, our hosts shared some useful information about the area, helping us feel more at ease. After about ten minutes, we reached our accommodation for the next three weeks—the Rozkvet Hotel. Conveniently, it was situated right next to a Lidl supermarket and the Baran restaurant, where we would be having our dinners every night. With everything we needed close by, settling in would be much easier.
After settling into the hotel, we had about half an hour to rest before the teachers returned to take us on a brief tour of the city. It was the perfect way to get our first real impression of Levice, allowing us to take in its streets, landmarks, and overall atmosphere.
Once the tour was over, they treated us to dinner at Koliba, a traditional restaurant known for its authentic local cuisine. The food exceeded our expectations—every dish was delicious, and the experience of dining in such a cozy setting made it even better. To our surprise, the teachers generously covered the cost of the meal, which made us appreciate their hospitality even more. A heartfelt thank you to them! It was a fantastic evening and the perfect way to begin our stay in Levice.
Our day started early at 8:10 AM, when we gathered in the hostel reception before making our way to the school with our teachers. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by both staff and students, who had prepared a special surprise for us—a traditional Slovak breakfast. The flavors were incredible, offering us a delicious first taste of the local cuisine.
Following the meal, we had the chance to witness a stunning traditional dance performance. The dancers moved in perfect sync, their choreography both elegant and energetic. It was a captivating showcase of Slovak culture, and we were all impressed by their skill and passion.
With the performance over, it was time to explore the school. We were taken on a guided tour, walking through various classrooms and learning more about the daily routines and educational system. It was a fascinating insight into how things worked there, making us even more excited for the experiences ahead.
"The performance"
After visiting the school, we had the unique opportunity to visit the City Hall, where we attended a meeting with the Vice President of the municipality. He spoke to us about the rich history and culture of Slovakia, sharing interesting insights about the country and its traditions.
Following the discussion, he gave us a tour of the City Hall’s facilities. The highlight was the meeting room, where we were captivated by the long, elegant wooden table at the centerpolished and impressive, symbolizing the importance of diplomacy and governance. The walls of the room also stood out, adorned with historical elements that reflected the city’s past and its leadership over the years.
Today was a special day it was our last with the teachers and also the moment we had been preparing for: introducing Portugal to Slovak students. We started the morning early, enjoying breakfast together before heading to the school, excited but also a little nervous.
When we began our presentations, we followed the plan showing a PowerPoint full of facts and images about Portugal. However, after a couple of sessions, we realized that the formal approach wasn’t as engaging as we had hoped. The students seemed a bit bored, and honestly, we were starting to feel the same way.
So, we decided to switch things up. Instead of just reading from slides, we started having casual conversations, answering their questions, and making the experience more interactive. This change made everything feel more natural and enjoyable. The students got more involved, and we had fun sharing stories and cultural differences.
We continued this way until lunchtime, making new connections and learning from each other. It turned out to be a great experience and a memorable way to wrap up our time with the teachers.
The other group that did not did the presentation about Portugal they made a presentation and a plan they got to work and took the LEGO SPIKE boxes to said room, and all groups,even those groups that made de presentation about Portugal started to check if they had all the pieces inside them, but with a total of nine boxes four LEGO SPIKE ESSENTIAL and five LEGO SPIKE PRIME we quickly realized it would take too long. Instead, we just checked for the most important pieces and hoped for the best..
Once everything was set up, including the tablets and presentation materials, it was time to start. One by one, the students entered the room and sat in groups of four, just as we had planned, so that each group could share a box. After a brief introduction explaining what LEGO SPIKE is, how it works, and why it is used, we jumped straight into action.
Each group sent one member to collect a box and a tablet before returning to their seats. As the session progressed, we walked around, guiding the students and helping them follow LEGO's built-in tutorials. It didn’t take long for them to get the hang of it! While most followed the standard builds, some got creative and started coming up with their own unique designs.
Today, we visited another school, specifically a secondary school located in Levice, the city where our internship is taking place.
Our Slovakian teacher, "Teacher Peter" , took us to the secondary school, where we gave a PowerPoint presentation about Portugal once again.
In my opinion, it went really well!
