The mention of Naples unleashes a stream of love it or hate it adjectives; filthy, enchanting, frenetic, dangerous. A girlfriend simply warned, “Be careful. A thief broke my friend’s arm while stealing his gold Rolex.” Fortunately, I have my Walmart… Read More ›
Archive
A Simple Life Above the Amalfi Coast of Italy
Montepertuso sits perched fifteen hundred steps above the glitter of Positano; a ramshackle village clinging to both the mountain side and its old time family traditions. Our landlord, Giacomo, offered to meet us at the only coffee shop in town;… Read More ›
Hungarian Holidays, Mandatory Work Days, Rest Days and My Confusion
May 1st is Labor Day here in Hungary along with most of the countries in Europe. Unlike the United States, where Labor Day creates a three day weekend by definition, Labor Day in Hungary may fall on any of the… Read More ›
Ending my Freddie Mercury Obsession
Freddie Mercury died more than twenty years ago, yet I never heard of him until last month. One night Pat looked up from his computer and mentioned how much he loved Freddie Mercury. Who’s he? The lead singer of Queen…. Read More ›
“How do you break the attachment to your things?”
First step, the stuff must go… When we are on vacation – or even at home – restaurant conversations have a way of starting. Someone recognizes us as fellow Americans, and we chat: “Where are you from?” “Originally,… Read More ›