Wanderlust

WANDERLUST

WANDERLUST 1 The wish to travel far away and to many different places;

2 A strong impulse to explore the world.

Wanderlust is a personal project developed to document memories from a seven

month experience abroad in Europe. It presents my point of view about places

I’ve been as well as my story as a British student.

HI,I ’M CAROL.

A girl that believes the world is too big and too small at the same time. Currently

studying in Cambridge, born in Brazil, and lived in America and Canada. Curious

about life, and passionate about the uniqueness of people. Needs to be surprised

everyday and personally hold a belief in making a change in the world.

THE

YEARMISSED

On February 11th 2013, almost 9 months ago, I departed on a flight with just one certain: the uncertain! I exchanged an almost complete degree and a guaranteed career for an exchange program adventure, in a place I’ve never been before, never heard of before and never ever thought I’d be in.

Some people called this craziness, others called it bravery. I didn’t even try to put a name on it. What was until then just a dream became reality on my departure day. So, what now? My parents defined it as an “investment in my future” (but isn’t it present?). There are a lot of arguments that are compatible with this complex fact. One of them is to change the order of what society believes is correct. People would ask, “how come you won’t graduate within the correct time?”

DeceMber. 01, 2013

By Ligia Tosetto do Prado.

Authors’ translation.

The pessimists would call it “The Missed Year”. For them I honor this article. Actually, they were right: I lost a lot during this year. First of all, I missed another usual year of University, just thinking about what the world contains, since I only knew a small part of it. I missed another year of “what about if…?”. I missed another year wondering about being an exchange student. I missed another year of complaints. I missed a year of bothering my friends about my demonization and frustrations. I missed a year spending my time in a place, knowing that I belong somewhere else. I missed a graduation ceremony that would give me more unhappiness than satisfaction.

Also, I lost myself around europe and around the World. Went to Asia, just to feel the exotic atmosphere. Now I want to go back. Got lost in almost all the streets that I passed through, especially barcelona!

I got lost within the months, weeks and hours. However, I didn’t

get too lost because the seasons were clear enough to remind me that changes exist, as you would change. I lost buses, trains, and flights. Yes, I did. I even lost the feeling of losing. This has been emphasized since I moved to croatia and now I still getting that feeling in every trip, talk, person, history that I would never experience if I had stayed back home.

I lost my fear. And this was the most difficult thing to lose. Sometimes it comes back and begins spreading within me all over again but soon after, it’s expelled. I lost the fear about the road, the fear about the loneliness and the fear about the future. I lost the fear about living and about society statements. And this was such a wonderful thing to lose, because of the freedom within it. No, I didn’t hear that. I saw it. I saw that there are people in this world willing to do good things for other people or for the world in its entirety. This gave

me hope for my return back home. Oh, hope. but wait … hope is about gains. Yet this text is about loss, right? So let’s get back into focus.

Oh, I also lost my need of being attached to things – even though I still am to some things, unfortunately. In fact, you are pushed to detach from things even before you depart for the unsure. And the case gets worse when you reach it. Firstly, because of money – you have to save it. Secondly, it is a matter of conscience. Material goods lose their significance and turns basically nothing into more than just… materials. Although it’s material, there is a lack of substance!

It’s what my friend and trip partner, Jana Maurer, describes as “banana philosophy”. To either understand or agree with that, you must already have had the feeling that your “desire to know” was heavier than the backpack you’re carrying. It’s incredible how now you can easily shift from “have” to “know”.

In the end, some people will question you: and what about the moments with your friends and family that you really lost? Ok, I have to admit that in these situations I literally lost. However, this made me understand what and especially whom I truly miss. I realized what is important to me, no matter where am I - such as love, friendship, brotherhood and moments, which by the way are built and renewed as the time goes by. Oops! This is, again, gains and not losses.

Finally, I got to the end of my losses’ list: I lost the negative side of life. I lost this (terrible) habit of looking through pessimism, because after all, every loss has a gain. Last but not least, I lost the blindness of not believing I would be able to tell my own story.

They were right, I lost a lot.

This text is a stimulus for those

who wonder about joining an

exchange program but are afraid

of its losses. I’ve always been a

dreamer who doesn’t have enough

notions to understand that some

people might not want to travel or

doesn’t have the resources to do

so. I leave here, all my respect for

peoples’ differences.

the w r ld fascinates me

the w r ld fascinates me

ThE World’s ImmENsITy AlloWs us To NEvEr sTop

ExplorINg IT. No mATTEr hoW muCh you TrAvEl, ThErE WIll

AlWAys BE morE ThINgs To dIsCovEr. our lArgE homE Is

pACkEd WITh plENTIful AmouNT of smAll rEvElATIoNs ThAT WE

should ExpErIENCE.

