8 Comments
User's avatar
Mark Lesser's avatar

I love Lisbon. I was just there for the 4th time and I never want to leave, but I’m anchored in LA. Also great, but Lisbon was a something special. I’ve written a lot there.

Expand full comment
Sandy Braz's avatar

Lisbon is special, you're absolutely right. Whenever I'd leave back to Toronto, I was haunted. Now, living in 'the dream has changed my perspective, of course, but I'm still in love with this city, just in a new way, more profound.

Expand full comment
Mark Lesser's avatar

Eventually, any dream location becomes, well, home. Then it's you vs. yourself. I've moved a lot. I was only there 2 months ago, but I"m missing Alfama, and long walk along the water, and especially Casa Nostra my favorite Italian restaurant in Lisbon.

Expand full comment
Sandy Braz's avatar

Oooh Alfama is special, lots of Portuguese soul left. You should have seen her 20 years ago…saudades.

Expand full comment
John Martins's avatar

So beautiful and poignant, especially “making fresh memories in old places to give them new meaning “.

Expand full comment
Sandy Braz's avatar

Thank you as always, John. Exposure therapy is intense, but it works. I'll include how I did it part two of the essay, I think it could help someone else who needs to reclaim a space and make a new memory. We all deserve peace in the places we love to be.

Expand full comment
John Martins's avatar

The best way out is always through. I’m looking forward to part two!

Expand full comment
Sandy Braz's avatar

Looking forward to writing it

Expand full comment