German by Birth, Portuguese by Marriage: Octogenarian, Ingrid Bloser Martins, Recognized in Japan as a Woman of Distinction [Ep 16]

Women Who Walk

In this episode, I have a kitchen-table style conversation with German-born, wise elder, Ingrid Bloser Martins. Ingrid is my neighbor in Estoril, Portugal, and she is someone I've come to know over the years as a woman whose diverse cultural experiences have afforded her a unique perspective. Our conversation focuses primarily on her insights into Japanese culture, as Japan is the longest posting her Portuguese husband was assigned as a diplomat, and it's where they lived in the Shibuya center of Tokyo for 8 years in the early 1960s. During this time, Ingrid mastered the ancient art of ikebana or cut flower arranging. Later, as a teacher of the art, she promoted the exchange of Japanese and Portuguese cultures, which the Emperor of Japan recognized by honoring Ingrid with the Order of the Precious Crown.