ThE World’s ImmENsITy AlloWs us To NEvEr sTop

ExplorINg IT. No mATTEr hoW muCh you TrAvEl, ThErE WIll

AlWAys BE morE ThINgs To dIsCovEr. our lArgE homE Is

pACkEd WITh plENTIful AmouNT of smAll rEvElATIoNs ThAT WE

should ExpErIENCE. h o w e v e r , t h e w o r l d i s s m a l l e n o u g h f o r u s t o d e s i r e m o r e .

RUS

BRIT

IRE

SWE

DEN

GER

FRA

SP

PT

ITA

HOL

BEL

Moscow

St. Petersburg

Dublin

London

Paris

Madrid

Lisbon

Stockholm

Berlin

Hamburg

Copenhagen

Brussels

Amsterdam

Rome

Florence

Milan

Pisa

Seville

Barcelona

CoimbraPorto

Venice

CambridgeOxfordE u r o p E

IrelandDublin

Great BritanLondonCambridgeOxford

The NetherlandsAmsterdam

BelgiumBrussels

FranceParis

GermanyBerlinHamburg

SwedenStockholm

DenmarkCopehagen

RussiaSt. PetersburgMoscow

SpainMadridSevilleBarcelona

PortugalLisbonCoimbraPorto

ItalyVeniceRomeFlorencePisaRome

RUS

BRIT

IRE

SWE

DEN

GER

FRA

SP

PT

ITA

HOL

BEL

Moscow

St. Petersburg

Dublin

London

Paris

Madrid

Lisbon

Stockholm

Berlin

Hamburg

Copenhagen

Brussels

Amsterdam

Rome

Florence

Milan

Pisa

Seville

Barcelona

CoimbraPorto

Venice

CambridgeOxford

RUS

BRIT

IRE

SWE

DEN

GER

FRA

SP

PT

ITA

HOL

BEL

Moscow

St. Petersburg

Dublin

London

Paris

Madrid

Lisbon

Stockholm

Berlin

Hamburg

Copenhagen

Brussels

Amsterdam

Rome

Florence

Milan

Pisa

Seville

Barcelona

CoimbraPorto

Venice

CambridgeOxford

plane coachtrainferr yone-way tripround trip

RUS

BRIT

IRE

SWE

DEN

GER

FRA

SP

PT

ITA

HOL

BEL

Moscow

St. Petersburg

Dublin

London

Paris

Madrid

Lisbon

Stockholm

Berlin

Hamburg

Copenhagen

Brussels

Amsterdam

Rome

Florence

Milan

Pisa

Seville

Barcelona

CoimbraPorto

Venice

CambridgeOxford

LONDON

Country england

habitants 8.3 million

Area 1,572 km2

Average price £££

founded in 43 AD

start of trip September, 2013

duration Visited frequently

Company Mari e Ju; Luiza; João

Pedro; Mom and Dad

recommend? Yes

Chances of revisit? Yes

London is fantastic. I wish that all the people that

I love could have the opportunity to visit it. every

corner offers you a surprise, as well as a piece of the

world. The must-see attractions are incredible, indeed.

However, there is still much more to be discovered –

which will never make you tired about the city.

The people are also super. Different styles and

personalities are sharing the same pavement. There

is inspiration everywhere. Of course, London revolves

around a rushed lifestyle, which can be a negative

point for those who prefer calm cities – but this is

not my situation. So put some boots on, take your

umbrella and let’s go! 1

1

2

What makes me fascinated about cambridge

is its simplicity and calmness. The countryside

atmosphere and the ultra helpful people make

cambridge a wonderful place to live. Yet, it’s close to

the craziness of London.

Also, it’s an effervescent place, full of history

and future. You could be walking down the street

and meet the next Nobel Prize winner, who just

graduated in cambridge University.2cAMbrID Ge

Country england

habitants 123,900

Area 115.6 km2

Average price ££

founded in ~ 12th century

start of trip September, 2013

duration Lived for 1 year

Company Honestly? Too many to

describe! but every single is kept

in my memory

recommend? Yes

Chances of revisit? No

berlin is a duality between insanity and seriousness.

Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can see

them in berlin. All the history behind the country is

mainly hidden at the capital. Wonderful museums and

buildings show all the sides of Germany’s past.

