Jerónimos Monastery

This has to be one of the longest buildings I saw in Portugal: It stretched and stretched along the road, its towers hovering above the lines of the apartment and office buildings nearby. It’s a beautiful spot with lots to explore and see, and a bit of a focal point for visits in the area.

Belém Tower

One of the most iconic sights in Lisbon is Belem Tower. It sits just off a nice sandy beach on the outskirts of a now public park. Back in the day, however, it was a fearsome welcome to those who thought they could simply walk… or sail… into the heart of Portugal.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

There is no shortage to history and importance of Portugal’s seafaring prowess in centuries gone-by along the Tagus. By Jerónimos Monastery on the banks of the river is Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a very large and imposing monument dedicated to that gilded golden age of Portugal.

Boca do Inferno

Do you like nature? How about tall seaside cliffs with crashing waves? One of the most spectacular views to be had in Portugal would definitely be Boca do Inferno, which we checked out as a small day trip from Lisbon.

Life in Japan With Covid-19: State of Emergency

A few weeks ago, Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency for a few choice provinces around Japan. Just last week, he expanded that to include the entire nation. So what does that mean for me and the rest of my community here in Japan?

Life in Japan With Covid-19: Anti-Coronavirus Mascots?

Japan has a mascot for just about anything and a global pandemic doesn’t stop those creative impulses. There was, earlier this year, the introduction of an official quarantine mascot who came out of the shadows of obscurity to shine once more. Additionally, an old Edo-era monster, known as a Yokai, has been gaining popularity for […]

Alfama and the Azulejos Museum

I can’t begin to describe how much I love these colorful tiles. Similar styles exist in Mexico, and as I was growing up, my mother would buy pots, tiles, and other ceramics with a very similar aesthetic, really bringing the designs near and dear to my heart. Portugal is very proud of their tiling traditions, […]

Livraria Lello in Porto

This is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, and for good reason. JK Rowling has cited this humble book purveyor as one of her inspirations for her book series, Harry Potter. While many people come here the capture some of that magic for themselves, to inspire their imaginations and realize the magic […]

Sao Jorge Castle

Up one of the seven hills of Lisbon, you can find the ruins of the castle of Sao Jorge. Just past some gift shops, sloping past an outdoor urinal (oh how I wish I had taken a picture of it!), and in the sights of a statue of Saint George himself, you can step back […]

Surgical/Medical Masks in Japan

Something that I thought would be appropriate to discuss was the use of surgical masks in Japan. I can’t speak for other Asian countries, but we tend to see lots of images of Asian people, in general, in surgical masks going about their daily routines. Many in the west scratch their head and ask “Why?” […]