So before I even got to Spain it was clear to me that Jordi was one of the nicest, most helpful people ever. First he talked to his friend about hosting me, then he offered to pick me up from the airport. Meanwhile, you might remember that not long before I headed to Spain my back went haywire. After some R+R in Brussels I was still in really bad shape. I had to email Jordi and Albert, my host, that I wasn't capable of doing a whole lot at the moment. We hadn't discussed exactly what kind of work I would be doing at the hotel, but I figured it would be some kind of physical labor, which there was no chance my back would agree to.
Albert responded by saying I should show up and consider myself a friend. Sleep in the next day, take it easy. Not only that, when I mentioned I would need to pick up an ice pack, he had one waiting for me when I arrived. I felt like such a jerk. Here was a total stranger doing me all kinds of favors and I was in too much pain to do anything in return. The next day, I said I thought I should see a chiropractor and Albert immediately made a phone call that lead to an appointment in 20 minutes - which, you guessed it, he drove me to.
Now, turned out this person wasn't a chiropractor but a massage therapist. I was doubtful it would be much help but after an hour I got up and walked away feeling a hell of a lot better. I was walking almost normally - it was so exciting! $40 euros well spent! I toured the town, found some seitan at the grocery store, and returned to the hotel with lifted spirits.
Sadly, a lot of my relief wore off by the time I went to bed :( The next day all I could muster the energy for was a walk around the hotel grounds, shooting some photos and a little drawing. Maybe I could contribute some artwork to the hotel...
Andy and his family had gotten to Costa Brava by now and were staying a couple of towns over on the beach. Yet another stroke of mad luck came when Andy told me his brother-in-law is not only a chiropractor, but just happens to be the guy who takes care of the Swedish Olympic Ski Team, and he'd be happy to take a look at my back. Are you kidding me - what are the odds?? As you can imagine, I didn't hesitate to take him up on his offer. Turns out Janne is a genius! He worked on me for about 20 minutes and I felt immediate relief. The best part was he even identified the root of my problem and gave me a stretching routine to keep up on my own. Janne - you rock!
By now, Albert had suggested I could help out with the social media for Hotel Golf Costa Brava. That, I could do! Finally, I had some mobility and a way to contribute. Maybe now I could start enjoying my time in Spain!
Albert responded by saying I should show up and consider myself a friend. Sleep in the next day, take it easy. Not only that, when I mentioned I would need to pick up an ice pack, he had one waiting for me when I arrived. I felt like such a jerk. Here was a total stranger doing me all kinds of favors and I was in too much pain to do anything in return. The next day, I said I thought I should see a chiropractor and Albert immediately made a phone call that lead to an appointment in 20 minutes - which, you guessed it, he drove me to.
Now, turned out this person wasn't a chiropractor but a massage therapist. I was doubtful it would be much help but after an hour I got up and walked away feeling a hell of a lot better. I was walking almost normally - it was so exciting! $40 euros well spent! I toured the town, found some seitan at the grocery store, and returned to the hotel with lifted spirits.
Sadly, a lot of my relief wore off by the time I went to bed :( The next day all I could muster the energy for was a walk around the hotel grounds, shooting some photos and a little drawing. Maybe I could contribute some artwork to the hotel...
Andy and his family had gotten to Costa Brava by now and were staying a couple of towns over on the beach. Yet another stroke of mad luck came when Andy told me his brother-in-law is not only a chiropractor, but just happens to be the guy who takes care of the Swedish Olympic Ski Team, and he'd be happy to take a look at my back. Are you kidding me - what are the odds?? As you can imagine, I didn't hesitate to take him up on his offer. Turns out Janne is a genius! He worked on me for about 20 minutes and I felt immediate relief. The best part was he even identified the root of my problem and gave me a stretching routine to keep up on my own. Janne - you rock!
By now, Albert had suggested I could help out with the social media for Hotel Golf Costa Brava. That, I could do! Finally, I had some mobility and a way to contribute. Maybe now I could start enjoying my time in Spain!
 |
| Neo, Jordi's puppy. I helped him take Neo to the vet one night... he weighs 68 kilos. That's 150 pounds. That's somewhere around 40 lbs more than me... Good thing he is a sweet pooch! I have never seen more slobber in my life! |
 |
| A day at the beach, a night on the rocks... with Pernilla! |
 |
| Obama, Elvis Presley... according to the home stores in Spain - this is where it's at! |
No comments:
Post a Comment