Hola from the beautiful,sunny Costa Del Sol.Yesterday,we arrived in Torremolino ,2 planes and a local train ride after leaving Albufeira,Portugal..Portugal ,where we spent the previously 2 weeks in Lisbon and the Al grave, was a perfect place to start our month long retreat from the cold ,winter in Ottawa.
After a long overseas flight to London,we quickly run through terminal 1 at Heathrow airport to catch our 2 hour flight to Lisbon. On arrival,we were met by Fredrick, our driver who would prove to be a valuable resource,in helping us negotiate the mazes, that is the old city of Lisbon.
After a good night sleep, we were ready to explore the sights and sounds of Lisbon.We choose to go on a 5 hour walking tour which proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.We meet our fellow travelers from Toronto,England and Belgium at Rossio square, the main square in Lisbon. Our guide Pedro, an anthropology graduate from the University of Lisbon,was a major source of stories and information,that allowed us to learn the culture and history of Lisbon.
As a Jew I was particularly interested in the history of the Jews in Portugal.Apparently after the 1492 inquisition in Spain, many Jews migrated to Portugal.Unfortunately 2 years latter, when the king married a zealous Catholic woman,The Jews were exposed as pretending to practice Catholicism,and subsequently murdered. We saw a very moving
monument dedicated to the Jews who were slaughtered in 1494.
Other highlights of the city were the palace, the magnificent cathedral and the old city.
After leaving Lisbon,we rented an automatic car and visited Sintra,Obidos and the medieval town of Evora before taking the superhighway to Albufeira which is the most southern part of Portugal .
Before commenting on the warm ,humanistic nature of the Portuguese people I'd like to comment on driving in Portugal.The superhighways are simply marvelous, with well marked signage,clean rest spots with quality food.Traffic is sparse because of the tolls,which is a major controversy in Portugal.Driving through the narrow streets of the towns is quite a challenge, as is the art of negotiating the nerve racking round abouts..
The people of Portugal are simply marvelous. One example is worth noting. On our first night in Lisbon we were hungry and not sure where to eat. We decided on a pizza.Unfortunately when it arrived, it came with ingredients that were against my strict diet.I offered to pay for another one but the owner refused to take my money and insisted on making me another pizza free of charge.
The Algrave,where we spent a week, boasts of 300 days of sunshine a year,excellent food and pristine beaches set against the cliffs.all at a reasonable price, a fraction of what you would pay in Florida.The people of Portugal are warm, engaging and proud to share their culture and land with visiting foreigners The country is clean safe and easy to find your way around.Renting a car was inexpensive(120Euros for 9 days)and allowed us to explore out of the way villages and beaches. On one drive we travelled to St. Vincent to see the famous lighthouse guarding the Atlantic Ocean. .
Having visited over 60 countries worldwide Portugal is highly recommended as a destination to counter our cold Canadian winters.
After leaving Portugal and arriving in Torremolina in the heart of the Costa Del Sol,we quickly settled in our 4 Starr hotel on Playa del Bajondillo..Mornings we walked the 7 km boardwalk;with the occasional trip up the steep slope to the Plaza Costa del Sol,followed by a leisurely afternoon taking the sun.Three days we booked excursions to Gibraltar,Granada and Malaga.
The Costa del Sol, 300 km of beach between Malaga and Gibraltar,is saturated with resorts and hotels,devoted to foreigners looking for the warmth and sun(330 days) it brings.The Brits,Danes,, Germans and some Canadians are here.A very civilized and tourist friendly atmosphere exists with accommodation and service for all tastes.
I personally found the Costa del Sol too commercialized as well as some in the tourist service industry rude and arrogant.
Your choice whether to visit Portugal or Spain very much depends if you see yourself as a tourist or an independent travellor. The choice is yours. Safe travels.
.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Monday, December 31, 2018
2018 IN REVIEW
2018 was a mixed year of blessings and challenges that tested my resolve. In the personal area. I moved into a new townhouse with my long time partner.As 2 very strong and independent people there continues to be many challenges integrating our lives.
Despite an initial set back in my health,which necessitated exhaustive and comprehensive medical procedures,I am delighted to report I remain cancer free, a blessing for which I am eternally grateful.
