Another Chance for Porto
A roundup of my trip to Porto, which has become a major tourist destination, and meetings with Portuguese authors of children's books.
Carnation Revolution: April 25, 1974-2014
A roundup of cultural and political events in Lisbon to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the April 25, 1974 revolution that ended fascist rule in Portugal.
Live Like a Marrano: Passover and Easter in Portugal
The difficulty of finding matzah for Passover in Portugal leads me to the Inquisition and the fates of thriving Jewish communities there and in Spain.
Trendsetter and Hipster’s Guide to Enjoying Lisbon
In Portugal it's easy for visitors to enjoy special events and become part of the life of the country, as we found at a 10-day fish festival.
Return to Portugal: Not a Garret…But a Great Location Anyway
I arrive in Portugal and reflect on the legend of the Adamastor in the Lusiadas and the warm welcome that I have received in Lisbon.
The Perils of First-Hand Research
An illness likely contracted in the course of researching my next book prompts me to reflect on how realistic writers take risks in the service of authenticity.
Why Save the Fulbright Program?
How I benefited from being part of the Fulbright program in Portugal and why the program deserves continued funding with no strings attached.
Just Write Two Pages
On a visit to a middle school in Philadelphia, I advise young writers to write very short stories that contain a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Adeus, livro!
Wrapping Up My Portuguese Class
My final exam in Portuguese prompts reflection on the importance of reading in learning languages and developing as a writer.
The stained glass windows of the Cuxa Cloister bear the emblems of the Spanish crown, which incorporates coats of arms from Aragón and Catalunya.
Tourists at Home
A visit to The Cloisters in New York City is cause to reflect on the different fates of the Portuguese and Catalan languages.