'Foot and Mouth'

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  Nelson, New Zealand
Thursday, December 2, 2004

Much to my disappointment, things were no better this morning. In fact they were much much worse. My hoof was throbbing all through the night, and when I woke this morning, it had decided to punish me with a different kind of pain. That's when I knew that things were getting really serious.

So, as I had promised myself and my travelling companions, today was the day to visit the doctor. And the dentist. Oh, that's the other classic: Last night we had all gone round the corner to feast on the special offer at the local Malaysian food palace. We were sitting round the table merrily stuffing our faces with smiles and bloated bellies when 'crack', I'd bitten on something hard. I think it was a bone. I picked it out and carried on eating. Moments later my tongue brushed against something alien. Something that wasn't there before. I finished the mouthful and checked again. It was horrible. I'd smashed one of my back teeth in half on a bone and I was now feeling the jagged contours of my new tooth. Another stroke of luck! So of course, subsequent conversations caused the continuous slicing of the side of my tongue along the jagged edge of my new chomper making it painful to talk, especially towards the end of the night. So last night I went to bed a little pissed-off, as anybody would be if they'd got 'foot and mouth'!

So today has been quite eventful as before I could see a doctor or seek medical attention of any sort, I've had to get here - to peaceful, sunny Nelson, my first stop in the South Island.

We left Wellington early this morning, took the bus to the ferry terminal, took the ferry across the Cook Strait, through the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds over to Picton, the ferry port of the South Island. I mention the 'calm waters' cos' that must have been a first for a long time, especially according to one Kiwi who I got talking to as we stood on deck admiring the magnificent views of the Marlborough Sounds. He reckons it can be really rough on the crossing and has seen some particularly frightening moments in his time. So I was glad to have been part of such a pleasant and serene crossing, especially as it gave great opportunity to see the real beauty of the sounds.

So it was off the ferry, baggage off the carousel and straight on to another bus, over to Nelson. We arrived at around 4pm stopping en-route for refreshments. I had already booked the three of us into the 'Paradiso Backpackers' while I was in Welly so we knew we had a room covered. While I was waiting to check in, I decided to call the local medical centre to try and get an urgent appointment to get my sore hoof looked at, especially after the harassment I'd encountered all day by fellow travellers who were beginning to get really concerned. Luckily there was a ten minute slot at 4:30pm so I'd gotta move quick. Igno took my bags while the girl on reception booked me taxi and a few minutes and well wishes later, I was on my way.

If I've told the story of my injury once, I've told it a hundred times, so telling it once more was no real hardship. I'd started to mention the trapped nerve possibility and he interrupted. He'd only taken one look at it when I hopped in and he already knew. It was seriously infected and he gave it me straight. He told me to stop using it, walking on it or putting any weight on it for that matter, and to stay off it for a week. He was very serious and wrote me a prescription while telling me to take the antibiotics as instructed. He stressed that if there was no improvement in two or three days, to go to A&E immediately. This put me in great spirits! So in a roundabout way, that's the score.

So here I am at the Paradiso Backpackers sitting beside the pool and spa, with my foot up on a chair making these joyous notes on my current medical condition and new circumstances. Once again I have to report another superb abode. I'm sharing a dorm with Chris and Igno who I must add has been a complete star. He's been carrying my main pack and helping me wherever he can - a real pal. The conditions here are excellent, we have our own en-suite and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Outside our room we have a small table and chairs, next to a free pool table which looks out on to the sand-floored volleyball pitch which resides next to the beautifully clear blue swimming pool, spa, and sauna. All free. Hiding in the bushes behind the pool is an old green bus which has been converted in to a travellers lounge with cosy dim lights and tables and chairs, perfect for spending the evenings with a few beers and company of choice. I don't think I could've found the perfect place to rest my weary foot, if I'd tried. Just sitting here amongst the palm trees next to the hammock by the poolside is relaxing enough.

Thank god I went to the doctors when I did. One more day could have made all the difference. It's strange though how the injury happened nearly a month ago, yet the infection reared it's ugly head only a couple of days ago. So I'm sitting here with 'foot and mouth', quite immobile and not overly talkative as the tooth still cuts in to the tongue when I speak. I'm a right physical wreck at the moment. Then again, I suppose considering the crazy stuff I've been doing since I've been here, in three months I've lasted quite well and have got away with a few close shaves if I'm honest. I should be grateful.

Anyway, moving swiftly on to the positives. Had a very pleasant evening tonight with the guys. I reckon this is the longest I have travelled so far with the same people, but it's been worth it and I wouldn't change it. There's a good bunch here and already we've shared some good times.

The night was rounded off perfectly when little Jo (BB's - 'Jwann') walked in. She'd asked me to drop her a quick txt msg when I arrived so she could come over. Jo's been in Nelson now for nearly two months as she just loved it as soon as she got here. Though we've kept in touch, I hadn't seen her since the BB Meet-up night in Base Auckland, so it was great catching up and hearing some good stories (and horror stories). Jo (aka 'Chicken') was quickly introduced and acquainted and we all ended up having a great night nestled tightly in the big green bus. Igno's infectiousness quickly infected and the hysterics started. 'Chicken' has the odd habit of covering the lower half of her face with a scarf every time she laughs hysterically. Her face turns pink and her eyes glaze over with tears and flicker left to right, from person to person as she sit's there, rocking and shaking. It's quite interesting to watch. It wasn't a particularly late one for me as my foot had started to throb again through being on the floor and it had been quite a long day already. So on the foot front, I suppose all I can do is keep my fingers crossed.

Post your own travel photos for friends and family Pictures

01 - The first view of the Sounds	02 - 'Calm waters'	03 - 'Just off to get some milk'..	04 - Looking back
05 - Steve 'the Star'	06 - Paradiso Backpackers	07 - Nothing like a morning swim	08 - The big green bus!
09 - Din-dins	10 - An evening on the big green bus..	11 - Tabitha and the Cat..	12 - Nights in Nelson
15 - Leaving Nelson with Chicken

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