Dolmen of Zambujeiro
Stoned in the Alentejo
Halfway to Spain from Lisbon, we explored some of the best Neolithic sites around – an ancient way to get stoned. It had been a long, long time since we did a tourist visit anywhere.…
Along the trail, Monsanto
Up and over Lisbon
Parque Florestal de Monsanto may not be the most challenging peak in the area. Along the trail, Monsanto But our measurement of its climb at 120 meters or so, makes it a higher altitude within…
Our dining group -1
Weaving a new life in Lisbon
We are not new to Portugal. We are, however, new to making a life here for a year or two. So we face the usual start-up questions and dilemmas. Where do we go to buy…
Hosam & Hoda
Shukrun back to our Jordanian family
Though muted this year, Jordan’s spring celebration of Ramadan demonstrated fully the admirable qualities of its people: charitable, family-oriented, pious, learned and full of good humor. Our extended stay let us see all these qualities…
Outlasting Covid-19: a Jordan journal-18
Departing Jordan... After four and a half months in Jordan, our “covid-19 normal,” we were flying out. Our time there extended far past the month we planned back in February, partly due to Nancy’s recovery…
Qasr al Abd villa
On tour again at Qasr al Abd
It felt so good to be touring once more. After 3 full months of restrictions, lockdowns and curfews in Jordan – plus a few stumbles on arranging a car rental – we were freed to…
Outlasting Covid-19: a Jordan journal-17
A not so usual celebration of Eidh The festival of Eidh al Fitr has passed, as has the coincident 74th Year of Jordanian Independence. It has been a relatively quiet time compared to the usual…
Jordan protects itself well (Image from Roya-TV)
Outlasting Covid-19: a Jordan journal-16
Jordan's recovery: The power of just one After over a week when Jordan reported no new internal cases of covid-19, and many of the limitations of lockdown were lifted, suddenly the statistics looked bad –…
Jordan journal-15: Sounds of the lockdown
Just for fun... In 70 seconds, here are some of the sounds and sights of Amman, Jordan’s capital, during its coronavirus lockdown (yes, it makes more sense with volume up): Curfew alarms sound at 6pmThe…
Outlasting Covid-19: a Jordan journal-14
Week 7 of Jordan lockdown: Spring awakening… A lot has changed in Jordan over the last 10 days. The spring flowers have come and gone. And so has the virus. After many days with only…