Yet the city breathes youth. Known as the craziest

nightlife in europe, berlin has huge clubs and nights

that never end. When it comes to fashion, art, design,

and music, the German capital is also the city to watch.

Its cultural vibe can be easily seen throughout loads of

graffiti on the streets. 3berL IN

Country Germany


Area 891.8 km2

Average price €€

founded in 1237

start of trip October, 2013

duration 3 days

Company camila e André

recommend? Yes


3

4

Oxford is cambridge’s rival in england. both are

driven by student population and have the most

famous universities in the country. However, Oxford

seems more posh through my perspective. The roads

are wider and the constructions are bigger. Also, it is

more conservative. Yet, its museums and buildings are

more interesting, especially in arts terms.

If you are looking for a quite place during the day

and a exciting student night life, this is definitely a

place to check out.4OXFOrD

Country england

habitants 150,200

Area 45.59 km2

Average price ££

founded in 912 AD

start of trip November, 2013

duration 1 day

Company Deborah, Luiza, Marina

and Monica

recommend? Yes


5brUSSeLS

Country belgium


Area 161.4 km2



start of trip December, 2013

duration 3 days

Company Amanda camargo

recommend? Yes


brussels is a kind of city that exceeds your expectations.

It may not be love at first sight, but as you walk through

the streets and start to pay attention to the details, it

will win your heart. Flemish and French play together

with Art Nouveau architecture legacy to create a really

pleasant atmosphere. besides all of this soundingly

boring background, brussels is really inspiring through its

graffiti as well.

The main square is a master-piece itself and must be

admired with a waffle. Do not forget to try some mussels

with chips and the famous belgium chocolate!

5

6

6AMSTer DAM

Country The Netherlands

habitants 779,808

Area 219 km2


founded in 1275


duration 3 days

Company Amanda camargo

recommend? Yes


Amsterdam is the perfect place to visit with a group of

friends. Great fun, wonderful museums, beautiful parks,

and a city full of charming channels.

If the popularity of the coffee shops and the red Light

District do not excite you, do not be deluded – this city

has much more to offer. rent a bike and explore! Once you

blink your eyes, you will realize your time in here is already

over and you can’t wait until you come back.

Paris is Paris. It is charming and exuberant, indeed.

A place where you can do nice (and expensive)

shopping, have intellectual discussions in the millions

of cafe tables on the street or enjoy a romantic

atmosphere along the Seine.

However, it needs to be said that the city is a little

bit uncared for. The landscape is plain and all building

have the same beige tone – including the river Seine,

which I doubt it was once alive. This is not a place

to go if you are looking for bright colours. And as

everybody says, be prepared to find rude people that

won’t speak english. 7PArIS

Country France


Area 105.4 km2

Average price €€€

founded in 250 bc


duration 3 days

Company Mom and Dad

recommend? No


7

8

8barcelona is amazing. Gaudi’s works decorates the

city in an incredible way and gives it one of the most

authentic atmospheres of europe. barcelona has been

breaking ground in art, architecture, and style since the

19th century.

The city is also the capital of catalonia, a region

with its own language, character and history – many

catalans think of their home as a separate country. The

traditions of this culture give the city an even more

interesting approach. However, if you are not looking for

a really packed place, avoid the summer.

bArceLONA

Country Spain


Area 101.9 km2


founded in 100 bc


duration 3 days

Company Mom and Dad

recommend? Yes


Venice is wet. So, check out the forecast and avoid

rainy days – unless you want to feel like you are being

bathed. Yet, it is lovely. The romantic atmosphere of the

gondolas and the cities narrow streets are perfect for

a honeymoon trip. expect to get lost in the tiny canals,

this is normal.

The public transportation system is something that

must be checked, as well as the interesting bridges and

the gorgeous marble constructions. 9VeNIce

Country Italy

habitants 270,843

Area 414.6 km2


founded in 421 AD

start of trip January, 2014

duration 2 days

Company Mom and Dad

recommend? Yes


9

10

be prepared, you might not like my opinion about

Lisbon. It reminds me of a european version of cities

back in the old times of brazil. However, people are

interesting in their one way. everything that we,

brazilians, heard about our “brothers” (or should I say

owners?), is true. Dumb ideas and funny situations

really happen.

Yet, Lisbon has its beauty and charm. The cable

cars, the million kinds of different tiles, and the brick

roads are memorable. Prepare your legs, though. The

city has a lot of stairs and hills. 10L ISbON

Country Portugal

habitants 474,697

Area 84.8 km2

Average price €



duration 2 days

Company Deborah, Monica and

Marina

recommend? Yes


Surprisingly, coimbra is more than just its famous

University. Of course, the building is a must-see,

especially because of its library. Go see the sunset and

enjoy a beautiful landscape of the city.