After lunch, on the way back to the hotel, I stopped by Lidl to buy some fruits.
A little while later, I went to the school gym to do a bit of training, focusing on:
Cardio;
Resistance;
Balance.
And ""for the and" at 7PM;
We went to have a dinner and, It was delicious, we ate firstly we ate bread whit cheese and a delicious soup.
-->Presentation´s/Conversation´s
--> Going to tesco
--> Basketball Game
--> Lunch + Diner
--> Group Game
This week was dedicated to delivering our presentations on Portugal and LEGO Spike. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit various places and engage in meaningful discussions about:
Ourselves – Getting to know each other and sharing our experiences.
Portugal – Exploring its culture, history, and traditions.
The Erasmus+ Program – Understanding its impact and opportunities.
And more...
It was a great experience filled with learning, cultural exchange, and new connections!
Going to tesco
My colleague Duarte and I visited Tesco, a well-known supermarket located in Levice, the city where we are currently completing our internship. It was a great opportunity to explore the local shops, experience the daily life of the community, and get familiar with the products available in Slovakia.
Basketball Game
As I mentioned earlier, we had the opportunity to meet the Vice President of Levice, who kindly extended an invitation to our group to attend a basketball match between Levice and Šwék. It was an exciting experience, allowing us to witness the local sports culture and engage more with the community.
Lunch
Diner
Group Game
Later that night, our group got together to play Jackbox.TV, a fun and interactive party game that brought lots of laughter and friendly competition. It was a great way to unwind, bond as a team, and enjoy the evening in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.
As soon as we arrived in Nitra, our first mission was to find something to eat. We headed straight to a supermarket, hoping to grab a quick breakfast, but unfortunately, there was nothing ready to eat . With no other choice, we decided to try a nearby café ☕ instead.
Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal, but I wasn’t really hungry, so I skipped breakfast. Still, seeing how much they liked it made the stop worthwhile!
We visited a beautiful church, which had an impressive architectural style and a peaceful atmosphere. Right next to it, there was a lovely park, providing a serene and relaxing environment. It was a great place to explore, appreciate the surroundings, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
After a long and scenic walk, we finally arrived at the main attraction—the castle. Excited to explore, we got our tickets and entered at 11 AM. Our visit began with a guided tour of the tower, where we learned fascinating historical details about the site. We also watched a short video that provided deeper insights into the castle’s history and significance.
Of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to take plenty of photos and wander around the breathtaking surroundings for a while before heading off for lunch. It was a memorable experience, combining history, culture, and stunning views.
|Jesus Christ´s covering|
|Jesus crucifixion|
|How they tortured Jesus|
|Souvenirs that i bought|
After our castle visit, it was finally time for lunch! We decided to eat at an all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant, where we could try a variety of delicious dishes. The best part? It only cost €7.50 per person a great deal for the quality and variety of food available. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared, making it a fantastic dining experience. We all left feeling satisfied and ready for the rest of the day’s adventures!
After lunch, most of our group was in the mood to visit a cat café, so we decided to head there for some fun and relaxation. The café had a cozy atmosphere, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. It was filled with adorable cats freely roaming around, adding to the place's charming and calming vibe. It was a perfect spot to unwind, sip a warm drink, and enjoy the playful antics of the cats. We all had a wonderful time!
The rest of the day was spent checking out the local shopping centers. We found plenty of stores we recognized, like Decathlon, but also came across some new ones like Tesco and Billa. It was fascinating to see how the shopping experience was different from what we’re used to back home. We took our time wandering through the shops, discovering local products and brands. It turned out to be a fun and relaxed way to wrap up the day, exploring the local retail scene.
We were all set to head back from the trip when, somehow, Duarte and I found ourselves in the wrong place—we had gotten off at the wrong train stop. Turns out, there were three stations with the same name! 😵💫 By the time we realized the mistake, there was no way to make it back in time.
Thankfully, the rest of the group decided not to continue without us. They weren’t about to leave us stranded kilometers away from Levice. When we finally arrived, the real stress kicked in. We started calling the teachers for help, trying to figure out a way back. After some scrambling, they managed to find a bus for us—but it wouldn’t leave until 9 p.m. (and it was only 6 p.m. at the time). So, the wait began… ⏳
Today was a pretty relaxed day, as we got up later than usual since it’s Saturday, so we had the luxury of sleeping in as much as we wanted.
