Although I’ve been overseas over the past few years for work, it has been a very long time since I got on an aeroplane for the sake of travel and adventure. In fact, the sensation of arriving in a new country felt so foreign, it was like being transported back in time around ten years or more.
I landed in Lisbon, Portugal two days ago to begin what I believe will be a 6-month adventure in Europe – provided my finances last and the world doesn’t completely fall apart. My first two months will be volunteering at a peace research and education centre called Tamera, where I’ll be working in a vegan kitchen and learning how to live in peace with people and the land.
This was not a spur of the moment decision. Going to Tamera has been a dream of mine for the past two years. I was desperate to go last year when I was struggling mentally in Vancouver and wanted to escape. But now that I’ve got my feet planted firmly on the ground, finished my book, and have nothing holding me back – the time is now.
I spent the last couple of days wandering Lisbon with no agenda, direction, or stress. I had nothing in particular I wanted to see, no map, and no one asking what time I’d be home for dinner – blissful! (although the last point is my norm). I had honestly forgotten what it felt like to explore a brand new place, to get lost without it mattering, and to stumble upon castles, cathedrals and squares with fountains and statues I never knew existed.
It was liberating to not have data on my phone. With no direction, I instinctively ended up in the heart of the city’s bustling streets anyway with music, hundreds of restaurants, and tuk tuks whizzing by. I watched people eating icecream, sleeping in parks, catching trams and enjoying the hustle and bustle like I was. It was pure magic and an opportunity I feel blessed to have. Trust me, I don’t take this good fortune for granted, especially with what’s going on in the world. I am extremely privileged to take a break from the doom scrolling and immerse myself in a new culture.
Even though I stayed in a super cheap hostel with only one toilet, bunk beds, and people coming and going at all hours of the night, I slept better than I have over the past few weeks. I no longer have to stress about packing up my apartment, finishing my book proposal, or getting on a plane. Now that my life is in storage and my only concern is getting to Tamera, life feels simple. Cooking each day will provide me with a purpose, my fellow volunteers will form my community, and the nourishment of fresh food and nature will feed my soul. I don’t think there’s much more I could need.
Like anything, I anticipate living in a small community and in close quarters with people will have its challenges. But at this moment, I’m excited to embrace them. I have a sense of aliveness I haven’t felt since my four days of hiking in Wilson’s Prom. Life feels full of promise. Without watching the news or my investments tanking, I’m going to enjoy this moment of solace with every cell of my being.
I look forward to sharing some of these beautiful (and challenging) moments with you over the next few weeks and months. 💕
Serial Nomad 
How wonderful. You are so lucky. Perfect time to escape the chaos that is being inflicted by my country. I hope to live vicariously through your experiences. Thank you so much for that. Also, thanks for the reminder that a different kind of life can be wonderful.
I’m so happy for you for all your accomplishments.
Lots of Love,
Donna
Thank you, Donna! I’ve been thinking about you a lot these past few months. Sending you so much love and some respite from Portugal! ❤️
Hi darling, how lucky are you to step out of ordinary life and enjoy an adventure for 6 months. It is you, who make it all happen. You work hard, when work has to be done. Earn some money and then you are able to fly out and have an adventure when the time is right for you. I am looking forward to the stories which will come out of Tamera. Enjoy it all and fly free my butterfly.
Love you, Mutti xx
Thanks for such a beautiful message, Mutti! I appreciate your encouragement to live life in my own terms and explore a new path. I look forward to sharing the experience with you! Love you heaps xo 💕
Hi Rosanne,
Yes, the world’s a mess and this change of scenery seems like a good decision on your part. Enjoy your time in Lisbon and Europe. It sounds wonderful. And please be assured that many, many Americans are extremely upset with what’s happening. On Saturday we attended a huge demonstration in Morristown, one of many all over the country. As the Bible suggests, “This too shall pass”.
Love,
Joan and Dave
Sending so much love to you both. I can’t imagine what it feels like to be bombarded by the news each day and feel the effects of the chaos first-hand. My thoughts are with you both as you navigate through these challenging times. Much love! ❤️
Best wishes for an excellent adventure! Envious 🙂
Jack
Thank you, Jack! I hope you have some great projects planned for the summer! ☀️☺️
Have a wonderful adventure. Looking forward to seeing your posts and hearing about your experiences.
Thank you, Neville! I hope you’re enjoying the birth of springtime and the beauty it brings! 🌸
A great start. Appears your head is in the right space already. Even better to come is my wish for you.
Thanks Vatti! I am feeling solid walking into this and after the first day am certain this is the right time to be here! Looking forward to sharing it with you! Lots of love 😘
Hi Rosanne, good to read your story. I was in Lisbon a week ago. We just missed eachother. It is a lovely city. I hope you enjoy Tamara
somehow my post went wrong. It was not finished yet. Tamara = Tamera (Dutch autocorrect). Lissabon is a beautifull city. Verry relaxed. Enjoy your time there. Love Herman
Thank you, Herman! I can’t believe we missed each other by a week! I look forward to seeing you in September at the conclusion of my journey! 🥰
I finally escaped for my spring jaunt and here I sit at the Grand Canyon reading your post celebrating with you. I’ve already been here a week loving my time back in nature. It’s a time we must take care of our mental health. Nature is my drug of choice. Cheers
Jan! I’m so happy to hear you’re out in nature exploring the Grand Canyon. Wow! What an experience. I completely agree with you. The healing power of nature is so unbelievably strong. I wish you the most wonderful adventure knowing you’ll be taking in the beauty of your surroundings with every step. Happiest of trails out there!! 💕
Elated to hear you’re ‘back in the saddle’. I’m finishing up the Desert PCT and with all the Oregon snow I figure the rest of the season may be a ‘wash’. Been thinking about heading to Asia for a bit of hostel crawling or some such. la leche es mucha en la ducha
I hope the desert treated you kindly and you had an amazing experience on the trail. Your Asia adventure sounds exciting too. Happy trail and travels for the coming year!! ☺️