Actually, limping would be an improvement right now, as I’m essentially stuck in my hotel room unable to walk without pain. Welcome to London.
It’s not my first travel injury. I once cracked some ribs in Paris and toured the next two days on painkillers and short breaths. I passed out from heat exhaustion and dehydration at Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico, which got me a free ambulance ride and mini-hospital care. I shredded the bottom of my foot on coral in the Greek Islands. On a previous trip to London I walked into a plate glass door at a restaurant, smashing (but luckily not breaking) my nose. While I sat inside downing sugar packets with my head between my knees trying to maintain consciousness, the restaurant filled our dinner order at no charge (perhaps fearing a law suit).
The foot problem I’m having right now is likely related to the inflamed toe I had a few years ago on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Probably should get that checked. For now, it’s a regime of ice pack and rest.
Notwithstanding this desvio (detour) from my planned itinerary, the week shouldn’t be a total loss. I’ve come to London a few times before an thus seen many of the sites; I’ll likely return to pick up on the ones I missed this time around. The down time gives me a chance to catch up on some reading and, more importantly, some writing. And that is always a good thing.
David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity (2013) and Edison: The Inventor of the Modern World (2016) (both Fall River Press). He has also written two e-books: Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time and Abraham Lincoln and Nikola Tesla: Connected by Fate.
Sophie said:
Oh no! Though I’ve learned travel injuries aren’t always a bad thing. On a trip to Rome, my sister got ill after a fall in a church- it was an odd double whammy. Anyway, we saw areas of that basilica only the monks get to see and then we got wheeled around off limits, except for the handicapped, sections of the Vatican where our guide let us “take our time” as we walked to ramps and back to the tourist halls. Then on the flights home we all got to sit with her in business and had everything taken care of- it was great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
I always try to look on the bright side; after all, I’m at those places (Paris, London, Mexico, Greece, Tenerife). I started traveling late so have a ton of catching up to do.
LikeLike
ru.smiln said:
Hope your foot recovers soon! More trips ahead. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
I hope so too. On both counts. 🙂
LikeLike
Lightness Traveling said:
Wishes for a quick recovery!
And I have it on good authority that toes are greatly overrated — some of my mountaineering friends wear surprisingly small boots these days. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
I certainly hope it won’t become that extreme. This week looks like a wash, but now I’m starting to wonder how I’ll get around in Salt Lake City next week. Literally a pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lightness Traveling said:
Likewise… I rather like my big boots. At least SLC has decent transportation. And if all else fails, a cane might look sophisticated… and cannabis is legal just east in Colorado.
Actually, I can relate… Two-years, and still hurting from my Plastered-in-Pontochō incident. (Like to say to I broke my leg skiing… alas.) This year, I’ve decided to start hiking with trekking-poles. One of those “gifts” of wisdom that come with age, I guess.
At any rate — take care, and best wishes for speedy recovery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
I’m sure I’m not ready for a cane; it would make my denial less credible. The trekking poles idea might work – after all, it’s a scientific conference. Will work on the recovery part.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: It’s been a very good year… | Hot White Snow
angloswiss said:
Now I don’t feel so odd and strange. I have also left my marks in many towns and countries all over Europe. I think they are the memories that remind me of various places and at least we have something to talk about afterwards.
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
Seems to be a rite of passage; I just left some of the skin from my left knee on some rocks in a cave on Dominica. 🙂
So many memories of places I’ve been, and many more of places still to go.
LikeLike
Marianne @ Along the Side of the Road said:
Reading and writing. Certainly not bad things to do while recuperating. Here’s to a speedy recovery, a great read or two or three, and your muse finding it’s way to where it needs to go. Marianne
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
rogershipp said:
I never knew ‘traveling’ could be so dangerous. Enjoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
Seems it is for me. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
jacquelineobyikocha said:
It does sound as though you are having a hectic time. Take things easy and quick recovery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
Thanks. Life has definitely been “interesting” lately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
purplepumpernickelblog said:
Oh dear! Hope the recover is quick! Meanwhile, enjoy reading & writing & the hotel room!
LikeLiked by 1 person
davidjkentwriter said:
I survived! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Lincoln in London – Wiegers Calendar December [Plus recap] – David J. Kent