Once everyone was awake, we started discussing what to eat. One person in our group offered to make hamlets for everyone, but unfortunately, it didn’t turn out as expected, so we decided not to have that.
Instead, we ordered from a kebab restaurant, and after about 1 hour and 20 minutes, the food finally arrived. The funny thing is, even though we selected the option to exclude chili on the app, our kebabs came loaded with it!
When we tried the kebab, we couldn’t stop laughing and joking because it was so incredibly spicy. Despite the heat, it ended up being a fun and memorable moment for the group!
Laundry Time at the Hotel
After finishing lunch, I headed to the hotel’s laundry room to wash my clothes. The pricing was quite affordable:
120 minutes – 2€
60 minutes – 1€
30 minutes – 0.50€
It was a simple but necessary task to keep everything clean and fresh during our stay.
Like every morning, we left for school around 7:40 AM. From there, we caught a ride to the secondary school, where we would be spending the morning. Everything went smoothly, and we were all set for another exciting day of learning!
Micro:bit
Today’s class focused on Micro:bit, a small but powerful microcomputer. 💻 We worked on a hands-on project that combined programming and hardware, creating a system designed to count the number of visitors.
It was a fun and engaging challenge, and honestly, I think my project turned out pretty great! 😃
After the lunch I came to the hotel and , "I ironed my clothes".
After the workshop, our teachers picked us up and we went to have lunch at the school cafeteria. Once we finished eating, we returned to the hotel. Around 18:00 PM, I left the hotel and headed to a BJJ(NoGi) training.
The NoGi training was great I did various tecniks like for 1 hour and also I did a sparring around 30 min. We finished up the session around 20:30 PM, then headed back to the hotel.
Hands-On Learning
Today, we went back to the same school for a class on building computers. 🖥️ It was a nice change of pace since we usually focus more on programming rather than hardware. Getting to work with the physical components was definitely a cool experience!
After that, we had a really interesting lesson about Slovakia. We learned a lot about:
- The history, the country’s culture, also the Slovakian cosine/dishes.
And honestly, it was a great experience!
Parené Buchty – A Traditional Slovak Dish
Parené Buchty is a popular Slovak dish, consisting of steamed dumplings made from soft, fluffy dough. These dumplings are typically filled with sweet ingredients, such as jam, chocolate, or poppy seeds, and are served warm.
Once steamed, they are often topped with melted butter, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar, making them a delicious and comforting treat. This dish is especially popular as a dessert or a light meal, enjoyed across Slovakia for its simple yet satisfying taste.
At the Gym
Today, we had the luxury of sleeping in a little longer, as there was no need for an early start. We all met in the hotel lobby at 8:30 AM and arrived at school by 8:50 AM. When we got there, the teacher’s lounge was packed with students, as a school competition was taking place. To avoid the crowd, we headed straight to the lab, where Professor Peter was already teaching a class.
Once the students cleared out, we were ready to start—well, almost. We had to wait a few minutes for the professionals who would be guiding us through the process. As soon as they arrived, we jumped right into our task.
At first, we encountered some technical issues. Our initial plan was to clone a hard drive using a DVD, but the computer wouldn’t recognize any storage devices. After troubleshooting, we decided on an alternative approach:
✅ Removing the HDD from the computer
✅ Cloning its data onto an SSD
✅ Using that SSD to create duplicates for the other computers
The rest of the morning was spent working on the PCs in the classroom:
🔹 Waiting for the SSD cloning process to finish
🔹 Dismantling all the PCs
🔹 Replacing the old HDDs with new SSDs
It was a fantastic learning experience! The two professionals guiding us were incredibly knowledgeable, and I really appreciated the time and effort they took to explain everything to us.
After a busy and productive morning, it was finally time to grab some lunch. Here’s what we ate today
After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, we returned to the lab to wrap up our work. We made sure all the PCs were fully set up, tidied up the workspace, and ensured everything was organized.
