Language learning through magazines, boat & tote, and the Neapolitan Novels

The Week That Was

Jul 14, 2024

‘The Week That Was’ is a free weekly Sunday newsletter that includes five things on my mind (books, travel, art, culture, food, learning, style, decor, etc.) as well as articles and podcasts I enjoyed during the week, an album of the week, and other recommendations. If you enjoy these topics, consider becoming a paid subscriber. For $5 a month, you will have access to the rest of the We, Renaissance Women content, including my monthly book round-up, a monthly style digest, travel guides, lifestyle essays and interviews, and the country bulletin series.

*Icon of the Mother of God and Infant Christ (Virgin Eleousa)* c. 1425–50. From the Cleveland Museum of Art

1. Africa & Byzantium Exhibit: I have a sweater that says, “I Liked Cleveland Before It Was Cool,” which is accurate, and I stand by it. Whatever you say about the city of Cleveland, the only accurate description of the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is that it is superb. The permanent collection is always free to visit, and the special exhibitions are—without fail—fascinating. Some of my favourite exhibits have been at the CMA.

Last weekend, while in Cleveland, my Mum and I visited two days in a row to see two different exhibits. The first was a small, free exhibition on Korean Couture (I posted a selection of photos here), which was delightful. Later, we ventured back to see the current special exhibition, “Africa & Byzantium.”

Organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art (the only two museums to host the exhibit), it “considers the complex artistic relationships between northern and eastern African Christian kingdoms and the Byzantine Empire from the fourth century CE and beyond.”

The works are from present-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Sudan, and Tunisia, among others, and demonstrate the unique arts and breathtaking craftsmanship that developed in the region. Egypt and North Africa, in particular, contributed significantly to late imperial Roman arts and were home to diverse, multicultural communities.

I particularly enjoyed seeing the arts that linked the medieval Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities and how they inspired each other. In the West, we rarely see art or learn about this region during this period, so visiting an entire exhibit (with more than 160 works!) is a blessing.

The exhibit is on until Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Some moments deserve a sparkling non-alc rosé.

2. A Non-Alcoholic Wine: Another winner in the non-alcoholic wine category, Proxies sparkling rosé is my current favourite in the rotation; made from riesling grape juice, strawberry, and black currant, it is light and crisp, ideal for a summer afternoon.

The cans seem to be popping up everywhere, from cafes to restaurants and non-alcoholic bottle shops. While sitting out on a patio with friends, I sipped on them while they enjoyed their alcoholic drinks, and it just added a special taste to the moment.

Up next on my list to try is the Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge, which is touted to be the closest option to an alcoholic red wine (something that seems to be the hardest to do).

The best-looking “homework” I have ever had.

3. Language Learning Strategy: I’m always seeking ways to expand my language learning beyond my weekly Spanish tutoring. Mostly, I listen to Spanish podcasts and have a couple of Spanish books that I dip in and out of. However, upon learning about the Spanish-language magazine Manera, I quickly recognized a new strategy to add to the list.

Manera is an interiors, design, architecture, and art magazine focused on creatives from Spain and Latin America. Founded two years ago, the title has been publishing a Spanish edition and just recently began a Mexican edition.

I have not yet found a way to purchase the physical magazine in the US; however, the website is filled with enough great articles for my studies, like this feature on the textile designer and artisan Marta Menéres’ new farmhouse and a look into a new hotel in Ibiza inspired by Palm Springs.

Additionally, they publish a weekly newsletter featuring short interviews, updates on shops, restaurants, and ideas, and other interesting design and culture happenings. I spent some time this morning reading through the newsletter and making notes on grammar and vocabulary questions I have for my tutor.

Whatever language you are learning, reading magazines, newsletters, or other short articles about topics that interest you is a great way to further your learning, both in the language and in the topics. I’m constantly reading about art, design, and culture, so being able to read about these interests in a broader context feels incredibly exciting and is a true benefit of language learning.

Attended an author talk about this new release that “contemplates Ferrante's Neapolitan novels through the lens of memoir, literary criticism, and issues of authorial identity and gender.”

4. Elena Ferrante and ‘The List’: On Friday morning, when the official results of the NYTime’s top ten books of the 21st century were released (after days of counting down the top 100), I was surprised but also thrilled to see Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend take the coveted top spot. This book, the first in the Neopolitan Quartet, is magnificent - a character study of two women and a story of female friendship unlike any other. (The fourth book in the Quartet also made the list, as did a third book by Ferrante, The Days of Abandonment).

As luck would have it, Friday evening, I was already going to a book talk with writer Gina Frangello about her new release, Elena Ferrante's Neopolitan Novels Bookmarked. In this work, Frangello “contemplates Ferrante's Neapolitan novels through the lens of memoir, literary criticism, and issues of authorial identity and gender.”

While I have not yet read her book, her talk brought up so many interesting additional layers to the novel and different ways to think about the characters and scenes. (For example, she provided some very thought-provoking insights into the character of Lila’s mother.) So, I am looking forward to diving into her thoughts soon.

For more on the NYTimes top 100 books list, I compiled all the books written by women (54) into a list on my Bookshop storefront. I also enjoyed the NYT’s The Book Review episode about the list.

I am officially in the ‘boat and tote’ club and couldn’t be happier.

5. LL Bean Tote: The hype is real. The LL Bean ‘Boat and Tote’ bag is brilliant. Mine arrived at the beginning of July, and I have used it day and night for the past two weeks, including as my personal item while flying. I initially purchased one for my sister-in-law as a birthday gift and then realized that it would be even better if we had matching ones (shrug).

I opted for the classic initials monogram (rather than the sarcastic/funny words people are getting), and I adore how they look. For sizing, it is the medium tote with regular handles in dark green with a persimmon monogram. The bag fits so much - my laptop, book, water bottle, multiple pouches with all the bits and bobs in - and it feels sturdy even when filled to the brim (it is tested to hold up to 500 pounds). Plus, it looks good with almost everything.

A very well-dressed older woman at work commented “It’s my favourite bag!!” the first day I wore it to work. She went on, “I have so many of those bags, nothing compares.” When I told her it is my first, she welcomed me to the club. First made in 1944, take this as a reminder that things are often classics for a reason.

What is interesting in your world? Would love to hear from you!

Language learning through magazines, boat & tote, and the Neapolitan Novels

The Week That Was

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