The Ides of January

The Swan Father, Being a Loser in Brugge, a Portuguese Cemetery Symbol & how did we forget to try the wine? Enjoy!

Psst! In case you’re new here, my name is Tui Snider and this is my newsletter — a twice-monthly update on my world travels and historic cemetery research. (If this ain’t your cup of tea, there’s an unsubscribe button at the bottom of this email.)

My first Tui sighting of this trip!

Stay Wild, Tui!

While the mural wasn’t actually referring to me—or any other Tuis who might wander by—I couldn’t resist snapping a selfie with the cheery “Stay Wild, Tui” artwork in Madeira. The name caught my eye immediately, but it’s actually connected to TUI Group, a European travel agency that operates everything from cruise ships to all-inclusive resorts.

Still, I couldn’t help but laugh. A "Tui" sighting in the wild is rare enough, let alone one with a message that seems tailor-made for me!

What’s in this issue:

I’ve got three travel essays and a cemetery symbolism post to share with you this time around. Hope you enjoy them!

1. “Memories of Brugge: On Time & Being a Loser” A special day in Brugge marked a turning point in my relationship with my parents, my self-esteem, and how I think about time.

2. “Hamburgers in Hamburg” The Swan Father makes an offer you can't refuse, while we ponder the true meaning of a St. Pauli Girl.

3. “Putting the Fun in Funchal” Pastries, Mosaics, Folkdance, and Penis, the Musical? Fun day, but we forgot to try the wine.

4. Cemetery Symbolism: Saudade Sighting in Madeira? In Portugal, saudade is more than an emotion, it’s practically an identity that permeates the arts, literature— and even its cemeteries.

5. ICYMI

1. A special day in Brugge marked a turning point in my relationship with my parents, my self-esteem, and how I think about time. (I bear my heart a little in this one.)

2. The Swan Father makes an offer you can't refuse, while we ponder the true meaning of a St. Pauli Girl.

3. Pastries, Mosaics, Pointy Hats, and Penis, the Musical? (And how did we forget to try the wine?)

4. Cemetery Symbolism: Saudade Sighting in Madeira?

Cemetery Symbolism: Saudade Sighting in Madeira? In Portugal, saudade is more than an emotion, it’s an identity that permeates the arts, literature— and even its cemeteries.

5. ICYMI

In case you missed it:

• My article for this month’s American Cemetery and Cremation Magazine focuses on a famous cemetery statue many call “The Mona Lisa of Cemetery Angels.” (And I did some research to untangle her lurid tale!)

• 2025 Italy Cemetery Art Workshop starts in Rome: Want to join us? It’s gonna be fun!

• My visit to a Tiki Bar in the Arctic Circle - Oddly enough, it gave me a good taste of Norwegian culture.

Next time, I’ll answer your questions

Hope you enjoyed this newsletter. On Ground Hogs Day, I’ll pop into your inbox with more travel and tombstone updates — just like a perky little rodent.

Ooh - before I forget: A few people emailed questions about this trip and my writing, etc... after the last newsletter. Thanks so much for sending them! I will answer your questions in the next missive.

I’m always open to your comments, questions and suggestions — so feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.

Ciao for now! ~Tui