At that point, Professor Peter reminded us about an upcoming session where we would be introducing LEGO SPIKE to the teachers, helping them explore ways to use it in their lessons. To get ready, we carefully checked the LEGO SPIKE kits, making sure each one had all the necessary pieces and was neatly arranged. We managed to go through four out of the nine boxes before we ran out of time.
At 2:30 PM, we gathered downstairs and set off with Professor Marianna on a trip to a local animal shelter. The walk was quite long, but the experience that awaited us made it completely worth it!
Upon arrival, we were met with dozens of excited dogs! 🐶 Most of them were incredibly friendly, eagerly coming up to us, wagging their tails, and even trying to sneak in a few playful licks. We even had the chance to take some of them for a walk, which was truly an unforgettable moment.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a large and powerful breed originally from the Caucasus region. Traditionally used as a livestock guardian, this breed is known for its strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. With a thick coat suited for harsh climates, the Caucasian Shepherd is highly territorial and requires early socialization and training. While they are affectionate with their families, they can be wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. Due to their size and strong-willed nature, they are best suited for experienced owners who can provide proper training and leadership.
At 2:30 PM, we gathered downstairs and set off with Professor Mariana on a trip to a local animal shelter. The walk was quite long, but the experience that awaited us made it completely worth it!
Upon arrival, we were met with dozens of excited dogs! 🐶 Most of them were incredibly friendly, eagerly coming up to us, wagging their tails, and even trying to sneak in a few playful. We even had the chance to take some of them for a walk, I chose the Caucasian dog, which was truly an unforgettable moment.
Today started really early I got up at 5:30 AM I made my breakfast as always the same thing "eggs", and by 7:00 AM, we were all downstairs at the hostel, ready to go. We joined the teachers and a few students at school, and together, we began our trip to Bratislava by bus. The plan for the day? Visit two companies and then relax at the thermal baths!
The bus ride from the school to Bratislava took about two hours. We made a short stop halfway to stretch, grab a quick snack, and use the bathroom. One of the teachers even brought a box of homemade pastries, they were delicious! We arrived in the city around 9:00 AM.
After the visit, we crossed the street to a shopping mall for lunch. I had a great meal at a traditional restaurant.
Our first stop was Pixel Federation, a company that makes mobile games. When we arrived, Professor Mariana’s daughter welcomed us and took us up to the fourth floor, where someone from the company was already waiting.
He gave us a short intro about the company and then walked us through the office. We saw areas for programmers, designers, and other departments. One of the coolest parts was a miniature train city made by hand!
And here’s a fun surprise: the guide who showed us around speaks Portuguese he's married to someone from Portugal!
Next, we visited a university focused on robotics. It was split into four different labs:
Lab 1: Basic robots and smaller projects.
Lab 2: Larger builds with LEGO simulations like conveyor belts.
Lab 3: Advanced robots used in medicine and industry—some were even able to hold tools or parts for long periods!
Lab 4: Robots designed to explore other planets like the Moon and Mars, and even ones that looked like robotic vacuum cleaners.
This visit was truly amazing—so much tech and creativity in one place!
Once the university tour ended, we jumped back on the bus and started our ride to the thermal baths. It took a while to leave Bratislava because of the traffic, but after that, it was a smooth journey.
We got to the thermal baths around 5:40 PM and bought 2-hour tickets. There were indoor and outdoor pools with naturally hot spring water, and even a cold pool for contrast! A little further away was a bigger pool where you could swim laps.
It felt amazing to relax after such a long and busy day. There was even an option to go to the saunas if you paid a little extra, so I went with Teacher Peter and a few students. Totally worth it , it was the perfect way to end the day.
"Me and Martim trying to do silly faces🤪"
We started our day at 8:30 AM, heading to school as usual. In the morning, we continued the project we had started on Wednesday replacing HDDs with SSDs but this time we worked in a different classroom.
We split into three groups to make the process faster:
Group 1 (me, Leandro, and Martim) was in charge of removing the old HDDs and installing the SSDs.
Group 2 (Raul, Duarte, and Pifaro) focused on installing Windows 11 on the computers that already had SSDs.
Group 3 (Lara and Sara) worked on organizing the LEGO SPIKE kits for the afternoon workshop.
