The G-Creative

Weekend Getaway #3: Paris

Bonjour à tout!

Ça va bien?

Noooo, I won’t do this post in French, pretending I’m a proficient speaker or in an advance level of the language…I wish.

So, following my typical model of 3-day solo trip, the one I did to Paris was no different. It took place in Winter, freshly after the term of the semester’s exams. However, it was not my first time in the city. That one was almost 20 years ago, on December of 2005, when I was just six-years old. I’m sure you can easily guess what was the propose of that trip: Eurodisney, yayyy!

Day 1: I went to the airport, took an afternoon flight and arrived to Paris-Beauvais almost at 6 pm. That was my first mistake. It’s not because I wasn’t aware that Beauvais was not actually Paris (almost 100 km of distance), but due to the fact that was winter and the weather is kind of unpredictable: it was raining. From my experience when I went to London, I booked the bus tickets to Paris in advance and I choose a hotel close to the city center. Since it was Winter, I won’t see the Paris’ daylight on that day.

Day 2: Starting, it was a sunny day and I had to get the much I can from the museus, since it was a Sunday and on Monday they will be closed.

So I caught the metro to visit the first one (the mainstream one), Le Louvre. For this one, I bought the ticket on the day before (at 23:43 😂) and payed nothing since I was a EU citizen under 25 (great success!). Although, since the entry will be free, I did a “micro donation” for the museum: 2€. As I expected, the museum was very beautiful and very rich, artistically speaking. I spent around 2 hours there. Since there was a shopping center inside, I took the liberty to lunch there at….McDonald’s 😅

After that, I was straight to the Orsay’s Museu, as a hint of a friend of mine. Very nice as well. However, before I had the opportunity to get inside, I had to stay in the line for quite a while. One more time, free ticket.

At this time, I thought: “Well, two museums for today is enough, let’s take a walk around the city”. Said and done. Apart from that, I got to save some time to finish a group work regarding the photography curricular unit I was taking back then (my last post was about that in fact).

The rest of the day I stayed at the hotel, committed to finish that work.

Day 3: Since I remember, when I think about Paris, it comes to my mind Versailles as well. However, being on my own, I wouldn’t take the risk to go there all by myself. It is a little far from Paris, and wouldn’t have anyone to support me, in case of something happened.

By this time…you should asking: what about Eiffel Tower? Glad you ask. On that morning, I got out the hotel, and for my “surprise”, it was raining. Lucky me. I caught the metro as fast as I could, straight to the Eiffel Tower. Arrived there, I just watch it from distance. Right away, I went to the Triumphal Arch. But this time, due to the fact there wasn’t much people waiting, I just go for it. I visited the museum inside and when I arrived to the top, the views were breathtaking.

In the afternoon, since I got a significant portion of the group work remaining, I just went to the Notre Dame Cathedral. And it was that for Paris, for this time.

Day 4 – Return to the Paris-Beauvais airport and a waiting time of 8 hours until the flight 😨

Pictures of Girls: A personal themed project

Hey everyone!

Today, I’m here to present you one of my recent projects, focused on exploring some photography techniques in a kind of relaxed and free way

First things first…The name of the project is inspired in a song I love: “Pictures of Girls ” performed by a boys band named Wallows, and belongs to an EP, “Spring”.

The name of the project speaks for itself, the big focus is Girls. This was born as an assessment work done in University, regarding a Multimedia based curricular unit. This portfolio combined essential topics and principles learned in classes, about photography shoots and edition.

“Pictures of Girls” is a set of 10 B&W photos, with different people that I met across my life, and this collection brings me a feeling of nostalgia, as the song mentioned before.

From a practical point of view, the photographical techniques used were not the most complex ones, and the editing made was similar in all photos, to give a coherent touch to the all portfolio.

That being said, I leave you with the most important: the photos themselves…I hope you enjoy it and will appreciate your feedback.

Gustavo

Weekend Getaway #2: Madrid & Toledo

Hello there!

I hope that you are all fine! I would like to sorry for my absence since the last post.

Almost three weeks ago, I had the chance (finally) to visit the Spain’s capital city: Madrid. It was a 3-day journey (the typical city-break). I was planning to do this trip quite a while ago…I booked this trip in September. My main motivation to do so was the fact that I was aware of the Tour of the American band Band Of Horses through the Europe, and one show would take place in La Riviera in November 20th. I just thought: LET´S GOOOO! (And I can´t ignore the fact that the flights were quite chip: 2-ways for 30€, thanks Skyscanner!).

That being said, on the morning of Saturday, the 19th of November, I flight from Porto (OPO) to Madrid (MAD). The first thing to do was heading to the Hotel, using the Metro. Since B&B Plaza Mayor is in the city centre, it was quite easy (took approximately 35 minutes). The hotel was very nice, taking into account the purpose of my trip. The staff was very nice and helpful, the room and bathroom were very clean. Thinking about the facilities provided, they have a space downstairs called the “Coffee Corner”, where we can find snacks and drinks (hot and cold)….for FREE! Quite good!

