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FeaturedCaldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho and Obidos
This summer I enjoyed being on the Silver Coast and having an opportunity to know part of this beautiful area of the country. The sun was warm, the skies clear and the sea inviting. The Silver Coast, also known as the Costa da Prata, refers to the stretch of coastline above Lisbon and below Porto dotted with towns and stretches of beautiful beaches. The term… Read more Continue reading Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho and Obidos
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A Class on the Architectural History of Portugal
I teach an introductory class in architecture for young students as well as adults. Recently, I was asked by someone who plans to move to Portugal to introduce her to the country through the eyes of an architect. Because of my interest in the history of Portugal and how it is reflected in architectural design, I was happy to provide her with a class. That… Read more Continue reading A Class on the Architectural History of Portugal
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FeaturedTavira
The Tower of Igreja Matriz de Santigo (the Mother Church of Santiago) Tavira is a town I want to return to, possibly in November, when the temperature goes down to a more comfortable 80 degrees or so. It is a very picturesque location on the Gilão river with bridges, boats and cafes along the river. Aerial view of Tavira (photo not mine) During our short… Read more Continue reading Tavira
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Next Stop, Faro
There has been a long interval between posts but I was determined to finish a book by Christmas, which I did. Then I took a few weeks off to celebrate its completion along with the holiday season. I am back now with more stories as I continue on my adventures. My next stop during my visit to the Algarve is Faro, a coastal town with… Read more Continue reading Next Stop, Faro
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FeaturedPortimao
Portimao is along the southern coast of Portugal with a strip of beach along a background of beautiful cliffs. It’s a quiet town relative to Lisbon and Porto but becomes extremely busy in the summer as a tourist destination and a point from where you can explore the Algarve. For that reason there is a long strip of commercial enterprise above the beaches made up… Read more Continue reading Portimao
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A Day in Alvor, Portugal
I have been remiss with my posts but I got busy finishing a book that I promised myself I would finish by years’ end and I accomplished that goal so now, for two weeks, I am taking a break and enjoying…writing. Now onto Alvor. Alvor, which is a short ride from Portimao, was the next stop on our tour through the Algarve. The history of… Read more Continue reading A Day in Alvor, Portugal
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FeaturedThe Algarve, Part 1: Sagres
Overview of the Algarve This series on the Algarve is dedicated to my daughter for her love of archeology and history and to my grandson who loves pirates. My interest during this first exploration of the Algarve was the historical aspect and how it is reflected in the architecture of the area due to its influence by several cultures that have inhabited what is called… Read more Continue reading The Algarve, Part 1: Sagres
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FeaturedRecommended Portuguese Owned Businesses
This post continues with Portuguese owned businesses and ideas on business opportunities in Portugal. Please note that no individual or company is paying me to offer these recommendations. What I write is based on my own experience with these businesses. First up this month is Manuel Tavares’ Cellar and Fine Grocery Shop founded in 1860 and just down the street from Confeitaria Nacional, a bakery… Read more Continue reading Recommended Portuguese Owned Businesses
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Mercado 31 de Janeiro, Lisbon
There are many mercados in Lisbon as there are throughout Portugal. Mercados are markets, either open-air or in large, spacious buildings, where farmers come to sell their produce. There are also fish stalls, cheese booths, usually at least one butcher, fresh catches of fish, an area that sells bread and there are always fresh flowers, herbs and small plants. And of course, there is always… Read more Continue reading Mercado 31 de Janeiro, Lisbon
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FeaturedArchitectural Design: The Old and the New
There are the wonderful buildings in Portugal that go back one, two or more centuries and there is the new which reflects on what has been built before, providing glimpses into the past but designed and built today with an eye towards the future. We will start with the past and the Casa da Alentejo. Originally built in the 1600’s, the Alverca Palace was the… Read more Continue reading Architectural Design: The Old and the New
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FeaturedSpring in Lisbon: Grato
The above was created by a street artist who comes from Ireland and has been living in Lisbon for 1 1/2 years. He painted “grato” which means “thankful” or “grateful” in Portuguese and has a similar meaning in old Irish. When I spoke to him about the word, we understood what it meant for both of us. Two weeks ago I enjoyed my first trip… Read more Continue reading Spring in Lisbon: Grato