For lunch, we had salmon, served with mashed potatoes and some vegetables. It was a really good meal simple but tasty!
In the afternoon, I had a special plan approved by my teachers and with written permission from both my mother and father. I went to Šamorín, near Bratislava, to see the Armenian Greco-Roman Wrestling Team compete in the European Wrestling Championship.
#Fun Fact: I was born in Armenia and I´m an amateur MMA fighther, so this trip was very meaningful for me.
Here’s how my trip went:
Route: Levice → Bratislava → Šamorín
I walked to the Levice train station, which is very close to our hostel.
I waited about 30 minutes, then boarded the train to Bratislava.
After arriving at the Bratislava train station, I took an Uber to the bus station (which is attached to a shopping mall).
I waited for about 20 minutes at the station, then caught the bus to Šamorín.
Once in Šamorín, I went straight to the hotel. The first people I saw? The Armenian National Team! I even got the chance to talk to them.
After checking in and getting my room key, I went upstairs to settle in.
Later that night, I went down to the entrance and saw two Armenian wrestling legends walking by! Of course, I went up to them, started a conversation, and asked for a photo together it was an unforgettable moment!
Then I headed back to my room and went to bed early, excited to wake up the next morning and go watch the championship.
This morning, I woke up early to have breakfast and get ready for a big day. After eating, I joined the Armenian wrestling team and we all headed to the arena where the European Wrestling Championship was taking place.
When we arrived, the athletes and coaches went straight to the warm-up area to get ready for their matches. Meanwhile, the rest of us—including me—went to find our seats in the arena.
The matches started at 10:30 AM and continued all the way until around 9:30 PM. It was a long but amazing day full of energy, action, and great moments.
After the championship wrapped up for the day, we returned to the hotel. Everyone was tired but happy. We finished the night by having dinner together at the hotel’s buffet it was a great way to end such a special day.
After an unforgettable weekend at the European Wrestling Championship, it was time to return to Levice.
I woke up early, packed my things, and said goodbye to the hotel and the Armenian team. Then, I ordered an Uber to take me back to the bus station in Šamorín. From there, I caught the bus to Bratislava and arrived with plenty of time to make my connection.
At the Bratislava train station, I bought my ticket, waited a bit, and then took the train back to Levice. The trip went smoothly, and I used the time to relax and look through the photos and memories from the weekend.
Once I arrived in Levice, I walked back to the hotel, happy to be “home” again after an exciting adventure. I told some of my friends about what I had seen and done, and I was already looking forward to what the next days in Slovakia would bring!
Today I woke up at around 6:00 AM, got myself ready, had some breakfast, and headed downstairs. Once everyone was there, we made our way to the school together.
The weather was great today not too hot, not too cold. I really enjoyed the temperature; it felt fresh and comfortable, perfect for starting the day in a good mood.
When we got to the school, one of the teachers welcomed us and led us to the classroom where we’d be doing our presentations. It didn’t take long for the first group of students to arrive, and since we already had everything prepared, we jumped right into our first presentation, which included a Kahoot quiz at the end. We wrapped up about five minutes before their break started.
After a quick 10-minute break, it was time for our second presentation, this time to a different class. Both sessions went really well we felt confident and the students seemed to enjoy it!
Once the presentations were done, we split into two groups of four and visited different classrooms. Some students were older, some were around our age, but we had a great time chatting with all of them.
They even showed us a few specialized rooms like a hairdressing salon and another room focused on personal care—it had skincare setups, nail stations, and more. It was cool to see how they learn practical skills in school!
After the classroom visits, we headed back to our main school for lunch. The meal was rice with meat simple but delicious!
After lunch, I went to Dituria Shopping to buy some groceries. It was a quick visit, but I managed to get everything I needed!
Today, just like yesterday, we went back to the same secondary school. But this time, we presented our 12th grade final project, which in Portugal we call PAP (Prova de Aptidão Profissional).
My project is about companies that offer car cleaning, car maintenance, and schedule management services. I explained how it works, what problems it solves, and how it can help improve the organization and efficiency of these businesses.
It was a great experience to share my project with students and teachers from another country!
