Land & Sea - Live from Barcelona & the Oosterdam Transatlantic - November 5th, 2022

[Scrapnana]

Jacqui, I am so sorry to hear of your accident.  I am hoping for a quick recovery.

[JazzyV]

Jacqui, good to hear you can put a little weight on the foot. I hope there is daily improvement!

[kazu]

Well I broke down and accepted the inevitable - not sure if it will have enough support for my foot at the beginning but at least I can be wheeled to embarkation and probably wheel in my cabin.

 

Went for a wheel chair walk thanks to my sister and BIL.  No English spoken but between his limited English and my Spanish we got by.  ( I understand it better than I speak it now).

Those that know me know I move very fast so this whole situation is painful.  

But if I can figure out how to use these dam crutches - I have a back up in case and this will let me board much easier - it can be pushed. Everything is now moved in my room to make it easier to pack in my wheel chair.

 

I said to my sister and now that I have bought it - watch I will be all better on Saturday - my BIL just smiled and said - I don’t think so.  Oh well it’s done.

It was getting complicated to rent and pricier than buying and I hope I never need it again.  I will donate it but it is going home and, if I am healed the ship can have it possibly?

It’s pricier than the one I saw and smaller but I’m not big.  The gentleman recommended it.  I think he was right.

Not the way I thought I would start a cruise but it is what is.

[kazu]

My sisters and BIL’s got to Girona.  It is gorgeous and it was on Jose’s and my bucket list for 3 years - oh well, another time, I guess.
 

but here are some pics from her for all of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sea42]

Wow, Girona is beautiful! Spain & Portugal were going to be our trip this coming spring but I decided to give the Norway cruise another try, so maybe 2024?

I'm glad you were able to work something out to get you on the Dam ship and hopefully you'll not need it very long.

[kazu]

Some more of Girona - can’t tell you the stories - I wasn’t there 😢 

 

but it is definitely worth the trip.  Very old place - enjoy if you can.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Jacqui, I decided I'm taking the walker I used after my hip replacement surgery in June when we head to Rome and our cruise in 2 weeks. I used it before surgery when we went to Barcelona before our cruise last October. It made everything so much easier, even going through security at the airport! One small thing that helped was a short bungee cord. The walker I had didn't have a latch to keep it folded up. Loren would bungee around the legs and it fit between the end of the sofa and the window in the cabin. If nothing else, if you use crutches, several rolling carry-on bags will sit on the seat while your sister pushes the walker. 

[kazu]

1 minute ago, Sea42 said:

Wow, Girona is beautiful! Spain & Portugal were going to be our trip this coming spring but I decided to give the Norway cruise another try, so maybe 2024?

I'm glad you were able to work something out to get you on the Dam ship and hopefully you'll not need it very long.

 

Thanks - I hope I will be mobile fast 🤞 I confess I am already tired of the dam chair and imposing.  I like to help - not ask for it 😢 
 

Spain and Portugal are both fantastic IMO.  You can never ever see it all.

For LIsbon, we are going outside to some unique sites so stay tuned.  It should be good and I will be there come H or high water 😉 

 

Thanks for sticking by even with the less nice live thread but with luck and healing. It will improve 🙏🏻 

[kazu]

3 minutes ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

Jacqui, I decided I'm taking the walker I used after my hip replacement surgery in June when we head to Rome and our cruise in 2 weeks. I used it before surgery when we went to Barcelona before our cruise last October. It made everything so much easier, even going through security at the airport! One small thing that helped was a short bungee cord. The walker I had didn't have a latch to keep it folded up. Loren would bungee around the legs and it fit between the end of the sofa and the window in the cabin. If nothing else, if you use crutches, several rolling carry-on bags will sit on the seat while your sister pushes the walker. 

 

Thanks Susie. IF I have someone to help. Life is getting complicated

it’s ok - I’ll make by one way or the other.

I didn’t bring any bungee cords. It is what it is.  Thanks ❤️ 

[cruzingnut]

@kazu  I've been following your "adventures" prior to the cruise and am so sorry you've hurt yourself.  I wish I could help you with the crutches (I'm a former Physical Therapist).  One word of advice about the rolling walker....it really isn't meant to be used to push people around on.  It's not designed for that so please be careful about it.  I wish you luck and hope you heal quickly and can get on with your trip. 

 

Linda R.

[kazu]

14 minutes ago, cruzingnut said:

@kazu  I've been following your "adventures" prior to the cruise and am so sorry you've hurt yourself.  I wish I could help you with the crutches (I'm a former Physical Therapist).  One word of advice about the rolling walker....it really isn't meant to be used to push people around on.  It's not designed for that so please be careful about it.  I wish you luck and hope you heal quickly and can get on with your trip. 

 

Linda R.

 

Thanks Linda

 

I wasn’t planning on using as a wheel chair but to help me get through embarkation and maybe if I have to - so sit on and wheel myself around.
 

If there is a trick to use these so you feel secure, please do let me know.

 

 

I really don’t like them but I will try agin tomorrow.  If DH was here he would help with all of this 💔 And he was a pro at disability medicine among other specialties.  

[rafinmd]

Is it early morning there now?

 

Roy

[1of4]

23 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Is it early morning there now?

 

Roy

Just past 2:00 AM

[cruzingnut]

45 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Thanks Linda

 

I wasn’t planning on using as a wheel chair but to help me get through embarkation and maybe if I have to - so sit on and wheel myself around.
 

If there is a trick to use these so you feel secure, please do let me know.