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April in Lisbon
April feels like life went from black and white to color, from somber chamber music to jazz. Portugal slowly and methodically began to open again, first outdoor seating at cafes and the opening of small shops then the larger stores opened and students return to school. What was a hauntingly quiet Avenida Liberdade once again came to life with cars, bikes, scooters, motorcycles and people,… Read more Continue reading April in Lisbon
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FeaturedLisbon: A city with many stories
Every person I speak to in Lisbon has a fascinating story to tell. There is also the history of Portugal and its reach across continents and the buildings here, they speak volumes, whispering secrets of their past. Lockdown is once again upon us but I am able to walk daily, exploring and discovering something fascinating and/or beautiful around every corner. Walking the streets, though, brings… Read more Continue reading Lisbon: A city with many stories
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The Lights of Lisbon
Tis the season of delicious sweets, music and lights along with the hope of a better year to come. One good start for 2021, besides having a new President in the US, will be Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa filling the position on January 1st of the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The presidency of the Council of the European Union is… Read more Continue reading The Lights of Lisbon
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FeaturedExploring Lisbon
A family having fun along the Arte Galeria where everyone is able to express their artistry and thoughts Because of the increase in COVID cases along with travel restrictions and curfew hours mandated in Portugal, I have not been traveling outside of the Lisbon municipality since mid-November. You can find out about the regulations put into place at the US Embassy in Portugal website. Fortunately,… Read more Continue reading Exploring Lisbon
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More on Lisbon
Since moving to Lisbon from Cascais, I have much to report but first, news about COVID. As of this writing, Portugal has returned to a State of Calamity which means restrictions on gatherings and travel. Public gatherings of more than five people are banned and there is an appeal by leadership for everyone to wear a mask on public streets, as is required in all buildings, and to… Read more Continue reading More on Lisbon
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First I was lost in Lisbon, now I live there
The Move While living in Cascais, which is a beautiful town, I have been looking for my own place for the last two months. After considering all possible locations in Portugal, I decided I wanted to have easy access to Lisbon. I love the city and from Lisbon I am able to take a train or a short flight to anywhere in the EU and… Read more Continue reading First I was lost in Lisbon, now I live there
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FeaturedAdventures in the ER, hamburgers in Portugal and a shop of prints
First, some good news about COVID in Portugal. As the graph indicates, due to the vigilance and care that has been taken by those in the government along with the people of Portugal who have followed the guidance and the rules at each stage, Portugal has seen a decline in cases of COVID. We have been warned, though, that Portugal will go into a State… Read more Continue reading Adventures in the ER, hamburgers in Portugal and a shop of prints
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A discovered artist, the necessities of life and a walk in the park
Readers are noticing that my posts have been few and far between but that is only because my explorations have been limited to the Lisbon District and no further. By now I was to visit Evora, Setubal, Comporta and Obidos but my plans have changed due to COVID. I am staying close to home and venture out only as necessary but I am still making… Read more Continue reading A discovered artist, the necessities of life and a walk in the park
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FeaturedMarkets, beaches and restaurants during COVID
We are going through strange times in Portugal as well as everywhere else in this world now. In Portugal, we are experiencing stops and starts as we work our way into some form of “normality”. During this time, I limit my explorations but still want to get out and share what I see and experience. Last weekend I decided to explore the LX Factory in… Read more Continue reading Markets, beaches and restaurants during COVID
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FeaturedThe week in Portugal as the lockdown eases
We are in the second week of the reopening of restaurants and shops along with beaches and parks and it feels like a breath of fresh air. The town of Cascais, where I live, is getting everyone who lives in the area tested for the anti-body. I’m trying to make an appointment but the phone line is continually busy. People are getting tested though. I… Read more Continue reading The week in Portugal as the lockdown eases
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We are coming out of isolation…and it feels good
It’s been a while since my last post but there wasn’t much to share except for my daily walks, but you only need to hear about that once. The town of Cascais slowly began to open about two weeks ago. Before that, it felt like a ghost town. It was a very sad sight but last weekend it began to come back to life. Not… Read more Continue reading We are coming out of isolation…and it feels good
