Medical adventures

Oh my goodness, well after a very long day, I am now in Hoi An. I woke at half four thismorning, how goodness only knows, I don't see how anyone can progress backwards in jetlag recovery, but when I couldn't get back to sleep I went for a walk around Saigon at about 6 when the sun was up, chatted to some locals, that sort of thing. Got back for breakfast and then it was off to the hospital to try and fix my nose. What can I say, except that straight away the Vietnamese doctor saw what two trips to the Bath clinic never revealed, that I need an endoscopy in order to straighten a bone in my nose that has been majorly contributing to my excessive bleeding. But I was under the impression an endoscope is an observational tool, not a fixing one.. Either way, I won't undertake an endoscopy while I'm over here, it means about 5 days of my travels would be wasted recovering, so they tell me, so that'll have to wait until I get back. I will, however, be having general anaesthetic on Tuesday when I'm back in Saigon in order to have it properly cauterised. And they were so so thorough!! Once we decided on this course of action, they gave me a CT scan, a chest x-ray, an EKG, blood tests.. The former two I had to go down into the basement and tread carefully through a massive puddle from a leaking pipe in order to have them done. I felt like I was in a slightly low-budget version of House :) But I had absolutely every confidence in them and it's great that things are finally being sorted...... and I had some very flirtatious nurses. Although one of the nurse's idea of flattery was to describe me as "Sumo!!"

Anyhoo, after that we went to the Saigon market where I got yet more watches!! Now I've added a Breitling and a Bell & Ross to the collection, which might soon outnumber my pairs of shoes :) I have never been in such an absolutely sweltering, blisteringly hot building before though. We ran away once we got our watches and found lunch in a charming place where you order your food from the chefs, then cross the road to the seating area. Lo and behold, a few minutes later you see a waiter holding a tray up high with your food, crossing the road while all the motorbikes whizz past him! Food tastes better when it's served dramatically, it would seem.

Finally we got back to the hotel, gathered our bags and then headed off in a taxi for our flight up to Da Nang, followed by an hour in a bus to get to the hotel in Hoi An. Absolutely gorgeous hotel, if rather loud with the deafening roar of frogs. Lots and lots of frogs. They overpower crickets and don't sound quite as soothing, by any stretch of the imagination. Had a lovely supper though, extremely fresh fish on the beach, and tomorrow we're planning a complete rest day on the beach to recouperate before heading into Hoi An town to get things tailored - I for one envisage a replica of the Wimbledon blazer (like a blue rowing jacket, and I won't have the Wimbledon logo emblazened on the breast pocket) and I'll probably get some lightweight trousers done too, possibly even white! Although that could be tempting fate... But on Monday we'll fly back to Saigon and start preparing for the wedding, it'll all probably be rather stressful so we're trying to store some energy in anticipation!

And I so nearly forgot to mention the supper with Vy's family last night - what absolutely charming people!! They're very sweet and friendly, I think we're going to get on exceptionally well :) I got on really well with her brother in law, a very kind man who's been really helpful during our stay. And Vy herself has been absolutely amazing with all the wedding preparation she's been doing as well as looking after us and translating doctors for me! Astonishing :)

Anyhoo, I'm going to see if I can upload some photos! Wish me luck, I've not tried it before..

And I've rather decided I shall see Ha Long Bay by starlight. Instead, I'll come back to Hoi An for the night of the full moon - they turn off all the streetlights and instead use lanterns all over the old town :) Should be magical!

Hope everyone's well, lots of love to all back home
Freds xxxx