DEC 3 | LITERARY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ASIA, with Raquel Ochoa

Literary conversations about travels in Asia, led by renowned writers, serve as spaces for cultural exchange, reflection, and discovery. In these conversations, the authors explore not only the places they visit, but also the encounters, social contrasts, and inner transformations prompted by travel. By sharing their experiences, the authors reflect on the limits of language, the challenges of cultural translation, and the ethical responsibility of representing different realities. These conversations highlight the role of the writer-traveler as a cultural mediator, interpreting the “other” while confronting themselves, as travel becomes an intellectual and emotional journey that broadens horizons - for both the writer and the reader. Biographical note Winner of the Agustina Bessa-Luís New Talent Award for her novel A Casa-Comboio, the story of a family from Daman in the little-known Portuguese India, published in 2010 and since translated into Italian. She was a finalist for the 2023 LeYa Prize with her recent novel Coração-Castelo, about a true story that took place in Japan in 1637. Raquel Ochoa is the author of historical novels: Mar Humano and As Noivas do Sultão; biographies: Bana – Uma Vida a Cantar Cabo Verde, A Infanta Rebelde, and Manuel Vicente – A Desmontagem do Desconhecido; and travel writing: O Vento dos Outros and Sem Fim à vista – A Viagem. Her work always places a special focus on cultural encounters throughout history. Born in Lisbon, she graduated in law but soon changed course to travel, writing about her journeys and leading groups in several countries she regularly returns to, such as India, Cape Verde, the Philippines, and Japan. She organizes and leads mini-tours around the globe in collaboration with Pinto Lopes Viagens travel agency. With the support of Pinto Lopes Viagens Information: ca.cfc@scml.pt I +351 213 235 004 Maximum of 50 participants. Free admission. Asia House – Francisco Capelo Collection Largo Trindade Coelho, 22, 1200- 450 Lisbon (near Chiado)