Two winter's ago I was in Domincan Republic, celebrating three things. One: my girlfriend's wedding; Two: my honeymoon; and Three: my birthday. It was my first time down to that part of the world and as most who know me, I was born on the Ocean Shores of Bermuda and I truly am a water baby, so I was very much looking forward to this "adventure" among friends, beaches, booze and beauty!
Lindsay_on_a_beach_in_a_beach_hat
It didn't turn out the way I had hoped, dreamed or ever imagined. The day after the wedding, which was fabulous and fun, was spent out on the water, a real adventure featuring snorkels, reefs, colourful fish, clear waters and booze, lots of booze, mainly rum! It was my birthday and we were a group of sixteen friends, all out there floating on and under the sea, swimming with the fishes. Soon after snorkeling, we sailed on over to a very calm bay (our resort was on a very wavy wavy shore!) and we jumped into the water once more, joined by three of four other ship-vessels looking for fun, featuring more rum and loud dance music... Ocean Disco would commence!
My_first_ocean_disco
The guy who was driving the boat just kept on bringing trays of Rum and coke out to us, and no one had a care in the world. It was turning out to be a fabulous way to spend a birthday, really, one of the best! Until we got back to the shores of our resort, until I did the stupidest thing ever... I jumped off the boat thinking the water was much deeper than it actually was and ended up breaking my leg in two spots in what the Dr.'s called a "Maisonneuve Fracture." Surprisingly it didn't hurt that bad, thanks to all that rum, I suppose.
My_leg_x-ray
Yeah, it was a funky way to end a trip. That is for sure. We ended up thinking it was a sprain, and just kept it iced all the time, and I took a few anti-inflammation pills. It wasn't until we flew home to Canada a few days later when we went to get things checked out for reals. Needless to say, I was on crutches for months and it was my first break. Luckily it was one of Canada's worst winters for cold and snow (Ha. Ha.) and we were living in a trailer on a horse ranch, with no running water and a wood stove for heat. It really brought things into perspective.
Our_cozy_trailer
Those spiky things you can put on the end of your crutches probably saved my life. Actually, living in a small space, where you can practically reach out and grab anything was also very helpful. It was definitely like going back in time...Heating up water for dishes, cooking breakfast on the top of the wood stove... It was a bit like heaven when I think back.. aside from the darn break!! Getting down to the "warm room/wash room" in the barn, below the trailer was always an adventure. Ahhh those were the days.
A_trailers_view
I am reminded of all this leg stuff because, for over a week, I have been laid up with a bum knee, couch bound! Which of course reminded me of our "Dominican Dream Adventure Nightmare Trip" and what a slew of memories! Like try getting out of the ocean with crutches. A girl has got to swim! Ha, and living on a horse ranch in a trailer, was a little different to life in a home with running water and all the amenities this time with a cane instead of crutches.... I suppose the lesson here is to never take anything for granted. Having the fortune to be able to walk freely is so forgotten until you can't walk! Luckily the pain is easing off and I went out for a walk in the woods for the first time in too long. Also, I wanted to share with you a healing herb I heard about for inflammaton, it's called "COMFREY" in English. Apparently the leaves and roots can be made into salve and it is super good for swelling. It seems to be working on my knees! In the meantime, I will be walking lightly.
Til we meet again,
Lindsay xo