On the streets of Lisbon, right where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic, there are bridges and statues and ramparts and a host of tourist trapping attractions. A few miles north in an old town Read More …

The body count after the inquisition was grim.  The blood in the cathedrals running free. The body count after each bullfight — sad.  Gored fighters and wounded animals.  The trampled spectators in soccer stadiums — Read More …

Now, I would not dare argue with Google and not even consider debate with Guinness so I will let their claims stand.  Restaurant Botin was founded in 1725.  That is almost three centuries of serving Read More …

In northern Portugal, before locks and hydro electric projects, the railroads carried Port and people.  The old cars sit abandoned on sidings and stations in the river valley.  The lady of vineyards, Ferreira, also the Read More …

As we trespassed locks and visited the carries of yesteryear it became obvious — this river was more than road.  This river that meanders from Porto to Spain carried women and port.  Carried the fruits Read More …

In the Salamanaca square — a monument.  You may have noticed that I am not prone to vainly image monuments.  This monument, with pipes was more than a bronze. Dedicated by the University of Salamanca Read More …

We were sitting in a restaurant in Lisbon last night and a Canadian prarie woman asked us where in Canada we were from.  A brief exchange and we engage in a conversation about recovery.  Her Read More …

The coupling of glazed-fired tile with building exteriors creates a vacuum for paint sales.  Tiles like magazine pages can become a veneer for anything.  These throwback suitcases, laminated with magazine pages are ready for the Read More …

The table is set.  In this museum that masquerades as palace the table is always ready to entertain. The table is unattended. The problem with most invitations is that someone needs to go first.  Who Read More …

Across the miles and along the shores of every country we have visited there have always been demonstrations of recovery.  Meetings.  People living and enjoying life.  Great food.  Wellness!  Great art!  Spiritual nurture and principled Read More …