After the classroom presentation, we headed back to our main school for lunch. The meal was Baked Sweet with Soup delicious! 🥯🧇
Going to tesco!
After lunch, I went to Tesco Supermarket to buy some groceries.
After buying the groceries, I went to the hotel’s kitchen to store them. Then, I went up to my room to change and put on my training shoes, because I was heading to the gym for a workout.
Today started bright and early again. I got up around 6:00 AM, had breakfast, and got ready for another busy day. By 7:30 AM, we were all at school, just like we had agreed the day before. After a quick check-in to make sure everything was ready, we made our way to the computer lab.
Once there, we split up the work like we’ve been doing throughout the week. Since Sara, Raul, Tomás, and Lara had already worked on organizing the LEGO SPIKE kits last time, it was now our turn to handle that part. The rest of the group focused on continuing the updates on the classroom computers fixing some small issues and making sure they were all running Windows 11.
While they worked on the software side. Me, Leandro and Martim we got busy checking each LEGO box carefully, organizing the pieces and making sure nothing was missing. It took a lot of focus and patience, but we were all motivated to get it done right. It felt good knowing we were preparing everything for the teacher´s workshop — helping them use LEGO SPIKE to bring a new style of learning to their students.
Everyone knew what they had to do, and we worked together as a team. Seeing the progress we’re making with both the computers and the LEGO kits has been really satisfying and it’s nice to feel useful while also learning so much.
During the break, the teachers passed around sweets for everyone both for us and for the other staff. It was a nice little pick‑me‑up in the middle of the day!
Today’s lunch started with a warm bowl of fish and vegetable soup simple but tasty. For the main dish, we had pasta with chicken, and I’ve got to say, it was actually really good! Everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Since it was a holiday, I enjoyed sleeping in this morning. Most places were closed, so we had a slow start to the day. Around 1:30 PM, Teacher Mariana picked us up—her son came along too—and we set off for a 12 km hike she and Teacher Miriam had planned for us.
The trail took us through beautiful countryside, winding past forests, fields, and little villages. We chatted, took in the fresh air, and stopped for a few quick photo breaks. By the time we finished our trek, we were back at the hotel at about 7:30 PM, tired but happy after a day of adventure.
We made a brief stop along the trail, and Teachers Mariana and Miriam treated us to some delicious homemade snacks.
Morning
I woke up and had my usual breakfast of eggs.
Midday Cooking & Blogging 🍽️
At 1:30 PM, I prepared some bought-and-ready
Bryndzové pirohy that I’d picked up at Lidl. After lunch, I spent a bit of time updating the blog.
Afternoon Activities ⛪🏋️♂️
At 4:10 PM, I went to church for a short service. After that, I headed to the gym for a workout session.
Evening
Around 8:00 PM, I was back at the hotel, winding down for the night.
Today began before dawn I was up at 4:30 AM to make sure I was ready for our earliest train. We all met in the lobby at 5:40 AM and walked to the Levice station together.
For a quick breakfast, we wandered around but found nothing appealing, so we stopped at Tesco Express.
I picked up a freshly baked cheese roll, some sweets, and a bottle of sparkling water.
Our train was scheduled for 6:10 AM, but when we arrived, staff told us our first leg would be by replacement bus. The journey was smooth, with a helpful ticket inspector guiding us every step of the way Slovak service really is friendly! In a nearby town we switched to the actual train, and later made a second transfer onto a direct service to Banská Bystrica. I mostly slept on the moving vehicles and woke up feeling refreshed just before arrival.
Our first stop was the city’s main square, alive with shops, and a striking central monument dedicated to those who fell fighting for Czechoslovakia’s freedom:
“TO THE HEROES OF THE SOVIET ARMY,
TO THE FALLEN FOR THE INDEPENDENCE
OF THE SOVIET UNION AND THE
RESURRECTION OF THE CZECHOSLOVAK REPUBLIC.”
It was a powerful reminder of the city’s history and the sacrifices made.
Next, we climbed up to Banská Bystrica Castle, perched above the town.
From its ramparts we enjoyed sweeping views of the surrounding hills and rooftops below.
The castle’s mix of medieval walls and later additions told a story of centuries of defense and adaptation.
