So...what did the doctor say? Well, I'll get to that in a second. Although most of my time is still spent in bed , I did have many memorable moments here. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't include them in my adventure log.
Out and About
Last weekend, me and Natalie go out with a bunch of her friends to a birthday party. Good food, good people, good times as always. More friends made, additional good memories in the bag. I skipped my painkillers for a day so that I could drink that night. Completely worth the pain. Tequila, tequila, tequila...miracle! Pain is gone! ...Paid for it the next day.
Milkland
Yes, there is such a place. Why would anyone want to go? Most people wouldn't get excited about a place that is all about dairy......but being a dairy-lover, when Natalie told me we were going I could barely hold back a "yipeee!" Nothing incredible obviously, Natalie being the first to say it. But, it did have a bunch of milk-products (Japanese milk is delicious), not to say a petting zoo. Got to play with goats, rabbits, cows and donkeys. Good stuff. I know, don't laugh. It was fun...so what. I like petting zoos and milk.
On our way home that day, we also pass by Shiraito Falls. A beautiful set of waterfalls that come out of the ground from natural springs. Awesome stuff. Japan has an overabundance of fresh water. It could make the Sahara bloom again there is so much of it.
Daily Whatnot
Other than a couple of highlights, my time in Fujinomiya has mostly been about relaxing. A drastic change from the adrenaline-charged lifestyle I was living a couple of weeks back. But, it has been nice to catch up on just being lazy and worry-free. I spend most of my days in bed sleeping, in the kitchen eating or just messing around on the computer/TV. The days pass by in a blink, and another sunset is always around the corner. My time here is almost up. Although unexpected, my time in Fujinomiya has been great. I couldn't have asked for more from Natalie. She helped me out through my difficult time and gave me a hand to get me back on the feet, and back on the road. Thank you homeskillet! You are the baddest Australian chick I know! I am forever in your debt...
Fuji-City Hospital
I went today to see the doctor. Back to where I ended up that night when I was rushed in an ambulance. I was supposed to go the 21st of October, but instead I was moved to the 25th. I walked to the station, took the train, took a taxi and got to the hospital in time. Japanese hospitals, at least this one, are another example of Japanese efficiency. Even I, with no knowledge of the language, was able to get through the entire process effortlessly.
You get in, you stick your card in a machine, the machine prints out a list of places to go. You go to the first place, give your paper to the nurses (Japanese nurses, yes, like the kind you see on the... nevermind) and then you are given a number. A big screen shows your number and you get your X-ray. Same thing with the second thing. I wait and eventually 0582 is called. What's the verdict?? .....drumroll please:
- My X-ray shows a bone that looks like a broken branch. One side goes up, another goes down, and what is in between I can only describe as numerous sharp splinters of human bone. So that's what's always poking me....
- Regardless of the worsening look of my injury, my doctor reassures me that I am doing well. There is bone forming in between and so I am making good progress.
- I need to stand up straight for the bone to go back into place and I need to keep my chest-strap for another 2 months.
- The doctor prescribes me another month of painkillers. I ask him if I can keep going to Cape Sata, and after laughing at me, he looks down, thinks.... and says "A-OK" with his thumb up! I am good to go!
The New Plan
Since the doctor warned me to go back to a hospital if the pain gets worst, I am going to test out my abilities this week and see how much I can really handle. I still can't really shower fast, dress myself easily, or do as much physical activity as before, but I think I can make it to Sata. My main problem being alone is that I can't put on or take off my chest strap without someone helping me. Gotta figure something out for that...
I called the airlines and, after a good hour on the phone trying to find me the cheapest ticket back, I ended up changing my flight. I return on the 4th of December. Anything before that would have been three-times as expensive, not to say I would have had to be a speed demon to get to the finish line in time...and we all know how well that ended for me. I think my main problem on this trip was rushing. I always pushed myself more and more. I even told myself to take it easy after Tokyo, to take in the sights and relax. There was enough time. But I still rushed, especially that day, and eventually I ended up hurting myself.
Natalie told me once "You know....I think something is telling you to take it easy. This is the most beautiful part of Japan. It would be a shame to just zip through it." I think she is right. I am going to take it easy from now on. No need to pull 150km per day anymore. I know I can do it, but there is no need for it.
I will leave Fujinomiya on the 1st of November. Give myself some days to get ready. I need new clothes. It is going to get cold...really cold. I also need to see exactly how I will get to Cape Sata. I can't lift my arm yet....so, unless a miracle happens in the next few days, I am probably not going to be able to ride my bike down. There is no point in taking public transport...that's not really a challenge.
So....what's left? ....Can you take a guess??
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