To be honest, since I had approximately two complete days, I had to be really focused in what I want to visit and explore (apart from the Concert). Museo Nacional del Prado was my first priority, since I’m an Art lover, namely painting. Being a totally fan of the Spanish painter, Francisco de Goya I couldn’t miss it for nothing 😉 (and Caravaggio as well). Second in the list was Santiago Bernabeu, the stadium of Real Madrid. For this one, I took the Tour to the stadium and the Museum. Very nice, as well. Also, due to the museums free tickets policy for students, I just had to get the maximum I could have. That being said, I also visit the National Archeological Museum. Apart from that, I take advantage of the good weather to walking across the city and be in touch with the local life.

In my last complete day in Madrid, I decided to catch the train to visit Toledo, a city with a lot of medieval story and monuments. Actually, a part of the city is inside of walls (the main reason what I wanted to go there!). Unfortanely, I was there for two hours when began to rain dreadfully…next thing to do: back to Madrid. I like the time I past there, anyway.

To conclude, despite the fact I hadn’t time to see all I wanted (not even close), it was very great to visit these amazing cities. ¡Hasta la próxima, Madrid y España! See you all in the next post, stay connected! 🙂

Gustavo

Around the Globe #4: UK – London

Hello, everyone!

I hope to find you well and safe.

During the last week, I have made my very first solo trip 😉 Destination? London (LDN)! Since 2012, I had the dream of visiting this beautiful city. So many films, books, stories that took place around LDN. I couldn’t miss this opportunity. Set and done!

This journey had the duration of 3 days: Tuesday-Friday. I have arrived in the evening of Tuesday, since the flights are cheaper, normally, in late hours (check Skyscanner in private mode). The first surprise was the location of the AirBnb I stayed in: Hatfield Broad Oak (HBO – Essex). It was, basically, in the middle of nowhere. Approximately 5 miles away from Stansted Airport (STN) and Bishop Stortford. I have chosen this AirBnb due to the fact that was “near” of the airport, had good commodities and an attractive value-for-money relation. WRONG CHOICE!

The taxi from STN to there was 32 pounds (approximately EUR 36,55). The Uber is a little less. To get to the airport by foot it took 1 hour (pace: 6km/h). A good alternative was catch a bus in Takeley (TKL). From HBO TO TKL was 35 minutes. As you may figured out, I lost precious time just to go from the AirBnb to the airport, in order to get a train to the centre of London (-+ 50 minutes from STN to London Liverpool Street station). Shortly, it was narrowly 2h just to get to the centre 😦

That being said, and put now the focus in the city of London, I only need one word to describe it: AMAZING! Even I wasn’t able to visit and exploring half of the places I pointed out, it was a great experience. When walking through the city, I have seen beautiful views and landscapes; the people and the vibe was really open-minded and peaceful. The bakeries and local shops were very comfy. I believe the places I enjoyed the most were Kensington (Palace and Gardens) and the London Museum. Although, there are so many things I haven’t visited…I definitely have to visit LDN a second time (at least). LDN took my heart 😉

Pro Tip: For new solo travelers (and travelers in general), please stay in a place nearby the centre. Don’t make the same mistake that I did. Even if it costs more, you will save a lot of time and you are safer.

Around the Globe #3: Cuba

Hey people, how are you?

From the 20th of August to 27th, I was in Cuba, in a family trip: 2 days in Havana, and 4 in Varadero. I haven’t done a lot of research before this journey… just “go with the flow” ;).

Havana was pretty cool. We did a 1-day trip around the city, by car (in the classical ones, like the ones of the 1950s that were typical in the USA) and by foot. The thing(s) I liked the most was walking in the streets, connecting with the local life, the people, the views, and the food as well.

Conversely, Varadero was not my cup of tea. It were 4 days in a beach resort (Melià International Varadero). I enjoy visiting new cities, meeting new people, and not stay in a resort only to go to the beach or to the swimming pool the entire day. The best thing was the evenings in the hotel´s bar (Space Bar)…dancing all night and talking with persons from another countries: Brazil, Cuba, Germany, Spain, UK…And I can’t forget the gym as well.

From my point of view, the most different aspect was the weather. I was not used to such a hot and DRY climate….I was totally off and very tired. The lifetime cost is also very low, it’s kind of sad. It transmits how hard and difficult is the life in Cuba.

Pro tip: be aware that the Internet connection is very bad. Go prepared with your own resources. 😉 Great news: I create my own email domain: hello@thegcreative.com. I also have created my own photography shop in EyeEm.

Best wishes, stay safe and healthy!

