As we are going through a public health moment (pandemic), my holidays will have restrictions. That’s why I have to stay home. I like to play in my pool, play soccer in my backyard, play on my cell phone, and I’m learning to ride a bike. So I think my summer vacation will be.

June 3, 2020, Luís Pereira, 2nd year student

“My father was born in Tomar. He really likes to talk to me about the history of Tomar.

When I went to Tomar, my father took us to the Convent of Christ. It was a very beautiful moment. My parents showed us the famous Manueline window. We also walked through the historic streets and famous churches that were part of the history of the Templars.

At the end of the day we went for ice cream and my father ate a traditional sweet from Tomar, the Cozinhada.”

Text written by Mariana Santos, 1st year student

This year, we can’t go on vacation because of the pandemic. But we can still have a good summer, we just have to social distance. Some things that will make this summer feel like we’re on vacation are: go swimming, eat ice cream, eat with the family, and it’s going to be really hot! Some things that will make this summer different are: not being able to fly, not being able to have parties and not being able to see our friends so often.

June 4, 2020, Sarah Barroso, 2nd year student

During this pandemic everything is different. We can’t go to school, we have online classes. My summer will be different. My family and I were going to Portugal to visit family. I was looking forward to exploring Portugal and my favorite pastries, but this will have to wait a while.

I still don’t know what we’re going to do this summer. Maybe we’ll spend a few days at my favorite beach. I’ll take the opportunity to learn to cook with my mother, ride my bike and read. I hope to be able to go to school in September.

June 2, 2020, Victoria Amorim, 2nd year student