During 2018 I was fortunate to travel to the Caribbean,New York city and many times out west to visit my family. On one occasion I spent quality time in the Okanagan Valley with each of my 6 delightful, energetic, and highly adventurous grandchildren I was blessed to participate in the celebration of my granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah as well as my grandson's Bar Mitzvah. Both expertly reading their D'var Torah portion and delivered a commentary on their Torah portion that totally reflected their own distinct personalities.It is at these moments that I feel truly blessed.
2018 brought the mitvah(blessing) of the wedding of my godson.A newly minted M.D. he is a real mentch(honorable person). It was a privilege to attend this orthodox wedding in which the room was saturated with love and good will.
On a professional level over the past 6 years,I have been blessed with an opportunity to continue to practice my craft with a very supportive and congenial group of mental health professions.In addition, this year I delivered a series of lectures regarding the psychological aspects of retirement.
With the new continuing education requirement of The College Of Psychology Of Ontario,I participated in various professional activities that helped to refine old skills, as well as to learn new techniques applicable to the new age of internet psychology.
2018 has been a challenge on several levels, including the uncertainty and anxiety of having had cancer.There is not a single day that I do not think of the possibility that the cancer might re-occur.Living one day at a time becomes a reality.
Living with an an ostomy presents it own challenges.For the most part I am doing well ,occasionally my ostomy goes on steroids ,forcing me to adjust my schedule accordingly.
The Ottawa Ostomy Society has been a wonderful support to me. I am hopeful in the New Year to be trained to provide support to new ostmates. It is a way for me to give back, for the wonderful support I have received dealing with my new body.
Finally it is a year in which I have lost many friends to the ravages of cancer and heart disease.Others are facing the challenges of living with these diseases.
My family recently lost the matriarch of the Nozick family.My aunt,who was a renaissance woman, of grace and dignity,died on her 100th birthday.
2019 will present it's own set of challenges, which I look forward to meeting.
To each of you and your families,I hope 2019 brings to you an abundance of good health,happiness, and inner peace.
Happy New Year
David
Despite an initial set back in my health,which necessitated exhaustive and comprehensive medical procedures,I am delighted to report I remain cancer free, a blessing for which I am eternally grateful.
During 2018 I was fortunate to travel to the Caribbean,New York city and many times out west to visit my family. On one occasion I spent quality time in the Okanagan Valley with each of my 6 delightful, energetic, and highly adventurous grandchildren I was blessed to participate in the celebration of my granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah as well as my grandson's Bar Mitzvah. Both expertly reading their D'var Torah portion and delivered a commentary on their Torah portion that totally reflected their own distinct personalities.It is at these moments that I feel truly blessed.
2018 brought the mitvah(blessing) of the wedding of my godson.A newly minted M.D. he is a real mentch(honorable person). It was a privilege to attend this orthodox wedding in which the room was saturated with love and good will.
On a professional level over the past 6 years,I have been blessed with an opportunity to continue to practice my craft with a very supportive and congenial group of mental health professions.In addition, this year I delivered a series of lectures regarding the psychological aspects of retirement.
With the new continuing education requirement of The College Of Psychology Of Ontario,I participated in various professional activities that helped to refine old skills, as well as to learn new techniques applicable to the new age of internet psychology.
2018 has been a challenge on several levels, including the uncertainty and anxiety of having had cancer.There is not a single day that I do not think of the possibility that the cancer might re-occur.Living one day at a time becomes a reality.
Living with an an ostomy presents it own challenges.For the most part I am doing well ,occasionally my ostomy goes on steroids ,forcing me to adjust my schedule accordingly.
The Ottawa Ostomy Society has been a wonderful support to me. I am hopeful in the New Year to be trained to provide support to new ostmates. It is a way for me to give back, for the wonderful support I have received dealing with my new body.
Finally it is a year in which I have lost many friends to the ravages of cancer and heart disease.Others are facing the challenges of living with these diseases.
My family recently lost the matriarch of the Nozick family.My aunt,who was a renaissance woman, of grace and dignity,died on her 100th birthday.
2019 will present it's own set of challenges, which I look forward to meeting.
To each of you and your families,I hope 2019 brings to you an abundance of good health,happiness, and inner peace.