Gustavo

Absence #3 and City-breaks #1 (Odense & Dublin)

Hello there!!

I hope to find all of you find and well.

As happened last year, this one was even rougher. During 8 months (October-June) I fought with a curricular work placement (WP) (regarding my Masters in Marketing) in a (brand) new brand 😉 named Sildel – We Think Cork. This luxury brand is focused on designing and selling luxury furniture, decoration and illumination, using a curious core material: cork (or genuine cork as they like to call it, since it´s not submitted to any kind of industrialization as the “normal cork”). Therefore, my main goals with this WP was to develop the brand identity and strategy as well as a marketing plan. This wasn’t an easy process at all (adding to this, I was working on my Masters Thesis, that I submitted last week). It took a lot of my energy away (emotionally speaking), so I wasn’t able to post sooner in G-Creative.

This being said, during this time, I take two city-breaks in Odense (Denmark) and Dublin (Ireland).

In Odense, it was a 3-day stay. It was my first in this city, but not in Denmark. I loved it. It wasn’t so crowded as the capital city, Copenhagen, but beautiful as well. The daily walks in Odense brought me feelings of nostalgia, it was like I was back to my childhood. Clearly break out my expectations, I totally recommend it!

A little visit to Nyhavn in the way back home.

Flying to Dublin, it was a 4-day stay, during the Easter week. I was been there before, back in 2016. Honestly, I don’t remembered much of it. It was nice to have a opportunity to revisit it. In this trip, I have to emphasize the visit to Temple Bar, something I hadn’t the chance to do last time, due to, mostly, I was underaged (and because it was a school trip ;)). I spend two lovely nights enjoying the bars and discos. I also visited the Guinness Storehouse. It was truly insightful and educative. Most of the rest, I had visited last time. Here he goes some photos, I hope you enjoy it!!

This being said, I hope to be back soon, with one (or more) places to share with you. Until then, I wish you a very happy Summer, enjoyed it at 1000%!!

Gustavo

Around the Globe #2: Italy & Greece

Hello!!

I hope find you all well.

In first instance, I would like to tell you that this trip wasn’t expected at all…I received an invitation to go to Italy and Greece, for 10 days (08/09-18/09). Back on that moment, I was delighted and I didn’t thought twice…just let’s goooo!! In order to summarize and organize the article on the best way possible, I will divide it for days.

Day 1: From Porto to Siena

The first day, as usual, was dedicated to the travel. The flight from Porto departed at 06h25 (GMT +01H00) and arrived to Milan Bergamo at 10h00 (GMT +02H00). After that, we took 3 trains in order to went to Siena…we arrived at 20h30, approximately. Despite the tiredness of the trip, it was a very pleasant one, since we had the chance to do short visits on some of the cities we stopped by, i.e., Bergamo & Milan.

Day 2: Siena

Accomodated comfortably on Siena, this day was focused on knowing the main attractions of the city. I enjoyed a lot!! The city was calm, beautiful, the local people were nice and have a lot of spots to take pictures of the lovely landscapes ;-).

Day 3: “Rome Express“

Since the flight to Thessaloniki was scheduled for the 11th, at dawn, and the train to the Ciampino Airport was on the night of 10th, we had a mid-day to visit Rome. It was a crazy day. Just to clarify, I have been in Rome when I was 10 years old, back in 2010, but I didn’t remember much of it, so we arranged to do a 1-day travel to see the main attractions of the city. To summarize, we have done 25 kilometres by foot in like 10 hours….it was very good and, at the same time, very “damaging”. Moreover, when we arrive to the airport, at 23h30 (GMT +01H00), it was closed…for 4 hours :(.

To do a little comparison between Rome and Siena (if possible), Siena was more quiet, not so crowdy and the prices were cheaper. In my personal opinion, due to the fact that Rome is a very touristic destination, the prices, in general, are overpriced (Pro Tip: Go to McDonalds to have a reasonable priced meal, with free sockets at your disposal…trust me, you will need it ;-)).

Day 4/5: Thessaloniki

To introduce the travel to Greece, it was the first time, in my entire life, that I slept an entire flight. I was so tired because of the day 3. Thessaloniki, in similarity with what I have said on my last post, concerning my travel to Denmark, was a “box” full of surprises. The city was gorgeous, with a lot to visit, nice restaurants (with an attractive value-for-money relation) and an enjoyable night life.

The better surprise I got was when we discovered that people under 25 years old, from the EU, entered for free on a lot of museums and attractions.

Day 6/7: Athens

Focusing now on the capital city, Athens seemed to be look alike Thessaloniki, but bigger. The atmosphere on the streets was calm; the attractions were even lovelier that the ones in Thessaloniki, mainly the Acropolis, as expected. The prices were quite the same. Although we just had 2 days to visit the city, I think was enough to get a general view of it.

