Francisco Guerreiro is a 26 years old guy from Setúbal, Portugal. Before starting this ESC he studied Translation and Linguistic and did a few jobs, mostly as a freelancer.
Why did you decide to do this ESC in particular?
I was attracted to this project because it had to do with live concerts, working with the stage lights and sounds. That’s something that interests me a lot. I also wanted to make things right with my girlfriend, she was here in Slovenia, so it seemed perfect.
Were you scared?
No, I was mostly scared of staying in my country, because if you don’t work in the field of tourism or finance management, you are kind of “useless”, they don’t consider you that much.
What do you miss the most about your country?
Food and the weather. Also the big cities, especially Lisbon.
Tell me more about your tasks. What do you do in CMK?
It’s pretty simple. Right now, I’m the main photographer so I take care of the photos for the events, during the afternoon and the evenings. The next day I choose the best pictures and edit them with Adobe Lightroom and send them to Patrick, my mentor and then post them on Facebook. Joris, another volunteer from France, and Ernesta, a Lithuanian girl who’s doing an internship here, taught me how to take pictures and to use the software for editing photos. I would also like to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop. I’m also writing for the CMK magazine.
Did you achieve any new goals?
Yeah, I’ve learned how to take “good” pictures, and editing. I’ve also learned how to mess with the stage lights. I want to develop those skills more in the future.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to hang around in Izola, chill and watch football.
Did you have the chance to visit new places?
I went to Ljubljana a lot of times, Koper, Izola and once I went to Lucija. I’m here for a year so I have time.
And do you have a favourite place?
Koper is my favourite one by far. I like it because it’s the closest I can get from a real big city.
What surprised you the most about Slovenia?
Well, people from Koper and the Istrian region are more like the Latin culture, so they’re really similar to the people in my country, which is totally the opposite in Ljubljana. Also the fact that shops and restaurants close after 9 pm is weird, because in Portugal everything is open until late.
Do you have a favourite place to hang out?
I have to say Rampin. It’s my favourite bar. It’s the oldest one in Koper and the beers there are really good. Also Mai Più in Izola is a really cool place. It’s basically behind our house and it’s mostly a place for university students, but it’s really cozy and relaxing.
Did you have the chance to learn something new?
I learned a few words in Slovenian, like the basic things, but it’s difficult though.
What would you like to bring home?
My girlfriend, but I’m not even sure if I want to go back home. I like it here.
Photo: Joris Degas