Happy New Year
David
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND STEPHEN
Approximately 2 years ago my friend Stephen and I along with another friend Stanley, were diagnosed with different forms of cancer.Treatment varied widely among us including chemotherapy,radiation, and surgery
We supported each other in our trials and journeys battling against this insidious and life altering disease.Having dramatically different personalities we responded differently to our predicament.
Stephen was facing lymphoma, a systemic type of cancer. During his battle he had many setbacks.Nevertheless, he maintained a remarkably positive and resilient attitude always believing that he would beat the odds.He celebrated life , making new friends from all walks of life.Recently he took a cruise on the Caribbean and raved about the excursions he participated in, including swimming with the dolphins.
Stephen, a rather tall lanky fellow who often went unshaven, had a menacing rather gruff exterior, however when you got to really know him, he had a heart of gold.Despite his own troubles he was always there for me as I fought my own personal battle with cancer. Somehow he would always find the time to phone, inquiring about my health.
A genuine sport nut ,who coached hockey at a competitive level,he had an encyclopedia knowledge of all sports. He religiously followed the daily happenings in the sports' world, and was not afraid to voice his opinion when he disagreed with the experts .We attended many games together and I will miss his company and running commentary of the action
Rest in peace my friend.
We supported each other in our trials and journeys battling against this insidious and life altering disease.Having dramatically different personalities we responded differently to our predicament.
Stephen was facing lymphoma, a systemic type of cancer. During his battle he had many setbacks.Nevertheless, he maintained a remarkably positive and resilient attitude always believing that he would beat the odds.He celebrated life , making new friends from all walks of life.Recently he took a cruise on the Caribbean and raved about the excursions he participated in, including swimming with the dolphins.
Stephen, a rather tall lanky fellow who often went unshaven, had a menacing rather gruff exterior, however when you got to really know him, he had a heart of gold.Despite his own troubles he was always there for me as I fought my own personal battle with cancer. Somehow he would always find the time to phone, inquiring about my health.
A genuine sport nut ,who coached hockey at a competitive level,he had an encyclopedia knowledge of all sports. He religiously followed the daily happenings in the sports' world, and was not afraid to voice his opinion when he disagreed with the experts .We attended many games together and I will miss his company and running commentary of the action
Rest in peace my friend.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
MY HEALTH STATUS-HURRY UP AND WAIT
May/2018 I attend my regularly scheduled biyearly wellness appointment to monitor my colon-rectal cancer.Although I feel well, a blood test to detect cancer is elevated.The test known to have many false positives,is of concern. The decision, is to repeat the test in 4 weeks.
Emotionally I am convinced I have cancer and a limited life span. On the outside I remain calm, continue to practice my craft,while living my daily life as best as I can.
I take stock.Facing these circumstances,one's priorities become readily apparent.. Life is all about one's relationships.
I travel to B.C. to partake in an important family tradition , namely my grandchidrens' Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Afterwards I take my entire family to the Okanogan,where my spirit is re-newed, spending time with my 6 grandchildren.
I arrive home filled with intense fear and anxiety.The test is repeated, with the same results. My health providers decide to take a proactive approach by ordering a series of intense scans.
Unfortunately, I am an informed patient and realize they are looking to see if the cancer has spread. Suddenly, this crisis is all to real.
My anxiety soars.My body hurts everywhere.I try my best to maintain my dignity and live a normal life knowing it could end at any time.
What is it like to have a PET(Positive Emission Tomography)scan?You enter the hospital attached to the Ottawa Cancer Centre like a man condemned to the gallows.Outwardly I appear calm and in control, inwardly I am fighting negative thoughts,fears and anxiety.
People react differently to stress. Some panic,others internalize their stress.Over the years, my stress tends to follow a pattern.Approximately 2 days before the event my anxiety reaches a crescendo. Racing thoughts,inability to concentrate,irritability and emotional liability are experienced
To combat the stress,I follow a routine that has been very helpful to me over the years.,Firstly,I talk about it to trusted friends and family, I exercise intensely, and I pray to a higher power .
I arrive at the hospital,ask for directions, and quickly find my way to the waiting room.At precisely the scheduled time a male technician accompanies me to the preparation room.
