We were getting all set to pack up and leave the Lisbon apartment on Friday morning when I turned the wrong way on my seat and hurt my back! We had complained to the agent about the crappy low folding stools which were the only seating in the apartment other than a sofabed, and judging from the comments in the guestbook, other people had too. Anyway, that slight wrong turn did something to my back (which is already wrecked from years of nursing), so for the moment I’m not walking anywhere much, and definitely no long distances with a rucksack.
We booked into a hotel in the newer part of Lisbon, which is nowhere near as interesting or convenient as the apartment near Rossio Square, but it’s been fine for a couple of days. I’ve spent most of it lying in bed, self-medicating with Voltaren and Panadol. Greg has explored the area and made good use of the free Wi-Fi in the hotel foyer.
We’re back on the road (or rail, in my case) today. Greg set off early this morning to walk 28kms to Vila Franca de Xira, I’m catching a train there this afternoon. It will probably take Greg 7 or 8 hours. The train ride will take me less than an hour. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking – why don’t we just take the train all the time? Because I won’t see, or smell, or notice, anything much from the train’s dirty window, and while he’s walking, Greg will.
My back is much better now, but I’ll give it another couple of days before I do the whole walking all day with a rucksack thing. We’ll each post more about our day later.
Ouch. Hope you can get back to walking soon and get to feel and smell the scenery
Thanks Michele. I’m a great believer in things working out the way they’re meant to, and I’m sure all will be okay again soon.
Oh dear Judy . a bad back, this is a nurses legacy. My niece( a staff nurse) of many years has had several back op’s. Take care a get well soon.
Thanks Margaret. I think I was lucky to not walk today – Greg arrived at the hotel very cold and wet this afternoon!
oh no – I hope you’ll be feeling much betetr soon and ready to be ‘up and running’ (well – maybe walking
). Good thing Voltaren exists, no? You’re wise enough to give yourself enough time to heal a little more before you start walking – and after that we wish you many beautiful walking days!
Thanks Mickey, I’m sure I’ll have lots of good walking days in the weeks ahead
Hello Judy & Greg. Your Mum, Dad & Helen visited on Monday 30-4-12. We were very peleased to see them. We are sad to read about you back, hope it is better by now & you are able to enjoy your trip without further mishap. oxox
Hi Ethel and Dave, thanks for your message. My back feels better now which is great! Now I just have to settle into walking, which always takes a while. It’s good to be back on the road though, and not seeing the scenery from behind a dirty train window! Love to you and the family