Author: Shayna

It’s interesting to come back to one’s home country on vacation before returning to the normal rhythm of work, play, congregation, laundry, rent payments, etc. somewhere else! Being here …

A couple weeks ago, I went to get some documents for my visa notarized. In order to avoid long lines, I resolved to arrive at the office exactly when …

Malandra Israelense #1 – The woman selling bread on a corner in the Carmel Market “How much is the challah?” I ask. “Ten shekels.” “Okay, we”ll take one.” “These …

While walking down Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, we passed a young man just as he was showing a glimpse of something – rather secretively – to a friend. “Congratulations, …

Today I walked from Florentine to Yafo, then up through Neve Tzedek to Ha-Karmel Market, then east on Sheinkin Street until finally turning back south and heading home via …

I was reflecting a bit on where I was 10 years ago – the beginning of 2000. I was 15, a year and a half away from graduating high …

Adeus adeus, Bahia, minha terra adotada. I may have adopted Brazil, but Brazil hasn’t adopted me. I’m still just another estrangeira, now not allowed to go back for half …

This poem was published in Caxixi issue n. 2, in March 2001. I found a copy in the FICA archives and it is just too good not to share! …

I love the way capoeira undoes everything that a desk job does to my body. Arriving at class, my back is stiff, my muscles atrophied, my eyes strained, my …

Just before my departure from NY, a bunch of us went to a concert with Brazilian musician Jair Oliveira. One of our friends – from Bahia – was excited …