Browsing through digitized period magazines on the Biblioteca Nacional website the other day, I stumbled across several photos of the Portugal pavilion under construction. A February 1929 edition of O Notícias Ilustrado highlighted artist Mário Reis with his portrait & the azulejos he made for the pavilion. I froze because I recognized those tiles… they’re now on the Chafariz da Junqueira!
Continue reading → discovery: 1929 expo tiles
Last time I updated the entire Rick Steves’ Portugal book, I posted daily comments on Facebook—each one beginning with “Wow, do I love Portugal”… fun moments describing the ups & downs of being a guidebook researcher. Four years on, I still love Portugal but Facebook not so much. This time I took a few moments before going to bed each night to jot down some notes about the day. Here we go again!
Continue reading → portugal: guidebook research 2018
It’s July & that means one thing only in the Basque Country… time to run with the bulls! I’ve been lucky enough to go for the past two years, so this post is an amalgam of both experiences. And while I’ve never been tempted to put my life on the line & actually run alongside, the spectacle is something I’ll never forget.
Continue reading → pamplona: running with the bulls
Twenty years ago today, Lisboa opened a specialized World’s Fair that completely altered the city’s landscape. Local government reclaimed an abandoned industrial zone to make way for pavilions, new housing, a new Metro line, a multi-modal train station & a second bridge across the Tejo River. Lisbon would never be the same.
Continue reading → lisboa: expo ’98
While Feria may not be my thing, an event coinciding with the April fair gets me excited every year: a horse carriage display & competition. Horses & Andalucía have gone together forever, & many families choose to arrive to their caseta during Feria either on horseback or by carriage… one more way to promote local culture as well as add a touch of glamour.
Continue reading → sevilla: exhibición de enganches
I practically grew up in our local branch of the public library in Memphis. I think my mom figured out it was free child care, & I could spend hours going through the stacks without ever noticing the time. So when I heard the Lisbon city government spent 2.5 million € to fix up this public library, I couldn’t wait to check it out.
Continue reading → lisboa: palácio galveias
AfterLife
Over 500 posts documenting
Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires