BULGARIA - Rosen

Looking back over my shoulder, 12 months after my first encounter with Portugal, I can plainly say my Erasmus period has been a cornerstone for me. Although time slowly dilutes the sharpness of specific details, the emotions this period put me through blaze brighter than ever.

After a four-year painting block and sensual freeze, the amazing landscapes of Portugal unleashed my inspiration again. The raw perception of reality in a beautiful new location and my instinctive desire to sieve all through the filter of my senses melted the inner cataract of my vision almost overnight. It felt like my hand had its own life, putting to paper my sensual rebirth. Naturally, the fourth place at the Open air drawing contest organized by Braganca Municipality felt like a well-earned reward for my unburdened sense of Portugal.

I met there Ana, also an Erasmus student. Together we probed the unfathomable depths of our personalities. The bad news – love is fragile. The good news – art can make it eternal. My feelings were transformed into words, becoming a song, which made me famous in my country.

The Erasmus friends I made inspired me to create a web site dedicated to our shared life. The forum inside helps us stay in touch in spite of the big distances. My Portuguese friends on the other hand helped me realize that if one wants something badly enough, there is no way it will fail to happen. Unless, of course, one is afraid of what a dream’s reality may have in store for him.

My immediate plans? I am about to get my Masters degree, not neglecting the responsibilities I took on during Erasmus. I gave myself a promise never to abandon them.

By the way, did I mention I only went there to specialize in graphic design?