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Ponta Delgada, Azores: Journey Scenes

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Our trip last week to the Azores didn’t really include Ponta Delgada, but we did have time to hang out and wait for our flight to the island of Pico. We explored the local market, and enjoyed some sidewalk snacks, walking along the seaside and enjoying the sea breeze. This […]

How Much Do Things Cost In Portugal?

Olives in the market in Ponta Delgado Azores.

After a week in Portugal, we’re happy to see that Portugal continues its proud legacy of being one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. How much do things cost in Portugal? This well-deserved reputation is not without a cost. Things are that cheap here because the people make […]

Salema, Portugal: No Soup for You!

The royal view from the balcony of AMare guesthouse in Salema.

Salema Portugal, a tiny and relaxing beach town in the Algarve, at the bottom part of Portugal and famous for grilled seafood on the beach.

Lisbon’s Bouncing Back and the Streets are Packed

Low paid calceteiros are the men who create the works of art on Lisbon's sidewalks.

If someone approaches you in Lisbon, Portugal with an open map and a plaintive look, be suspicious, warned Tanya Galdas, of BikeIberia, a company that rents out bicycles in the capital.  They are very likely to be trying to snatch your wallet and cellphone that will be hidden beneath the […]

Pico, Azores: Spelunking and Exploring the Coast

Fences made with volcanic rock surround all of the vineyards in Pico.

We’ve spent the past few days exploring the small volcanic island of Pico, one of the nine Azores that lie just four hours by plane from Boston. I came here in 2010 but visited only the largest Azore, San Miguel, and tiny Santa Maria Island, where we found that everyone […]

Flying to the Azores Tonight and the Algarve Awaits

The Tivoli Carvoeiro Resort in the Algarve. Portugal.

What could make more excited than the prospect of an overnight flight?  Few things, that’s for sure.  Once again Paul Shoul and I are packing up for an adventure together. This trip will begin on Pico island, in the Azores.  I was last in the Azores in 2010, and Paul […]

9/11 Memories…Where Were You?

My first newspaper interview in 2002, back in the day.

We have a collective memory about today’s anniversary date. Where were YOU on 9/11? I remember the bright sunshine of the day. It was very sunny on Tuesday, Sept 11, 2001. I was getting my eyes checked at my eye doctor, Brian Wadman, who had an office on Gatehouse Road, […]

As Irma Bears Down, George and Laura Stay in Coral Gables FL

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I thought about my friend George Wendell as I read the horrifying reports about the impending Hurricane Irma, bearing down on the Caribbean, and soon, the entire state of Florida.  I sent him a text, asking how he and his wife Laura were doing in Coral Gables, and he gave […]

Maurice Bigras Was One of the Greatest

Moe Bigras

Life gives us so much and then takes away at the same time. I thought about this when I heard of the passing of Maurice “Moe” Bigras, a man I much respected who was a true member of the Greatest Generation. An Air Force man, he raised four kids and […]

Art in the Orchard is Back in Easthampton

Jean-Pierre Pasche in Park HIl Orchard in Easthampton.

Every two years, an apple orchard in Easthampton gets a big shot of visitors. It’s the fourth season of Art in the Orchard, an event that pairs the work of 30 sculptors from the Pioneer Valley and beyond, who exhibit their work along the meandering path through a beautiful Western […]

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