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One theory was that the impérios had been a place that outwardly converted but where secretly practicing Jewish families could meet and practice their faith’s rites. Maybe they even incorporated Jewish iconology into the ceremonies and buildings.
cavaquinho
The Portuguese had brought the instrument to Hawaii.
Chef, who didn’t like to sit still or be alone, had once told me he was glad he was Azorean so he could play music. In the Azores, they pass out instruments to kids in elementary school, and the children learn their instruments together as they learn to play as a band. Chef said if he’d had to be locked away alone to practice like an American kid, he would have never played a note. When music students got older, the ones who really loved their instruments would practice alone to become real musicians. But everyone who grew up on the island could play a little bit of something.
There is something magic about being ten years old. You’re still a little kid, with all the elasticity and glee of childhood, but you’re old enough to be defined. Immigrating at that age, Mannie never felt that he didn’t quite belong in either place, which was common with older immigrants.
aguardente.
O grande bolo—one super big, big cake Biscoitos—a plate of cookies Batata fritas—a huge bowl of potato chips Cerveja—a puddle where they had emptied opened bottles of leftover warm beer
Turlock is next to even-smaller Hilmar, where there are a lot of Portuguese saints painted on house tiles because it’s one of the towns with the highest percentage of Azorean residents in the United States.
Did I mention I was sitting on a hay bale?
I squared my shoulders.
kahili ginger.
Two days later, a volcano beneath the sea erupted. The 1867 submarine eruption is well documented. It was close to the island and set off earthquakes so strong that they changed the landscape. The earth pushed into new hills and opened up in deep ravines. But everyone survived. The legend has it that the hermit’s death broke the protection holding the volcano back but that his prayers had saved the people.
vassoura