Other attractions are available, but don’t expect

too much of beauty. The peaceful atmosphere makes

you believe that you’re the only tourist in the city. Yet,

the nightlife is quite interesting due to the amount of

students. Grab a cheap beer and chat on the street! 11cOIMbrA

Country Portugal

habitants 101,069

Area 316.8 km2

Average price €

founded in 1064


duration 2 days

Company Deborah, Monica and

Marina

recommend? No


11

12

The riverside is the most beautiful part of the city.

There, you can enjoy the view of the wine caves as well

as bathing during warm summers. but please, don’t just

stand there. explore around! If you squint you might be

able to make out the open windows, the narrow lanes

and staircases zigzagging to nowhere.

Discovering the other side of the river is also a

must-see. Taste all the possible port wines and get to

know francesinha, an unforgettable dish.12POrTO

Country Portugal

habitants 207,673

Area 41.42 km2

Average price €

founded in 1123


duration 2 days

Company Deborah, Marina and

Monica

recommend? Yes


The wide calles of Madrid Makes it worthy to be

deemed a capital. And as a capital, there is plenty

places where you can enjoy the nightlife – which I

personally wish I could have explored more of. Order

tapas, sangria and surprise yourself with the waiters’

skills on lifting a cider bottle and pouring the drink into

the glass below.

For the day, stop at el convento de corpus

christi and buy the biscuits from cloistered nuns. The

experience is more remarkable than the taste. Must

check on casa Sofia as well, which displays ‘Guerra do

Paraguay’ from Picasso. 13MADrID

Country Spain


Area 605.8 km2


founded in 200 bc


duration 3 days


Monica

recommend? Yes


13

14

Sevilla definitely surprised me. Small yet full of details.

A mix of traditional and modern architecture, decorated

with the beautiful gardens of reales Alcázares and shaded

by the orange tree patio within the city’s cathedral.

Walking around is super easy and pleasant. cross the

bridge and explore Triana neighbourhood. The Market

there is a great option for cheap (and fresh) food! 14SeV ILLe

Country Spain

habitants 702,355

Area 140 km2


founded in 49 bc


duration 2 days


Monica

recommend? Yes


chaotic. excuse me couples who are in love and think

rome is romantic. The city is dirty, the traffic is crazy

and the guys that keep selling you souvenirs on the

streets are annoying.

However, it is super interesting to walk in the

buildings you once learned back in your history

classes. The panoramic elevator of Vittorio emanuelle

II Monument is the best view of the city. Do a stop

on the gelato place nearby a coffee store close to

the Pantheon and separate a full day to check out

the Vatican - if you’re blessed (or just well-planned),

you might see the pope. 15rOMe

Country Italy


Area 1.2 km2


founded in 753 bc


duration 4 days

Company Deborah, Marina,

Monica and Luiza

recommend? Yes


15

16

Firenze is the closest I have been to what I thought

Italy would look like. A paradise for the art lovers, it is

the house of David from Michelangelo, and the birth of

Venus from botticelli.

Go into the Duomo and do a free tour with the old

lady that stands on there. She is the most passionate

citizen of Firenze, for sure. If you are fit, go ahead and

climb the endless tower. After the visit, eat the biggest

calzone ever at Mr. Pizza nearby. cross the bridge and

finish the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, the walk there is

worth the sunset.16FLOreNc e

Country Italy

habitants 370,092

Area 102.4 km2


founded in 80 bc


duration 3 days


Monica, Luiza and Giovanna

recommend? Yes


Pisa is enough for three, maybe four hours. There is

nothing much to do apart from the Tower, and the other

buildings that are nearby it. Once you exit the Train Station,

follow the flow and you will, eventually, end up at the

bottom of the Tower. If wanted, you can climb the stairs up

the tower yet the tickets’ price is not proportional to the

tower’s hight.

Once leaving the city, seat down by the river walls and

enjoy the view. Great place to have a beer with friends!

P ISA

Country Italy

habitants 85,517

Area 185.3 km2

Average price €

founded in 500 bc


duration 3 hours


Monica and Luiza

recommend? Yes

Chances of revisit? No17

17

18

Milan is all about the architecture, the fancy (and

fashion) design, and the nightlife – which can be

resumed with spritzs. At least they do this all very well.