Our tour continued at the War Museum, where WWII-era artillery and tanks filled the exhibition halls.
Seeing the massive guns and armored vehicles up close gave real perspective on the scale of past conflicts.
We then spent time wandering the streets, admiring Banská Bystrica’s blend of Gothic, Baroque, and modern architecture.
Finally, we ended our outing at the Europa Shopping ,
I had my lunch there.
After Coming back from the trip we went to the Basketball much.
Today is Easter, and we set off to explore Pukanec, a small village near Levice that once thrived on mining remarkably, At 11:10 AM, Teacher Mariana picked us up at the hostel and drove us to the bus stop. The bus ride lasted about one hour, winding past colorful fields and quaint villages. The scenery was calm and beautiful, perfect for an Easter outing.
Pukanec is cozy and traditional, with narrow streets and old‑style buildings.
Our first stop was a historic church featuring an original, centuries‑old pipe organ its wooden pipes and intricate carvings felt like stepping back in time.
After exploring, we headed to the home of one of the local teachers.
They welcomed us with a simple, delicious Easter meal: creamy pasta paired with mashed potatoes topped with crispy potato skins.
It was comforting and full of homemade flavor a true taste of Slovak hospitality.
In the afternoon, we tried our hand at clay pottery!
The teacher who hosted our lunch and a local potter guided us through molding wet clay on the wheel. Some creations looked surprisingly good, while others… let’s just say we all had a few laughs! Regardless of the outcome, everyone enjoyed experimenting with shapes and textures.
Then we joined a traditional Easter festival, where we made and used willow sticks to gently tap girls on the shoulders a custom meant to bring health and good luck for the coming year.
Next, we cooled off with ice cream and tea with honey , for the ice cream I chose vanilla and chocolate.
As the sun began to set, we boarded the bus back to Levice. The ride was as peaceful as our morning journey. Back at the hostel, we thanked Teacher Mariana and her boyfriend for making our Easter trip so special. It was a day filled with history, creativity, and warm friendships one we won’t soon forget!
We woke up to the sound of the cleaning lady working in the rooms next door.
Once we were ready, we straightened up our own room and met in the reception at 9:40 AM.
From there, we set off together to visit Levice Castle and its on‑site museum.
Levice Castle sits just a short walk from our school. Inside the museum, we learned about the castle’s past and the medieval era. The displays included period clothing, armor, weapons, and other fascinating artifacts.
One special section showcased an Easter egg collection, and the exhibit’s creator was there in full tourist mode so, of course, we took a photo with him!
After our castle tour, we returned to the hostel.
I prepared a simple lunch and refueled for the rest of the day.
Following lunch, I headed straight to the gym for my usual workout. It was a great way to wrap up a morning filled with history and learning.
I enjoyed a slow start today, sleeping in since I had no early commitments. When I finally woke up, I made my usual breakfast of eggs.
I spent the entire morning working on blog updates and making improvements to my final project (PAP). Around lunchtime, I headed to the hotel kitchen and prepared a hearty meal of rice, dumplings, and ostrich steak.
After lunch and a bit more blog editing, I made my way to the gym for my regular workout.
Before heading to bed, I enjoyed a light snack of blueberries and a banana.
Today we visited the last school on our Erasmus schedule. Since it’s only a short walk from the primary school, Professor Peter led us there and introduced us to an English teacher who would run our activities. We split into four pairs of Portuguese students each.
Our first challenge was a set of creative warm-ups: we recorded a quick video to introduce our group, then dove into puzzles and role-plays to get everyone talking and working together. It was a fun way to break the ice!
Next, each pair received a mystery bag of random items and a small “budget” to trade for extras. Our mission was to invent a simple game called Multiping, demonstrate it to the teacher, and then pitch it to our classmates. After playing each creation, everyone scored the games and we voted on the best one.
After the marketing challenge, we moved on to coding with Scratch. Each of us built a small interactive project, experimenting with blocks and sprites. It was a great introduction to creative programming.
To finish the morning, we gave short presentations sharing our opinions on Slovakia Positives/Negatives about Slovakia; Feelings living here; If we would like to come back. The class really enjoyed hearing our perspectives!
