Updates from Lisbon

Since landing in Lisbon on Monday, there has been zero time to process anything. I have completely reverted to my routine travel ways and hit the ground running. 3 walking tours, a tram ride, a tour of Belém Tower and a monastery, a day trip to Sintra, the Pena Palace, and Nazare (which was amazing). And then, at a coveted dinner reservation at Encanto (Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant, 12-course dinner), my body gave up. Around the 8th course, my eyes started twitching, my intestines groaned and I got very dizzy. I actually had to decline meeting the chef for a tour of the kitchen (which will regret skipping for the rest of my life) and make a run for the hotel.

In my first 3 days in Portugal, I basically forgot about cancer (other than when my hair STILL falls out) and became “Travel Jen”. Now, as I sit at breakfast on Friday morning, I know I have to dial it back. One museum today. Maybe a little shopping. Maybe a nap after packing. We head to Lagos tomorrow and it will be a travel day - I should rest up for that.

And as for processing, I haven’t done much to be honest. It’s very easy to get lost in the distraction of Lisbon (why haven’t we been to this fabulous country yet?!). Maybe the downshift to nature and beach in Lagos and the Azores will give me the time and space. Or maybe it will just all have to wait because I am too busy living.

It feels really good to simply travel. It’s like a drug that erases all thoughts of cancer and treatment. Granted I have had a few “moments” on the trip. Seeing the beach at Nazare brought me to tears. I don’t know why, other than it’s something I have always wanted to see and getting to be there felt like an incredible privilege. Mortality creeps in at these moments too in a way it never did before cancer. Will this be the last time I see North Beach at Nazare? Will I ever stand here again?

I don’t know the answers to those questions but I know I will keep on traveling and be grateful for the opportunities to do so. Onward with today, and I will try to rein it in. Xo. J

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