FINALLY PORTUGAL

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I haven't been able to backpack or venture into remote places around the world for two and half years now. The unexpected diagnosis of cancer has kept me near treatment centers. It just isn't wise for me to engage in adventures "my style". However, despite the "purple dragon" and chemo side-effects, I feel fortuned that I have been able to sneak out a couple of times.

I felt the urge to plan a trip to a place I had not been at yet. It had to be "civilized" (as with hospitals and not a remote village) place, not too far from Massachusetts.

In trying to figure out a quick intercontinental getaway from Boston, the obvious choice to me was Portugal.



Why Portugal?

First, I have been practically everywhere in Europe, except Portugal... although I speak Portuguese!

Second, The trip is not that far from Boston, being directly across "the pond" (the Atlantic Ocean).

Finally, I found a cheap ticket with SATA.



Never heard of SATA? Neither had I, so I did the background check first. Safety record for the Azorean airlines was good, so ticket was purchased.



LISBON
For those who know me well as a traveler, you know big cities is not my cup of tea. Lisbon surprised me, however. Despite the chaotic traffic of cars, buses, cablecars, tuk-tuks and pesdestrians, I enjoyed the capital very much, particularly on foot. Yes, despite all the hills!!! I took the cable cars only to a couple of pretty high places, like St George Castle. Coming down and getting to other hills around the city center was done on foot, and to further out destination we got on buses and subway.

Meeting my cousin Fabiana, now a Lisbon resident, was such an amazing treat. We walked to different corners of the city, ate at amazing places, went to the coffee/chocolate place where she usually spends time translating my book, MY JOURNEY WITH THE PURPLE DRAGON, from English to Portuguese, and chatted a lot.



Sorry, not much writing these days. Going straight to pictures, but first know that I came to Portugal with only one expectation: the food was to be delicious. However, Portugal offered so much more than its cuisine.

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Photos

Enjoying the moment
Castelo de Sao Jorge

For market with Fabiana
Delicious food and atmosphere

Comments

[fabiana]

i can't believe i'm featured on your blog! :)
Prima/Cousin, what a pleasure, honour, joy to have you in Lisbon! it was such an amazing impromptus surprise which only a world traveller like YOU could organize in a short time! so it was not far east this time, which we know you love... but the west which, right now, needs your kind of light, love, peace and vibe. now, back to work on your book! i'm so behind... did you know that it was through your travel blog that we reconnected? isn't it wonderful? i think it is!!! beijos e saudades

[Patricia Somewhere]

You are part of my journeys Fabi
Love