To finish some students noticed and they asked me if I am a Fighter/Athlete , we talk and ask each other questions , and finaly before going to have a lunch they asked me if they can can take a picture with me, and we took the picture.📷
Lunch was simple but delicious: a seasoned steak paired with fluffy rice. Perfect fuel for the afternoon!
Today we visited the last school on our Erasmus schedule. Since it’s only a short walk from the primary school, Professor Peter led us there and introduced us to an English teacher who would run our activities. We split into four pairs of Portuguese students each.
After two presentations, a group of three Slovak students invited us for a short on-camera interview. They asked simple questions and it was a lot of fun to speak on video and practice our English.
With extra time left, we popped into a few more classes, repeated the Portugal talk, and played another Kahoot round. The casual conversations afterward let us get to know the students better and swap cultural stories.
In the afternoon, I packed up my luggage, then spent time refining my final project (PAP), adding the some touches and improvements.
Tonight’s dinner felt extra special because the teachers joined us at the table. We enjoyed a tasty spread of chicken salad, Greek salad, and crispy potato wedges topped with fried almonds.
Since our teachers have been so supportive all week, we invited them as our guests. In return, they surprised us with large “Erasmus Slovakia” gift bags stuffed with local souvenirs. It was the perfect way to cap off a phenomenal day and our entire Erasmus adventure!
We woke up around 5:00 AM to catch our early train to Bratislava. The moment was emotional, as Professors Mariana, Miriam, and Peter kindly came to our hotel at 5:50 AM just to say goodbye and help us carry our bags to the train station. Their presence meant a lot to us — they truly made our entire stay unforgettable.
As a small token of our appreciation, we gave each of them a gift bag containing a photo, chocolate, and a handwritten envelope. It was our way of saying thank you and leaving a small piece of us behind for them to remember. We will miss them deeply.
After the emotional goodbye, we boarded the train to Bratislava. Most of us were quiet, some sleeping, others just scrolling through their phones, letting the morning pass by.
Once we arrived, another teacher met us and helped guide us to Vienna. We first took a train to the station where we bought our tickets, and then switched to the final bus that would take us across the border.
When we reached Vienna, we went straight to the hotel and dropped off our bags in a small storage room before heading out to explore the city.
We wandered through the city, visited the iconic cathedral, and explored both the underground and above-ground metro. Vienna’s architecture and atmosphere are incredible, and even just walking around felt like sightseeing.
When hunger struck, I grabbed a takeaway lunch from Nordsee — a delicious salmon wrap with fries.
At around 4:00 PM, we took the metro to Wurstelprater, the famous Viennese amusement park. Even with a limited budget, Leandro and I made the most of it, going on the wildest rides we could afford.
🎡 Top Ride of the Day
One ride stood out we didn’t catch the name, but it’s said to be one of the park’s best. It cost €7.50, and it was worth every cent. It spun us high into the sky and paused at the very top. The view was breathtaking, even if I couldn’t see everything clearly the feeling alone was unforgettable.
To wrap up the day, I had a typical local dish: Cevapcici, but served like a hot dog. It was a great way to end such a busy and exciting day.
Finally, we returned to the hotel, picked up our luggage, and went to our rooms to end the day. After such an exciting and emotional journey, it felt good to wind down and reflect on everything we experienced. This Erasmus adventure gave us unforgettable memories, new friendships, and valuable lessons something we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Today was our last chance to visit Austria, so we started the day with breakfast at a café near the hotel. The atmosphere was cozy, and it was a nice moment to relax before heading out. After breakfast, we spent a little time at a nearby park, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings while waiting for our train.
We arrived at the airport around 2 p.m., even though our flight wasn’t until 7 p.m. After dropping off our luggage and going through security, we still had plenty of time to spare. We spent it walking around, exploring the airport shops, and just enjoying the last moments of our trip. I even got to try the famous Austrian cake, Sachertorte — it was delicious!
Although our flight was delayed by about an hour, everything went smoothly once we boarded. The flight lasted around three hours.
Despite the slight delay, we landed safely in Portugal, where our parents were already waiting for us.
That moment officially marked the end of our amazing ERASMUS experience — an unforgettable journey full of learning, fun, and memories.