The technician,a warm,kind and considerate man in his 40's,explains the procedure,verifies my identification and proceeds with the length preparation for the PET scan.The preparations involves drinking a radio-active cocktail, monitoring blood sugar levels and introducing a dye into the bloodstream.Despite my outward calmness I feel jittery,and I accidentally knock over the cocktail. The technician reassures me all is well and helps to calm my nerves.
Exactly at the promised time,the technician places me on a table and repeats to me the instructions of the PET scan. Essentially my task is to keep still while the machine moves over my entire body at times coming within inches of my head.
Having been the recipient of many scans I have learned how to cope with this procedure.I close my eyes and go to a happier place. For me that is on a beach with my grandchildren or a golf course where I shot my finest round.
Finally the test is over. The technician indicates the picture are clear and after removing my Pick line I am free to go.As is my way, I engage the technician in polite conversation hoping to get a hint of the results.
I leave the hospital not knowing what will become of my life. The wait begins.
Unfortunately,unbeknownst to me the nurse and oncologist responsible for my care are both away on holidays.For over a month I do not hear the results of my test.Fortunately my personal physician received a copy of the test and to my great relief I remain cancer free.
However, there is a secondary problem with my prostate that needs further investigation..Today I learned that everything is OK., I feel blessed and grateful to begin my life anew.I intend to take full advantage of my good fortune and plan to make the world a better place.
Emotionally I am convinced I have cancer and a limited life span. On the outside I remain calm, continue to practice my craft,while living my daily life as best as I can.
I take stock.Facing these circumstances,one's priorities become readily apparent.. Life is all about one's relationships.
I travel to B.C. to partake in an important family tradition , namely my grandchidrens' Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Afterwards I take my entire family to the Okanogan,where my spirit is re-newed, spending time with my 6 grandchildren.
I arrive home filled with intense fear and anxiety.The test is repeated, with the same results. My health providers decide to take a proactive approach by ordering a series of intense scans.
Unfortunately, I am an informed patient and realize they are looking to see if the cancer has spread. Suddenly, this crisis is all to real.
My anxiety soars.My body hurts everywhere.I try my best to maintain my dignity and live a normal life knowing it could end at any time.
What is it like to have a PET(Positive Emission Tomography)scan?You enter the hospital attached to the Ottawa Cancer Centre like a man condemned to the gallows.Outwardly I appear calm and in control, inwardly I am fighting negative thoughts,fears and anxiety.
People react differently to stress. Some panic,others internalize their stress.Over the years, my stress tends to follow a pattern.Approximately 2 days before the event my anxiety reaches a crescendo. Racing thoughts,inability to concentrate,irritability and emotional liability are experienced
To combat the stress,I follow a routine that has been very helpful to me over the years.,Firstly,I talk about it to trusted friends and family, I exercise intensely, and I pray to a higher power .
I arrive at the hospital,ask for directions, and quickly find my way to the waiting room.At precisely the scheduled time a male technician accompanies me to the preparation room.
The technician,a warm,kind and considerate man in his 40's,explains the procedure,verifies my identification and proceeds with the length preparation for the PET scan.The preparations involves drinking a radio-active cocktail, monitoring blood sugar levels and introducing a dye into the bloodstream.Despite my outward calmness I feel jittery,and I accidentally knock over the cocktail. The technician reassures me all is well and helps to calm my nerves.
Exactly at the promised time,the technician places me on a table and repeats to me the instructions of the PET scan. Essentially my task is to keep still while the machine moves over my entire body at times coming within inches of my head.
Having been the recipient of many scans I have learned how to cope with this procedure.I close my eyes and go to a happier place. For me that is on a beach with my grandchildren or a golf course where I shot my finest round.
Finally the test is over. The technician indicates the picture are clear and after removing my Pick line I am free to go.As is my way, I engage the technician in polite conversation hoping to get a hint of the results.
I leave the hospital not knowing what will become of my life. The wait begins.
Unfortunately,unbeknownst to me the nurse and oncologist responsible for my care are both away on holidays.For over a month I do not hear the results of my test.Fortunately my personal physician received a copy of the test and to my great relief I remain cancer free.
However, there is a secondary problem with my prostate that needs further investigation..Today I learned that everything is OK., I feel blessed and grateful to begin my life anew.I intend to take full advantage of my good fortune and plan to make the world a better place.
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