Hello, I’m here. I’ve been absent for too long.
I was worn out both mentally and physically and I needed a break from blogging.
In May, I travelled to Salem and Boston for a solo vacation. I had a lot of witchy fun, marvelled at architecture and history, went to a ball game and art galleries, shopped, and so much more. I travelled by plane, train, and ferry. And of course, I walked a lot. I ended the trip with a stop in Toronto for a few days to visit friends and family.
It’s taken a long time to recover from this eleven-day excursion. In June, I rested. I also wrestled with heavy thoughts around being back to my reality. I found it hard to get back to a routine and I was hating on anything cancer-related.
Holiday = Escape.
I had good intentions by planning another trip, so soon after my last one in April. I received the report of stable scans. I was going in May when it would hopefully not be too warm. Most important, I felt pleased with how I got on in Florida and I was anxious to travel again.
My adventurous solo travelling self-was present on this trip, but not what she used to be before IV chemotherapy.
It was difficult travelling alone. I internalized my tiredness or frustration for my body not being able to go go go. When I was in Florida with my friend Gil, we could bounce off of one another. We could complain about our feet hurting or make grunting sounds knowing exactly what each other meant. The inclined walking in Boston and Salem took its toll on me. And packing up to move from one locale to another also got tiring. I had to pop Hydromorphone pretty much every night to relax my body. I’ve been back a month now - my legs and hips are finally coming around and not as sore.
I planned this Massachusetts vacation in less than a month. I was constantly online figuring out my subway routes, the tourism, and the best shops and restaurants. When I got home I didn’t want to be on my computer at all.
I wish I would have been able to wait for this trip. But there’s always an urgent feeling of needing to do things right away. I’ve been stable on my current meds for seven months. I hope for longer still, although it’s not guaranteed. And who knows how much the next regime of meds will affect my ability to travel.
So even though I mumble and grumble about feeling tired, slow, and sore, I’m proud of myself. It’s a brave thing to travel alone - with or without cancer. In-between the difficult moments, I know I had a wonderful time. I look back at my photos and I’m reminded of the people I met, the places I saw, and how I navigated it all independently.
I’m done with the travelling adventures for a while. It’s nice to be home to establish a routine again. Especially for the summer. Hopefully that includes blogging on the regular once again.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
The Witch House - 17th century. Salem, MA.
The Coven's Cottage - one of my favourite shops in Salem.
Ye Old Pepper Companie in Salem - The oldest candy shop in America (1806). Their blueberry salt water taffy is amazing!
Photoshoot @ WitchPix!!!
Beacon Hill in Boston.
Boston's Public Library. Swoon!!!
Boston's Public Garden. More swooning!