Portugal and the Magical City

This week, my work took a turn towards a professional conference in Porto, Portugal, which entailed a flight into Madrid from Bordeaux and a drive through urban sprawl and arid and brown countryside--not unlike what is Los Angeles.  The farther west we drove, the more desert-like the landscape became; until there was an roll of hills and an almost oasis in front of us:  Salamanca!

If I were to retire today, this is where I would like to live.  An old university (the oldest in the country), a small and cultured city, beautiful buildings and people.  Nestled on a clear and quiet river. I was enchanted and hope to return!  The University of Salamanca has a very large program for the teaching of Spanish and the largest international population of students in the region.

Salamanca Side Street

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

Yours truly at the University

Market street in Salamanca

Porto was quite a jolt in comparison, situated within a fairly mountainous area with whitewashed stucco houses with tile roofs.  The windy and somewhat bucolic scenery during the drive is deceptive, as the entry into the city reveals a bustling, busy metropolis.  Although Portugal was once the poorest nation in Europe, it has economically grown and you can see it in the renewal of the central parts of Porto.  

The conference was for education and psychology, attended by my colleagues, Anne Mungai and Srilata Bhattacharyya, along with academics and helping professionals from 41 countries.  The discussions there were far-reaching and many of the papers touched on immigration around the world as well as the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment.  It was important to us to share our experiences with colleagues from other institutions in an atmosphere of open exchange.

A scenic "roundabout" in Porto

International conference on education and psychology 

I wasn't able to visit Portuguese schools, which were on vacation this week.  But the conference setting in a medical school allowed for some exchanges with students who talked about the educational system in the country as one of change and increasing access to students of all backgrounds.  

Next stop:  Seville!