Group 6 - Anita, & Rodrigo Ferreira

Day 1
Today we arrived in London! The flight was short but exciting. We had a few small problems, but nothing that our amazing teachers couldn’t solve. As soon as we landed, we felt a mix of nervousness, excitement, and lots of joy. The city is so big and full of life!
We took a bus to the hotel and had to wait for the teachers who were still at the airport. During that time, we played cards, shared our expectations for the trip, and – most importantly – laughed a lot.
In the afternoon, we took different tube lines to visit several places: Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, St. James’s Park, Big Ben, and the London Eye.
We came across a poster that talked about a Disney musical, Hercules, that uses a vibrant visual, with

lightning and bright colors. In this way, it introduces a specific type of advertising form called fantasy.
We had dinner at a pub called “The Albert.” The food wasn’t really to our taste – the spices, sauces, and preparation were very different from what we’re used to. But the place was nice and cozy.
This experience was amazing – we loved discovering new places and capturing the memories in photos.

Day 2
On the second day, we woke up and had breakfast at the hotel, which was very good. The weather was very cloudy and it looked like it was going to rain. We took the tube and went to the Harry Potter Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. We entered the shop filled with items related to the film and the books – it really felt like we were inside the movie. It was a magical experience, and we had access to all the visual and auditory elements from the film. We bought different souvenirs related to the theme of the shop.
Next, we went to Camden Town, where the teacher gave us some free time to explore and shop for things we liked. We loved visiting Camden Market – we found many small shops selling really cool items. Afterwards, we went for

lunch and chose Five Guys. It was the first time many of us had been to that restaurant, and for the first time on the trip, I felt satisfied with the food – it was delicious. Next, we went to the Madame Tussauds Museum, and we absolutely loved the visit. We had the chance to see and take photos with several iconic and famous figures, such as Albert Einstein, Beyoncé, Freddie Mercury, Cristiano Ronaldo, and even the British Royal Family. One of the most fun moments was when we got into a typical London black cab inside the museum and went on an interactive ride that told us the history of the city of London. It was a very entertaining and educational experience that we all enjoyed.
After the museum, we headed to the famous Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden Market – The Heart of London. We had some free time to explore and visit several unique shops that don’t exist in Portugal, with amazing decorations, welcoming atmospheres, and very different and interesting products. At Covent Garden, we also got to watch a street performance, which combined magic and dangerous acrobatics – it was very impressive and fun to watch.
Later in the afternoon, we had dinner earlier than usual, around 5:30 PM, at the ROMA restaurant, because at

7:30 PM we were going to see the famous musical Mamma Mia. We had pizza for dinner, which was delicious and very much enjoyed by everyone.
The musical was simply unforgettable. From the lively songs to the talented actors, along with the engaged audience, everything contributed to a magical experience. Being there with our friends made it all even more special. And of course, there was a funny moment when we noticed that the main actress looked a lot like our English teacher!
After the show, we experienced one of the most heart-warming and memorable moments of the trip. In front of the theatre, we made a small circle, sang together, and shared some incredible stories and feelings. It was a moment that will stay in our memories forever.
Finally, we returned to the hotel to rest after such a full and wonderful day.

Day 3
The day began as usual: we woke up early, had breakfast, and headed to the underground. We had already got used to the hustle and bustle of London’s public transport and the line changes, which, surprisingly, had become part of the adventure. The destination was special: the Natural History Museum, our favourite of the entire trip.

