Lisbon—Field Studies Blog
Sørlandet’s stay in Lisbon was a week of exploration, nautical education and Portuguese culture. Docked near the Ponte Vasco da Gama students had the opportunity to learn the history and customs of the capital city and its surrounding areas during shore leave and A+’s Signature Field Studies.
By foot and bicycle, students and faculty toured the sun-bleached streets of Lisbon. Guides shared their knowledge of Fado, (a soulful music made famous in Barrio Alto), the great earthquake of 1755 and the decline of the Portuguese empire. At the end of a bike tour they had the chance to enjoy local pastry by the riverside, too.
Northwest of Lisbon in the mountainous town of Sintra, students learned of Muslim influence on the Iberian Peninsula while visiting a Moorish castle. They also toured the summer palace of Lord Byron, once described by the poet as a “glorious Eden.” There they found some relaxation themselves and during a much enjoyed quiet hour, wrote in a lush English garden.
Aboard the vessel, students and crew alike were treated to a guest lecture led by Commander Pedro Mendes of the Portuguese Navy. Commander Mendes spoke at length about his naval career and his voyage aboard the Portuguese tall ship Sagres, which, like Sørlandet, not only sails the world, but proudly represents its home country.
Time in Lisbon was not spent without attention to academics. Between Field Studies, students of Chemistry and Physics completed labs at a local college, Escola Superior Nautica, under the instruction of Ms. Curtin and Dr. MacArthur, testing acidity and velocity respectively.
To top off the week, Sørlandet's students were welcomed aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, the newest and most environmentally friendly cruise ship in the world. Special thanks go to Thomas Grandfeldt and Environmental Officer Ernst Andersen, who made it possible for students to see the bridge, engine room, waste management facility, pool deck, theater and much enjoyed buffet, all before heading back to sea aboard their own vessel en route to Morocco.
