Cobblestones are Evil
Monday, December 19, 2011 at 15:00 
I've said this before, but usually it's in the context of shoes...how they ruin your heels and rapidly wear out the soles...and how they prevent me from wearing most of the cute shoes I brought with me from Texas.
But this time it's different. Cobblestones are painful.
December has been a very interesting month, beginning with a routine walk to pick up some lunch on the last Friday in November. While crossing over to the Viktualienmarkt, I collided with a woman in such a way that her foot tripped me and sent me flying Superman-style. By some miracle I didn't hit my head or put out my hands (which at best would have made two badly sprained wrists), but instead landed flat on my chest. After a few moments of disorientation, I got up and walked home, still shaking. I was very thankful for the calming tea the man at the Lebanese restaurant gave me while I waited for takeout. One of those small acts of kindness that really make you feel better!
Nothing was broken or cut and I didn't twist an ankle or hit my head, so nothing to worry about, right? Just a little shaken up.
A couple of hours later, I realized my neck was sore and it hurt to bend over or twist. But, it's unlikely that I could have done anything serious. I would have known if I'd really hurt anything, of course.
At this point, it's sore and hurts when I lay down or get up, but not too much when I sit still. So I still think it's probably just bruises and swelling but unlikely to be anything serious.
And so the next week I go to London for work. One night after our Christmas party, my purse is stolen. Luckily I had most important items back at the hotel, but I had my passport with me as ID. And at this point with the effort of lugging bags through the airport and the stress of having my purse stolen, I'm starting to hurt a lot more and also pretty unsure how to get back to Germany with no passport.
Thanks to a friend in another embassy, I find out how to get a temporary emergency passport, and by 1pm the next daz have a new passport in hand. Thank you, US Embassy for the excellent service!
To make the story short, by Monday I'm incredibly sick, with high fever, chills, coughing, etc. So I decide to see the doctor, which is something I usually avoid. At this point coughing is excruciating and even sitting still yields a dull ache. After a few visits to different specialists I learn a lot of new German medical words, have my first CT scan and get the diagnosis of having multiple infections and THREE fractured ribs. I really didn't think it was possible, but those cobblestones are hard.
Fast forward through 2 1/2 weeks of pretty stressful and long work hours (working from home, at least) and sickness and discomfort...I somehow met all the deadlines, got to the US, and am feeling almost normal again. Relaxing in front of a fire with a couple of dogs and football in HD is helping a lot!
Not an experience I'd like to repeat, but I feel proud of myself for having made it through the past few weeks and am enjoying a well-deserved vacation. And incredibly thankful to have someone like Herr J to take good care of me and feed me ibuprofin, vitamins, and ice cream. And to stock the fridge when I'm too sick to go out or unable to carry groceries.
And I've learned that cobblestones are lovely and quaint, but truly evil!
Reader Comments (6)
You certainly have been through a lot; I'm glad you are feeling better! The cobblestones have a wonderful charm---depending on the day, I guess!
Oh my! For many reasons cobblestones are also not my friend. You may not have been through life changing events but I think you maxed on the Holmes and Rahe stress scale and seemed to do it with grace. Enjoy your well-deserved break.
Thanks - I'm so glad we got the chance to visit the Christmas markets with you guys!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Ow! My body hurts just reading your post. I'm so glad to hear that you are on the mend, but what a horrible 2.5 weeks you have had. I really hope that 2012 is kinder to you.
Wow, so that's where the cracked ribs came from. Well you've certainly been through the ringer. Happy (healing) holidays and we hope to see you guys soon!
Thanks, Riayn and Sarah! Feeling MUCH better and we're really looking forward to starting a new year! Hope you're both having relaxing holidays!