The Piazza Duomo is as beautiful as the brandy stores

and the women shoes.

For a more underground scenario – if that is

possible in Milan – go to Navigli, order a beer and enjoy

it with a slice of pizza while seated beside the canal.18MILAN

Country Italy


Area 181.8 km2


founded in 400 bc

start of trip February, 2014

duration 3 days


Monica, Luiza, Neto and Júlia

recommend? Yes


Hamburg is the perfect place for you to celebrate

your 50th wedding anniversary. However, this

opinion is biased since the company and the

mood of this trip was completely different than

my usual ones.

Do not waste time on the Alsterhouse. cross

the elb Tunnel and go visit the Harbour instead.

Take a boat tour along the elba to know where it

is and check the architecture of chile Hause. 19HAMbUrG

Country Germany


Area 755 km2


founded in 200 AD

start of trip February, 2014

duration 3 days

Company Aunt rosana and

Uncle edson

recommend? Yes


19

20

Slàinte for St Patricks! No doubt, the best possible time

to visit Dublin. even though it is a big festival, it is very

well organized and filled with activities for everyone.

Just chill out with your friends, while listening to folk

Irish music and drinking a pint of Guinness. That was

already enough for me.

The Guinness brewery is a must-see, specially the

part where you enjoy a beer in their panoramic bar.

Wear green, die your hair ginger and drink enough to

understand the Irish accent. Good luck! 20DUbL IN

Country Ireland

habitants 527,612

Area 115 km2


founded in 140 AD

start of trip March, 2014

duration 4 days

Company Deborah, Luiza and

Giovanna

recommend? Yes


Definitely a city to explore walking, or riding. And if

you do so, no worries on locking your bike, no one

will touch it. The National Library has an interesting

architecture, great exhibitions (I personally saw one of

the Gutenberg bibles) and offers a nice river view. If you

go for the Little Mermaid, do not expect something big

so you will not be disappointed.

For a crazier approach, cross the Inderhaven and

explore a hippie vibe, aka a piece of Amsterdam in

Denmark. You can also go nuts – and poor – at Tivoli,

the world second oldest thematic park. 21cOPeNHAGeN

Country Denmark

habitants 559,440

Area 88.25 km2

Average price kr kr kr kr

founded in 1167

start of trip April, 2014

duration 3 days

Company Alex Kharouk

recommend? Yes


21

22

The royal Family is not the only one to feel royal in

Stockholm. The quality of life is so great that locals and

tourists blend with the royalty. It is a city to raise your

child, to develop a life and also to enjoy your retirement.

Go for a walk on the bankside, and explore the

islands and museums within it. Vasa Museum is very

interesting, in particular. For lunch, stop by a street

food place and order a Tunbrodsrulle. If you want to go

fancy, check the street market Östermalmshallen. buy

a metro pass and surprise yourself with the wonderful

stations, that are underneath you. 22STOcKHOLM

Country Sweden

habitants 789,024

Area 6,519 km2

Average price kr kr kr kr kr

founded in 1200


duration 3 days


recommend? Yes


Absolutely gorgeous. The city is filled out with impressive

and colourful constructions that definitely invite you to

walk around. bring a scarf for your head – you will need it

to go in the churches. The church of the Savior on blood

is a must-see and also a kind of miniature of the Moscow’s

Saint basil’s cathedral.

Stop by the bar bag for Pregnant Spy and have a

drink while reading coded messages delivered on napkins.

For dinner, have a stroganoff and if you have spare time,

go for the State Hermitage Museum, the second biggest

collection of art in the world. 23ST. PeTerSbUrG

Country russia


Area 1,439 km2

Average price py6

founded in 1703


duration 4 days


recommend? Yes


23

24

The red Square is the most beautiful part of the city

and one of the most impressive square’s I have ever

seen. The colours and rounded shapes of the Saint

basil’s cathedral, in contrast with the massive squared

red construction of the State Historical Museum,

set a great atmosphere to be enjoyed. For a creepy

experience, go into Lenis Mausoleum and check out his

body, which is laying there since 1924.

buy tickets to the bolshoi Theatre and enjoy the

night with borsch soup and loads of vodka. 24MOScOW

Country russia


Area 2,510 km2

Average price py6

founded in 1147


duration 3 days


recommend? Yes


All content was produced and designed by carolina Pizatto, in May 2014.

The images were collected from the author’s catalogue and were also

contributed by Alex Kharouk, Luan campos and Fernanda Pompermayer.

This is an academic work and has no commercial use.

Documents

Wanderlust