Our family journey through Lisbon in Washington Family Magazine!

The latest online issue of Washington Family Magazine features my travel feature on Lisbon!
Join us as we delve into the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability. Our family has visited Lisbon twice, pre- and post-pandemic, and each time, we've found new adventures in one of Europe's oldest nations.

Our favorite neighborhood in Lisbon is Alfama, the city's oldest area, where historic buildings with red-clay roofs and cobblestone streets create a picturesque scene. We also explored the Castelo de São Jorge, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the city.

Lisbon isn't just about history. The city is also home to one of the largest aquariums in Europe, the Lisbon Oceanarium, which houses over 8,000 marine animals from around the world.

The city's main pedestrian street, Rua Augusta, is filled with cafes and restaurants where we sampled local delicacies like pastel de nata, a delicious egg custard pastry.

Our journey through Lisbon offered us a chance to immerse ourselves in a different culture and create lasting family memories. 

Check out the full story in Washington Family Magazine at the link below:

https://www.washingtonfamily.com/lisbon-authentic-affordable-family-friendly/ 

BrickHouse Books 50th Anniversary Event at The Ivy

Join Clarinda Harriss, Charles Rammelkamp, John Adam Wasowicz, myself, and a host of others as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of BrickHouse Books and its founder, poet and publisher Clarinda Harriss.

The event takes place this Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 6 p.m. at The Ivy Bookshop, 5928 Falls road, Baltimore, Maryland.

Clarinda will take the stage, followed by other authors who will speak or read from their work. Signed books will be available for purchase.

Come celebrate Maryland’s oldest independent press still in operation today!

Learn more about the free event here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-birthday-bash-for-brickhouse-books-celebration-of-clarinda-harriss-tickets-645613065057

Learn more about BrickHouse Books here:

https://brickhousebooks.wordpress.com/about/

Krakow: A Tale of Two Cities - Unraveling Jewish History and Culture with My Son

My son and I were excited to explore Krakow, a city that boasts a stunning Old Town Square, historical landmarks, and the famous Wawel Royal Castle. However, we were also drawn to a lesser-known side of Krakow: the rich and resilient history of its Jewish community. Join us on our journey by reading: "Exploring Jewish Krakow: Tracing the Rich History and Culture of Poland's Jewish Community" in Go World Travel Magazine.

Delve into Krakow's fascinating Jewish history as we visit synagogues dating back to the 1500s, Schindler's Factory, and Ghetto Hero's Square. Learn about the important role King Casimir III played in the development of the Jewish community and how it thrived until the devastating events of World War II. Walk with us as we navigate the lively Kazimierz neighborhood, now home to an array of Jewish and Polish restaurants, cafes, and shops, and discover how the area's revitalization began with the filming of Schindler's List in the early 1990s.

Although our visit to Krakow did not include a trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau, as my son was under the recommended age, our journey provided us with valuable insights into the lives of the city's Jewish community and their enduring strength and perseverance.

Embark on this father-son adventure by reading "Exploring Jewish Krakow: Tracing the Rich History and Culture of Poland's Jewish Community" in Go World Travel Magazine.

https://www.goworldtravel.com/jewish-community-krakow/

Multiple Bed Partners

 

For many, bedtime is the best time of the day.  Not for the sleeping, but for all that happens before sleep comes.  Exciting things can happen at the end of a long day in a comfortable bed.

Sometimes, it all depends on how many bed partners you keep.  I’ve always been one for multiple bed partners. They, after all, can make or break the final hours before sleep arrives, can be the difference between excitement and boredom, infatuation and indifference.  And when one begins to shed its allure, you can always put your hands on another.

I’m talking, of course, about books.

Books are always stacked on my bedside nightstand, although none of them remain permanent residents.  Some readers prefer to focus on one story at a time, but I tend to keep multiple books beside me.  With three or four novels in progress at any given time, I know there will always be something to interest me, regardless of my mood.

At the moment, I’m sharing my bed with Jonathan Franzen’s Crossroads, Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House, David Mitchell’s Utopia Avenue, and George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: in which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life.

Who have you been sharing your bed with?