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David Paul Appell's Blog – May 2012 Archive (4)

A Review of Eurovision 2012 and Winner "Euphoria" from Sweden's Loreen Talhaoui

Ever since I’ve been traveling to Europe starting in 1977 – well before American Idol or The X Factor – the Eurovision annual song contest…

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Added by David Paul Appell on May 26, 2012 at 6:30pm — 2 Comments

Jews in Spain: Rediscovering Majorca’s Secret Jewish Heritage

Oy vey, olé! Everyone knows that most Jews in Spain were given the royal boot back in 1492, the same year Chris Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue, right? Well, yes and no. Some managed to hang on, and the story of how they did so in secret constitutes a fascinating slice…

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Added by David Paul Appell on May 25, 2012 at 11:39am — No Comments

In Mexico, Good Wine? You Bet, Amigos

What, surprised? Yep, it’s true that Mexico’s about more than tequila and beer. In fact, vino here dates back to the 16th century, when vines were brought over from Spain – so never mind Argentina and Chile, Mexico is where this hemisphere’s wine heritage was sown, and the Western Hemisphere’s…

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Added by David Paul Appell on May 21, 2012 at 11:00am — 2 Comments

Soak This: The Thermal Baths of Budapest, Hungary

One of my very favorite things to do in Budapest when I spent some time there a few years ago was to spend a nice, soothing afternoon at a wonderful old fürdő (bath house). In the day and age of the elaborate luxury…