Time Traveler’s Guide: Immersing in Germany’s Legends at the Roman Museum | Xanten, Germany | Art of Saudade

Welcome, fellow travelers, to a captivating tale of ancient lands, epic battles, and myths. In our quest to explore the rich history of Germany, we embark on a journey back in time to the 1st century BC. Join us as we traverse the remnants of an era when the Roman Republic sought to conquer the lands of Germania, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the … Continue reading Time Traveler’s Guide: Immersing in Germany’s Legends at the Roman Museum | Xanten, Germany | Art of Saudade

Unlocking the Charms of Sintra: Portugal’s Fairytale Escape | Art of Saudade

Welcome to Sintra, a place where reality is intertwined with fairytales, and every step leads you deeper into a realm of enchantment. Located amidst the mystical Serra de Sintra, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of captivating stories and historical wonders. Join me on a journey as we delve into the secrets that make Sintra a truly magical destination. Legend has it … Continue reading Unlocking the Charms of Sintra: Portugal’s Fairytale Escape | Art of Saudade

Lost in Lisbon’s Words: A Journey Inspired by Fernando Pessoa | Art of Saudade

The enigmatic presence of Fernando Pessoa continues to guide us through Lisbon’s labyrinthine and poetic streets. Before embarking on my journey to the magnificent Portuguese capital, I made sure to read this poet’s masterpiece, a guidebook called “Lisbon – What the Tourist Should See”. By following his footsteps, I could delve deeper into the very same streets that inspired his exquisite verses, and experience the … Continue reading Lost in Lisbon’s Words: A Journey Inspired by Fernando Pessoa | Art of Saudade

Moving through Space and Time: Georges Perec’s Insights on Moving | Art of Saudade

Moving is one of the most profound human experiences, a transformative journey that challenges us to embrace the unknown. It is a change of space, of place, of life. This outlook is echoed by French writer Georges Perec, who reflected on the many facets of space, including the experience of moving in his essay Species of Spaces. “The art of living is the art of … Continue reading Moving through Space and Time: Georges Perec’s Insights on Moving | Art of Saudade

Beyond the Selfie Stick: How Voluntourism Can Help You Connect with the World

Imagine embarking on a journey to another country where the sun-kissed skies and enchanting landscapes mesmerize you at every turn. Now, picture yourself lending a helping hand to the locals and making a real difference in their lives. That’s the beauty of voluntourism – the perfect blend of adventure, self-discovery, and social responsibility. This is where it all started. Portugal has been on my bucket … Continue reading Beyond the Selfie Stick: How Voluntourism Can Help You Connect with the World

Exploring the Enchanted Forests of the Balkans: A Hiking Adventure for Fiction Writers | Kamenjane waterfalls | Art of Saudade

The forest is the perfect place to escape everyday life’s noise and distractions and focus on your thoughts and emotions. The sights, sounds, and smells of the forest provide a sense of tranquility, peace, and isolation, which is a great way to reconnect with nature, unwind and de-stress. Kamenjane is a village located in the Shar Mountains, among the highest mountains in the Balkans. The … Continue reading Exploring the Enchanted Forests of the Balkans: A Hiking Adventure for Fiction Writers | Kamenjane waterfalls | Art of Saudade

Jorge Luis Borges on Life and Regrets | Art of Saudade

“Any life, however long and complicated it may be, actually consists of a single moment — the moment when a man knows forevermore who he is.” –Jorge Luis Borges Only 20th-century writer Jorge Luis Borges could poetically express the essence of life without using any poetry. During his childhood, he had everything to become one of the best storytellers in the world: his mother often … Continue reading Jorge Luis Borges on Life and Regrets | Art of Saudade

The Art of Writing an Entire Novel Without The Letter E | Georges Perec | Art of Saudade

Can you make a sentence without using the letter E? It may seem a bit hard, but not impossible. How about a 500 characters text? It’s getting more complicated, right? Now try to write a 500 pages novel without one of the most commonly used letters in the alphabet (at least in most of the European languages). Well, this is what the French author Georges … Continue reading The Art of Writing an Entire Novel Without The Letter E | Georges Perec | Art of Saudade

Why Literature Matters | Roland Barthes On The Real Meaning Of Words | Art of Saudade

Who was Roland Barthes? Roland Barthes was born in the middle of World War 1, an event that marked him for life. Raised during the bloodshed that devastated Europe, Roland found refuge in literature. He dedicated his life to literary creation and criticism and, by the end of his 40s, he managed to publish his collection Mythologies, where he gathered myths of popular culture. He … Continue reading Why Literature Matters | Roland Barthes On The Real Meaning Of Words | Art of Saudade

5 Lessons You Can Learn From Rumi | Inspirational Quotes To Live By | Art of Saudade

When life gives you pain, transform it into gold. Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure. Where there is a wound, there is light entering. 13th-century Persian poet Rumi spent his life traveling and meditating on the meaning of life. Contemplating the universe, he became aware of life’s biggest mysteries and shared them with humanity in the most glorious form – poetry. … Continue reading 5 Lessons You Can Learn From Rumi | Inspirational Quotes To Live By | Art of Saudade