Right at the entrance, we were fascinated by the grandeur of the building and the organization of the space. We were welcomed by an impressive replica of a whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. We explored rooms dedicated to various themes — from rocks and minerals of all shapes and colours to prehistoric animal skeletons. We had the opportunity to learn more about Charles Darwin, the “father” of the theory of evolution, and the impact of his ideas on how we understand life today.
Throughout the visit, we were constantly amazed by everything we saw: rare plants, land, sea and air animals, meteorites, and even sections dedicated to planet Earth and outer space. The interactive activities were one of the highlights — from comparing our weight to that of different animals, to engaging in quizzes and watching educational videos that helped reinforce what we were learning. It was a morning full of knowledge and

enthusiasm.
Before the next visit, we had some free time to explore and have lunch. The chosen restaurant was an Italian one, where we ate a delicious pasta. The food was excellent, and the setting was very beautiful. Afterwards, with some time to spare, we strolled through the nearby streets and enjoyed the scenery.
In the afternoon, we visited the Science Museum, another truly fascinating place. Right at the entrance, we were surprised by an exhibition of airplanes — real models hanging from the ceiling, along with explanations about their history and construction. We explored topics ranging from physics and energy to space exploration. One of the most interesting sections was the one dedicated to the human body, where we learned how our organs, brain and senses work. Everything was presented in a very visual way, with interactive technology that made the learning

experience even more engaging.
Later, we explored one of London’s most vibrant areas: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and the charming Chinatown. We were especially captivated by the latter. Among colourful lanterns and exotic aromas, we were able to witness up close the customs, beliefs, and cuisine of a culture very different from our own. There were also luxury shops like GANT, GUESS and Coach, contrasting with small street food stalls, which made the atmosphere even more interesting.
Dinner was in a very pleasant, calm, and cosy restaurant. We had breaded chicken with chips, and for dessert, we enjoyed a delicious ice cream — a real treat after such a full day. Finally, we ended the night strolling through Piccadilly and Leicester Square, visiting iconic London shops such as the LEGO Store, where we had the opportunity to create our own LEGO minifigure (a very fun moment!), the colourful and musical M&M’s store, and the famous Hard Rock Store.
It was truly a memorable day, full of discoveries, learning, and special moments shared with our teachers and friends.

Day 4
The fourth and final day of our trip was undoubtedly the most exciting. We started the day with a walk through the London Financial District, where the bustling atmosphere, modern skyscrapers, and fast-paced rhythm of the city contrasted with the historical places we had visited earlier. The Canary Wharf area, with its impressive buildings, was of unique beauty. We were surprised by an incredible piece of art: a whale made of recyclable materials that was on display. The whale, made from various plastic and metal parts, stood out for its size and ecological symbolism. It was a fascinating experience to see how art can be used to raise awareness about environmental issues and show the importance of sustainability.
Next, we explored the famous Tower Bridge, one of the

most iconic bridges in the city. As we crossed it, we enjoyed the spectacular view of the River Thames and the surrounding ancient buildings. Upon reaching the Tower of London, we were transported back in time, learning about the role of this fortress in English history. Walking between the old stone walls and hearing stories of kings and queens was an incredible experience.
Our next stop was St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most impressive landmarks in London, where we passed through briefly.
After, we crossed the Millennium Bridge, a modern pedestrian bridge that connects Tate Modern to the St. Paul’s Cathedral area. The view along the bridge, with the River Thames in front of us and the buildings of London framing the landscape, was a moment of pure contemplation.
In the afternoon, we headed to the Tate Modern (Museum of Modern Art), where we had a closer encounter with contemporary art. The visit was a true immersion in the world of innovative ideas and artistic expression. Among the thought-provoking works, the installations stood out, making us reflect on themes like technology, society, and environmental issues. The pieces were so engaging that they sparked intense discussions among the group, each of us trying to interpret the meaning of something so abstract, yet full of emotion and message.
As the day went on, the feeling of farewell began to set in. After a quiet lunch and some last-minute shopping, we took the subway to the hotel to pack our bags and prepare for the transfer to the airport. The flight back to Portugal was a mixture of happiness for having lived a unique experience and sadness for having to leave London.
This day, more than any other, was the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip. London turned out to be much more than a city rich in history, culture, and innovation; every moment lived was etched in our memory. The return home brought a sense of fulfillment, but at the same time, a desire to return. London will forever remain in our hearts.