I had already spoken to her on the phone about how to get there. “Can you please send that description by email and on the phone, because we are not very good with computers,” and of course that is possible. “I will send you the link in the confirmation email,” I answer, but no, that […]
Visit of a renown sculptor Read More »
The itinerary was there, the mood for it was certainly there, and so the reservation had been made. On a beautiful day in February, the following email arrived. Whether I could organize a fado evening as a surprise for her birthday “Hi Ellen,Would you like to do something for us?We will arrive at your place
Fado and in the King’s Sleeve in Coimbra Read More »
Carnival and Valentine in one week. Even better: right after each other. If you went completely crazy during Carnival, you have to go romantic the next day – perhaps with a huge hangover. Oops. In Lazarim they celebrate a special kind of carnival In Lazarim – in the north between Vila Real and Viseu –
Carnival and Valentine Read More »
I once worked for a portuguese estate agency. That was in the Dreamtime, when we were still dreaming of a better future in Portugal. Working for the agency was an excellent introduction to the portuguese culture. What I found striking then, and what has changed a lot in the 20 years that we now live
Portuguese culture: your own private junk yard Read More »
We suddenly find ourselves without a Prime Minister since Tuesday! And perhaps with a CC, a Caretaker Cabinet, starting next week! (Does that sound familiar?) António Costa resigns after being accused of corruption over a lithium mine My son, who I texted about it, found it no surprise: “Portugal scores well on the corruption index”
A fallen head over lithium Read More »
“Senhora … bom dia ….” the man is dressed in camouflage clothing, and puts out his cigarette as he steps out of his Volkswagen station. “Is the senhora going for a walk with the dog?” I nod yes, and walk back a bit because it’s just a little too far to have a normal chat.
Wild boar hunt or wild boar safari? Read More »
I didn’t know it at all. But yes, maybe not that surprising, because I come from the big city in the western part of the country, and there of course you have large expensive houses, but there is never anything written on them except perhaps “Pondview” or “Home Sweet Home” (names for houses are a
A house armed with a blazon Read More »
When I want to load the groceries, a small Portuguese woman comes to me. Well, not to me, to Mira. She’s always the one that gets the most attention everywhere. Maybe because most people don’t dare say to another human being: “Hey, honey, come here!” to say. That used to happen, but those times are
Fisherman’s friend, a meeting at a Lidl at the beach Read More »
I drove back especially for it. I just came out of the supermarket parking lot, and my eye caught a text on the bike parking, but someone was behind me so I couldn’t stop for a photo. Very occasionally I’m happy with graffiti This one seems very appropriate: “Podia ser pior – it could be
Graffiti and street art Read More »
I have discovered a beautiful area, not far away at all. That is a blessing, especially early on a Sunday morning. “Come on Mira, in the car girl!” I urge my darling-of-a-dog to jump into the back of the car. We are going to discover a new hiking trail, a “terra-batida” near the church of
Dedicated hiking trail near the church of Samuel Read More »
