Anchors Aweigh

CONGRATULATIONS!

A JOB WELL DONE!

Our journey into cyberspace is about to end. Before you embark on the next leg of your training, I would like to say that it has, indeed, been a pleasure meeting and working with you. I hope you enjoyed the tasks and learned something from each of them. I wish you fair winds and smooth sailing now and always . . .

"Until we meet once more,

Here's wishing you a happy voyage home."

from the song Anchors Aweigh by George D. Lottman

Another success!

Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories. I was truly spellbound!

Writing is a form of communication which transends boundaries. It is not only for the "here and now", but also can become a part of the future. It is not only a matter of grammar and vocabulary, but also introspection and reflection. It is that bit of "the author" that lingers in our memory, or perhaps even cyberspace . . .

The Legend of Valongo and Susao

Mr. Moura and Mr. Martins recount:

Once there was a rich Jewish man called Samuel. His daughter, Susana, wanted to marry a Moor called Domus. They ran away to an uninhabited valley and gave birth to a new village named "Susao" in honor of Susana. Since that time that beautiful valley became known as "Valongo".

The Legend of the Headless of Montemor-o-Velho

Mr. Martinho and Mr. Gregorio remember:

In Montemor-o-Velho during the Moorish invasion, a fortress was besieged. When the supplies finished, them men sadly decapitated their families to prevent their capture and torture. With nothing to lose and willing to die, they won the battle. On their return, they miraculously found their families alive.

The Legend of the Enchanted Cave

Mr. Vigario and Mr. P. Ferreira remark:

In Sintra a captured noble fell in love with a Moorish princess. He escaped but was wounded trying to return to her. She was also injured taking him to shelter. They died in each others arms. She still appears near the cave where a scream can also be heard . . .

The Legend of Seven Cities

Mr. Pola and Mr. Henriques reveal:

In the Azores there were two families that hated each other. One had a boy with saphire eyes, the other a girl with emerald eyes. They fell in love. Their parents found out and separated them. They cried so much they created two logoons - one blue, one green.

The Legend of Martim Moniz

Mr. Neto and D. Ferreira recall:

In one of the attempts to reclaim the city of Lisbon which was in the possession of the Moors, Martim Moniz, a soldier in D. Afonso Henriques' army, used his body to stop the fortress door from closing, giving passage to the rest of the army costing him his life.

Final Task

TASK 3

Mini Saga/Legends

There are many colorful legends here in Portugal and I felt it would be worthwhile to share them with the universe. Therefore, our final task will be group work in which you will recount a Portuguese legend in English. Your group can work with your favorite or choose one from the file provided in class or the following link:

http://lendasdeportugal.no.sapo.pt/index.htm .

Easy, you say! No problem! Consider it done!

Well, before you begin you need to know that there's a catch. You will be writing mini sagas. Remember that a mini saga is a complete story in not more than fifty (50) words.

To get you started here is one example from the guided practice that we did in class on The Legend of the Almond Trees in Flower.

Once a Moorish king married a Nordic princess. Although loved, she was unhappy. To please her, almond trees were planted across the Algarve. One February morning the queen was surpised to see a white landscape similar to her home. Her sadness disappeared and she thanked her husband for the "snow".

Now you try it. Remember - 50 words or less. Be concise!

Another Assignment Accomplished . . .

Pat yourselves on the back for doing such a great job! The Lisbon-Dakar race can now begin! Stay tuned to this space for your final task.

Mr. Dias advises . . .

Mr. D. Ferreira declares . . .

Mr. P. Ferreira encourages . . .

Mr. Gregorio shouts . . .

Mr. Henriques gasps . . .

Mr. Martinho suggests . . .

Mr. Martins insists . . .

Mr. Moura concludes . . .

Mr. Neto exclaims . . .

Mr. Pola jokes . . .

Mr. Vigario warns . . .

Lisbon to Dakar 2006

Task 2

As you are aware, the next Dakar Rally will begin in Lisbon on December 31. Organisers said 508 teams - 240 motorcycles, 180 cars and 80 trucks - will race from December 31 to January 15 with stages through Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Guinea before the finish in Senegal. This is quite an exciting race and I'm sure that you are all waiting impatiently for the fun to begin.

Your task is to leave messages for the participants. For many of them it will not only be their first time in Portugal but also their first time in a rally! Let's give them a hand: offer advice, give driving tips, present touristic information, or just provide encouragement.

Let's show them just how hospitable we can be!

Please be advised that space is at a premium and you are limited to a maximum of 20 characters and spaces. Good luck!