Been in Saint Raphael since Sunday (arrived here in time to catch that effing annoying World Cup Final, and can I just say I was ASHAMED of the Dutch team... not because they lost but because they were violent brutes and didn't deserve to win, and my Dutch ancestors would probably back me up on that).
I can't really say this feels like a vacation. I wish I could. I wish I could have a better attitude. It's not ALL bad... Georges and I really did have a lovely "date night" on Monday for our 2nd wedding anniversary, and last night my SIL put together a lovely little family "party" to celebrate again (and she also ordered the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers for us).
But for one thing... I can't go in the water above my hips. And I'm someone that (a) loves to swim and (b) hates the heat, so the ONLY way I can tolerate being at the beach is being able to periodically jump in and cool off with a nice swim. I love the beaches here at the Cote d'Azur -- they're smaller than the New Jersey Shore beaches but they're so picturesque.
However, I've got a scar that just WILL NOT close itself up. I've got to be home every afternoon so a very nice nurse can come and change the bandages, and everything that goes along with it, and it's NOT pleasant. The only good thing about it is that I am not running a fever and there does not seem to be an infection. But I'm completely stressée about it now, and where originally my doctor told me no swimming for 10 days (which would mean until next Monday), now I suspect I will be doing NO swimming at all on this trip.
And what good is a beach vacation if you can't enjoy the beach?
When we're here, our usual M.O. is that we love to walk around town and go to different restaurants, play a round of mini-golf, or to get a nice gelato when the urge hits us. But I can't walk long distances, especially in this FREAKING HEAT, and so far haven't really had the opportunity to get around town and see or do much of anything. And so far, NO GELATO.
At least our apartment has air conditioning. And we have WiFi. And Georges and I have new iPhone 4's. So there's that. But it's not the same as being able to plunge into the Mediterranean and feel that wonderful water on your skin.
I'm just moody today, and whining about it. And I admit, I'm kind of worried, is this damned thing EVER going to heal? (When I broke my leg in '96 and had to have 3 surgeries on the same exact spot, after the 3rd time, I had the same problem where the scar did not want to close up, and it took a couple of extra weeks -- so maybe this is just how my skin reacts to such things?) Now I'm wondering if I ought to call my doctor back in Paris to see what HE has to say, and then perhaps see a local doctor here, and if so what's next after that?
I don't even like to think about it. I'm tired. I'm worn out from all this. I can't seem to stop bursting into tears about it... I just want it to be OVER already.
Believe me, I know I'm lucky to be here at all. I'm very grateful that I wasn't sicker than I was, I know it could have been even worse. I know I'm getting good care from qualified professionals (and it's barely costing us anything, once we get reimbursed for a few things.) Georges is being his usual loving, amazing, wonderful self and I could NOT get through this without him. And his sister is bending over backwards to make sure I don't lift so much as a dinner plate.
But still... this does not feel like a REAL vacation. Not yet. I can only hope for better things in the next few days.
