Kicking myself that I didn't mention the Strong Sense of Place episode about Portugal, which everybody in the family listened to and loved before we ventured forth:
Strong Sense of Place is what first introduce me to you, Ron. Mel mentioned it somewhere along the way (maybe in a newsletter?), and I became an immediate follower.
How delightful to get a travel version of your newsletter. All of us, your faithful followers, should chip in occasionally and send you on a trip so that you can write to us about it. (Would that we were that rich!) Sorry about the 100 degrees, but it is 98 in Vermont so...
Yes, have a joyful birthday. Eat pastries, visit ancient sites. Enjoy your week off - Dawn is so right.
What a wonderful newsletter this week! Thank you. "An antique StairMaster tiled in blue" made me laugh out loud and yet - what a precise picture it paints.
Happy birthday! But I question your judgement in skipping the (not) Great State Fair to visit Portugal. Get your priorities straight! Ha ha, have a great time and always listen to your wife.
I live in Spain, but last August we spent about tens days in Porto and ADORED it. The food was terrific, the city is fascinating, and the people are the most welcoming I have ever encountered. I would happily go back.
Don't miss Matriarca -- it's owned by the Symington family, famous for their port. We ate every dinner in their wine bar because the staff were charming, and the food was delicious and so creative. They will take care of you (Don't drink alcohol? No pasa nada. Go for the food and the charm.)
Portugal's posadas, Sintra and the Algarve are a fabulous memory for me too - our honeymoon 34 years ago! I remember the caramel flans, the unpitted olives and doublestrength coffee with steamed milk more than any other food.
Thanks for introducing me (and I suspect other readers of your essays) to the wonders of Portugal. I hope you're having a splendid time, maybe you're back in the USA now? Your weekly columns are always interesting and "novel" - and sometimes non-fiction, for which we are eternally grateful. Enjoy your "Dawn" time = look forward to reading you after the poisoned celebrations are over. We all will enjoy our local celebrations, sans the lame propaganda in DC from the lame duck.
So happy to have found your wonderful Stack (via FB). Books and travel are a dream combo. I've spent some time in Portugal and wasn't enamored, but your post makes me remember what I did enjoy. I have a dear friend who came to DISQUIET for many years and has told me many wonderful stories. Enjoy your break!
I did your same itinerary (Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra and Porto) last September. I’m sure you’re planning visits to the astounding university library in Coimbra and Porto’s bookstore that’s packed to the rafters with tourists but beautiful nonetheless. I look forward to reading more about your trip’s literary highlights.
Thanks for introducing me to some Portuguese poets, like Ruy Belo. "My only country is where I feel at home
it’s where I pay for that feeling with suffering" - fitting for how I feel about our country today. Glad to see that you are getting to see some wonderful sites and enjoying some delicious food. Wishing you a very happy birthday tomorrow.
You made my day. Happy Birthday Ron. You are delightful
I’d watch a PBS show that combined your book knowledge with travel. Could you get on that please?
Thanks, Darren.
(As soon as I get home, I assume I'll be swamped with offers from TV producers!)
You might like the podcast "Strong Sense of Place." It's one of my favorites!
Kicking myself that I didn't mention the Strong Sense of Place episode about Portugal, which everybody in the family listened to and loved before we ventured forth:
https://strongsenseofplace.com/destinations/portugal/
Strong Sense of Place is what first introduce me to you, Ron. Mel mentioned it somewhere along the way (maybe in a newsletter?), and I became an immediate follower.
Oooo I like this idea!
How delightful to get a travel version of your newsletter. All of us, your faithful followers, should chip in occasionally and send you on a trip so that you can write to us about it. (Would that we were that rich!) Sorry about the 100 degrees, but it is 98 in Vermont so...
Yes, have a joyful birthday. Eat pastries, visit ancient sites. Enjoy your week off - Dawn is so right.
(The pests in the White House were cuter back then.) hahahahahahaha
(Glad you enjoyed that, JC.)
Thanks for thinking of us on your travels - but ALWAYS listen to Dawn. Enjoy your birthday fully and completely. We'll be waiting for your return!
I misread Sintra for Sinatra…and tried to figure out the connection! Too early for me and I need coffee.
I almost did that every time I read it!
What a wonderful newsletter this week! Thank you. "An antique StairMaster tiled in blue" made me laugh out loud and yet - what a precise picture it paints.
Enjoy the holiday.
Thank you, Susan. So glad you enjoyed this week's issue.
Happy 4th!
Happy birthday! But I question your judgement in skipping the (not) Great State Fair to visit Portugal. Get your priorities straight! Ha ha, have a great time and always listen to your wife.
Thank you!
Carry on without me at the Great State Fair as best you can….
Happy Birthday, Ron! Enjoy your escape and thanks for sharing it in your inimitable fashion.
Thank you, Elaine. So glad you enjoyed this week's issue.
I live in Spain, but last August we spent about tens days in Porto and ADORED it. The food was terrific, the city is fascinating, and the people are the most welcoming I have ever encountered. I would happily go back.
Don't miss Matriarca -- it's owned by the Symington family, famous for their port. We ate every dinner in their wine bar because the staff were charming, and the food was delicious and so creative. They will take care of you (Don't drink alcohol? No pasa nada. Go for the food and the charm.)
Thanks for the good advice, Elizabeth.
(We went to Spain in 2017 and adored it!)
Dawn is absolutely correct: no work on vacation!
Portugal's posadas, Sintra and the Algarve are a fabulous memory for me too - our honeymoon 34 years ago! I remember the caramel flans, the unpitted olives and doublestrength coffee with steamed milk more than any other food.
Thanks for introducing me (and I suspect other readers of your essays) to the wonders of Portugal. I hope you're having a splendid time, maybe you're back in the USA now? Your weekly columns are always interesting and "novel" - and sometimes non-fiction, for which we are eternally grateful. Enjoy your "Dawn" time = look forward to reading you after the poisoned celebrations are over. We all will enjoy our local celebrations, sans the lame propaganda in DC from the lame duck.
So glad you enjoyed this, Babs. I hope to have a few more stories when I get home. (We're in Coimbra now.)
So happy to have found your wonderful Stack (via FB). Books and travel are a dream combo. I've spent some time in Portugal and wasn't enamored, but your post makes me remember what I did enjoy. I have a dear friend who came to DISQUIET for many years and has told me many wonderful stories. Enjoy your break!
Thanks so finding me here!
I did your same itinerary (Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra and Porto) last September. I’m sure you’re planning visits to the astounding university library in Coimbra and Porto’s bookstore that’s packed to the rafters with tourists but beautiful nonetheless. I look forward to reading more about your trip’s literary highlights.
Thanks for introducing me to some Portuguese poets, like Ruy Belo. "My only country is where I feel at home
it’s where I pay for that feeling with suffering" - fitting for how I feel about our country today. Glad to see that you are getting to see some wonderful sites and enjoying some delicious food. Wishing you a very happy birthday tomorrow.