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FeaturedThe COVID19 Issue, Deux: Information and Stay at Home Activities
I’ve been going for long walks, now more than usual, and each day looking for a different path. This is what I came across this week. Spring in Cascais is not like it is in Seattle where there are showy displays of daffodils followed by tulips then the rhododendron, hydrangea, camellias and roses. It’s more subtle yet still a nice sight after a rainy winter.… Read more Continue reading The COVID19 Issue, Deux: Information and Stay at Home Activities
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The CARES Act: The Basics
This is what we know so far about the $2.2 trillion relief bill that passed the Senate unanimously last night. The CARES Act The following information was sourced from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says the House plans to vote on the package via a voice vote on Friday. This gives members who wish to… Read more Continue reading The CARES Act: The Basics
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Lost in Lisbon: The #COVID19 Edition: Information and Entertainment
A friend and I met at the beach in Cascais this morning and, while keeping our distance, walked along the shore, talked and shared our thoughts. After our walk, I went to the local grocery store and bought some goods. I then went home, washed the clothes I was wearing and took a shower. Those are the precautions I received to follow when going out… Read more Continue reading Lost in Lisbon: The #COVID19 Edition: Information and Entertainment
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FeaturedLove in the time of the Coronavirus…and more
The title of this post has been on my mind for a while and I’m even thinking about writing a short novel based just on the title “Love in the time of COVID19”. In the comments, please share how it’s been for you. Are you isolated from your loved ones or partner? Are you together and working out ways to stay together during this time… Read more Continue reading Love in the time of the Coronavirus…and more
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FeaturedOdds and Ends: Sintra, Cascais and Lisbon
We are living in strange times with people becoming ill around the world from a virus that we are just learning about and fear taking hold of many whether it is warranted or not. I am living in a form of isolation myself simply because everyone else has chosen to do so although some of my friends are quarantined for valid reasons. That didn’t stop… Read more Continue reading Odds and Ends: Sintra, Cascais and Lisbon
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FeaturedPalácio de Monserrate
I had the great pleasure of visiting Sintra this week. It is a beautiful town where royalty and their guests vacationed in the summers. What has been left behind from those years of monarchs and kings are beautiful palaces and castles that are now maintained by the state and available for all to enjoy and appreciate. The palace was built by Sir Francis Cook, a… Read more Continue reading Palácio de Monserrate
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FeaturedCarnaval in Lisbon
In the US, we have Mardi Gras, at least in New Orleans, in Portugal there is Carnaval. The largest celebration is seen in the town of Torres Verdes where people join in with costumes, large masks, floats, music and general revelry. This year, many people believed it was time to have a carnaval parade in Lisbon, a city where such parades have been verboten. I… Read more Continue reading Carnaval in Lisbon
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A walk in Cascais
There were a few pieces of business I had to attend to in Cascais, so being in the center of town on a beautiful sunny day, I decided to explore places I hadn’t been to yet. Cascais has a compact town center so it is easy to walk about and discover its hidden gems. My goal, after completing my business, was to visit the iconic… Read more Continue reading A walk in Cascais
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FeaturedA building in Lisbon
This weekend, I visited a building that had recently been renovated and restored by Broteria, a Jesuit community in Lisbon. Portugal is full of surprises but what I saw inside went beyond my expectations. When you see the outside of the older buildings in Lisbon, you have no idea what you will find inside. -Dora Taylor Continue reading A building in Lisbon
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My favorite five this week: On coffee and poets
Coffee, café as it is referred to in Portugal, is an integral part of daily life here. You will find a spot to have a quick expresso at a mall, a sidewalk kiosk, a pastelaria, at a counter in a grocery store or in a café tucked in between shops on just about any street in Lisbon. The option is either for a quick café… Read more Continue reading My favorite five this week: On coffee and poets
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Welcome
I write a lot in different capacities, as an architect, a teacher, a journalist and as an advocate for public education but this time it’s different. This site is more personal and about my adventures through Europe and my musings on whatever subjects come to mind. I moved to Portugal from the US in September and want to share my experiences for those who are… Read more Continue reading Welcome
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Lost in Lisbon 