Day 8: Aegina

Aegina is one of the Greek islands, located 27 kilometres from Athens. Visiting this island wasn’t on our initial plans, but due to the fact that we were fatigued, because of the intensity of the previous days, seemed to be a nice way to chill out. The island is very pretty, quite a destination for beach vacations and perfect to take a break from work. I definitely recommend it!!

Day 9/10: Arrangements for the arrival to Portugal

In the last two days, it was planned going to Florence and Bologna, but since it was bad weather on both days, I just stay on Siena, in order to rest and organize some stuff for my return to Portugal.

In conclusion, it was an unforgettable trip, highlighted by new experiences, friendships and, above all, happy memories. Lastly, I just want to thank you for all the support, stay safe!!

Gustavo

Around the Globe #1: Denmark & Sweden

Hey everyone!

I hope that all of you are having a great Summer.

From 13th to 27th of August, I travelled to three cities in Denmark: Ahrus, Copenhagen and Randers; and two in Sweden: Lund and Malmö. It was wonderful!! This might be due to the fact that I wasn’t with high expectations…I didn’t´had any expectation at all. I learned this from when I was on New York, three years ago. Back on that time, I was very exciting before the trip, like I was going to the best place on the world. Don’t get me wrong…I enjoyed the trip, NY is very nice, but when we create big expectations and they are not fulfilled, we feel like something is missing, that was the feeling.

On the first week, I was mainly in Copenhagen. It made me feel that I was back on NY. A city with a lot to visit, lovely views and palaces, kind people, many restaurants, cafés and bars, with an enjoyable nightlife. One of the days was dedicated to go to Sweden, in an excursion by bus. Since Denmark and Sweden are near each other (Copenhagen and Malmö, more precisely) the bus trip didn’t took long. Unfortunately, the weather on that day wasn’t the best. Despite that, I enjoyed the little glance I had about Sweden.

Straightforward to week 2, Randers was a lovely city. I was amazed to see that how a small city (65 000 habitants, more a less) can have all the accesses and shopping facilities in less than a mile. The architeture used on the buildings was also a highlight point. I would like to share an experience I had during one of the weekends in Randers. Since I enjoy football (aka soccer), I bought tickets for a match between Randers FC and Aalborg BK. Despite the result (1-1), the atmosphere on the stadium was fantastic. Certainly, one more team I will cheer on the future. Last, but not the least, Ahrus was the “middle term” between Copenhagen and Randers. Not so big as the capital city, but equally beautiful, with many attractions to visit as well. I wish I had more time to explore the city. Maybe on a future trip.

Now, I will show you some pics that resume and highlight some of the spots I have visited during those 2 weeks. I hope you enjoy it.

Denmark

Panoramic views of Copenhagen

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Helsingor

Rundetaarn, Copenhagen

Tivoli, Copenhagen

Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen

Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød

Panoramic views of Randers

Panoramic views of Ahrus

Den Gamle By, Ahrus

Sweden

Lund

Malmo

Gustavo

Rewind #2: Marvão, Castelo de Vide and Vila Velha de Rodão (& Absence #2)

Hello there!!

To start, I hope everyone is fine and safe.

Firstly, I would like to apologize for my long absence since the last post, on December. This last semester was tough, filled with essays, coursework and some exams. Moreover, given the worsening of the pandemic, the opportunities to go out decreased. That being said, last weekend I had done a little trip to some villages in the interior of Portugal: Marvão, Castelo de Vide (both located in the district of Portalegre) and Vila Velha de Rodão (district of Castelo Branco). This visit was very pleasant, since the three villages are very quiet and the views are lovely. During the visit, I would like to highlight an experience that I consider different and remarkable: a journey of 15 kilometers on railway bicycles on a deactivated railway line, which connected Marvão and Beirã (you can find more info here).

Marvão, Portalegre // 07.2021

The village of Castelo de Vide and the surronds of the castle. // 07.2021

“Portas de Rodão” (classified Natural Monument in 2009) in Vila Velha de Rodão. // 07.2021

Despite from what I have said in the beginning of this post, I enjoyed some time of my breaks to take some pictures. Here they are…

Pigeiros, Santa Maria da Feira, Aveiro // 05.2021

Porto // 02.2021

Lastly, I wish a happy vacations to all of you as well as a nice summer. Stay safe!

Gustavo

Absence #1

Hello everyone!!

My apologies for being absent for quite a while. Since I started my master´s degree, in the beginnings of October, I haven´t had much time free, due to the amount of course work, essays and exams. However, I enjoyed a little time to take some photos and I want to share them with you. The photo´s locations are mainly from details in the surroundings of my home, and from Ovar and Aveiro, since it´s the route I do daily to go to the university. I also take this post to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy 2021. I seriously hope that will be better than 2020. Stay safe!