Stephen RatnerAuthor of 33 Articles

I collect pottery from every country I visit, find the best local spots through relentless wandering, and believe the best travel memories come from saying yes to strangers' recommendations. Based in Florida, usually planning the next trip.

The Hamptons of Italy: A Cup from Sardegna

Sardegna is where happening Italians go in summer, which means I spent most of my time feeling like I'd snuck into a party I wasn't invited...

Cuban Cigars and Colorful Streets: Ceramics from Cartagena

The pharmacies had no drugs. The restaurants served a quarter of their menus. And if you needed a taxi to the airport, you booked it days in advance—because the...

Throwing Clay Near Sagrada Familia: Pottery I Made in Barcelona

I made these pieces myself, which still surprises me when I look at them. The wobbles in the walls. The places where my hands pressed too hard. The glazes that...

Tequila Cups and Tree-Lined Streets: Pottery from Mexico City

We went to Mexico City for my birthday—me, Peter, and Dave, who'd been living there for a year and promised us things we couldn't get...

Terracotta and Tortilla: Coffee Cups from Madrid

The Madrileños will be the first to tell you they're different from the Catalans. Ask anyone in Madrid about Barcelona and you'll get an earful—about...