 

 

I really don’t like them but I will try agin tomorrow.  If DH was here he would help with all of this 💔 And he was a pro at disability medicine among other specialties.  

 

Oh, they gave you Loftstrand crutches!  If you can stream video, this will show you how to "fit" them properly to yourself and how to use them.  https://www.google.com/search?q=fitting+loftstrand+crutches&client=firefox-b-1-d&ei=0mdkY6yCF5KMwbkP8LSTgAc&ved=0ahUKEwiss8eJrZP7AhUSRjABHXDaBHAQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=fitting+loftstrand+crutches&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIHCAAQgAQQDTIICAAQhgMQiwMyCAgAEIYDEIsDOgoIABBHENYEELADOgYIABAHEB46CAgAEAgQHhANOgUIABCGAzoFCAAQogQ6CgghEMMEEAoQoAE6CAghEMMEEKABSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUKoEWJkcYKgfaAFwAXgAgAF7iAH0B5IBAzguM5gBAKABAcgBCLgBA8ABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#kpvalbx=_9GdkY7DMMb-TwbkP-by1iAQ_27

 

Sorry for the long link, I do hope it works!  Let me know if not and I can try to help you out differently.

 

Linda R.

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Well, the link worked for me, at least. Good video just in case..........thanks!

[highland cruiser]

17 hours ago, kazu said:

My sister hasn’t been to Sagrada Familia in 15 years and was amazed at the changes.

 

 

I know I was surprised by the progress the last 2 times we went.

 

 

 

It’s nearly complete - but…they keep adding.

 

 

Gaudi would be proud of his dream coming to reality.

 

Thank you for the great pictures.  We will be in Barcelona next October and can't wait to see this beautiful church again.  

Glad to hear your foot is getting better.  Thank goodness for you have family with you.  

Take it easy and don't hurry the healing...hard to do I know!!

 

 

[kazu]

6 hours ago, cruzingnut said:

 

Oh, they gave you Loftstrand crutches!  If you can stream video, this will show you how to "fit" them properly to yourself and how to use them.  https://www.google.com/search?q=fitting+loftstrand+crutches&client=firefox-b-1-d&ei=0mdkY6yCF5KMwbkP8LSTgAc&ved=0ahUKEwiss8eJrZP7AhUSRjABHXDaBHAQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=fitting+loftstrand+crutches&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIHCAAQgAQQDTIICAAQhgMQiwMyCAgAEIYDEIsDOgoIABBHENYEELADOgYIABAHEB46CAgAEAgQHhANOgUIABCGAzoFCAAQogQ6CgghEMMEEAoQoAE6CAghEMMEEKABSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUKoEWJkcYKgfaAFwAXgAgAF7iAH0B5IBAzguM5gBAKABAcgBCLgBA8ABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#kpvalbx=_9GdkY7DMMb-TwbkP-by1iAQ_27

 

Sorry for the long link, I do hope it works!  Let me know if not and I can try to help you out differently.

 

Linda R.

 

It works. !!!  Thanks.  I’ve watched a few but hadn’t seen this.   Many, many thanks.  

[kazu]

6 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Is it early morning there now?

 

Roy

 

6 hours ago, 1of4 said:

Just past 2:00 AM

 

It was early morning.  

Got some distressing news last night and couldn’t get to sleep.

Have the joy of trying to pack today - should be fun 😞 😉 

[Dunmore2]

We’ve been here a few days now, seeing a few sites new to us, Egyptian Museum, Chocolate factory ( amazing chocolate work) ,Cuitadella Park, El Borne center de Cultura, two dinners with @ger_77, one at Colom, where the seafood platter happily fed two of us.

 

Edited November 4, 2022 by Dunmore2

[kazu]

9 hours ago, cruzingnut said:

 

Oh, they gave you Loftstrand crutches!  If you can stream video, this will show you how to "fit" them properly to yourself and how to use them.  https://www.google.com/search?q=fitting+loftstrand+crutches&client=firefox-b-1-d&ei=0mdkY6yCF5KMwbkP8LSTgAc&ved=0ahUKEwiss8eJrZP7AhUSRjABHXDaBHAQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=fitting+loftstrand+crutches&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIHCAAQgAQQDTIICAAQhgMQiwMyCAgAEIYDEIsDOgoIABBHENYEELADOgYIABAHEB46CAgAEAgQHhANOgUIABCGAzoFCAAQogQ6CgghEMMEEAoQoAE6CAghEMMEEKABSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUKoEWJkcYKgfaAFwAXgAgAF7iAH0B5IBAzguM5gBAKABAcgBCLgBA8ABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#kpvalbx=_9GdkY7DMMb-TwbkP-by1iAQ_27

 

Sorry for the long link, I do hope it works!  Let me know if not and I can try to help you out differently.

 

Linda R.

 

Thanks Linda - I watched it.  So confused.  The video is calling them forearm crutches and show they go above your elbow.  The doctor told me my elbow goes in this thing and not the forearm.

 

They adjusted them for my elbow.  And I am having a hard time keeping balance. 

 

Did the doctor tell me the wrong thing?  

[puppycanducruise]

Girona is beautiful, thanks for sharing the pictures.

Someday, I'll get there and you will too.

[StLouisCruisers]

I just watched the video and thought it was very helpful in showing how to adjust as well as sitting and going up and down stairs.  I would say it would be very difficult to use with it adjusted to your elbow instead of just below on the forearm.  I would try it using the instructions in the video and see if you find it easier to use.  You mentioned you were having a hard time keeping your balance the way they were adjusted by the doctor.  Good luck!  Go slow!

[kazu]

30 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I just watched the video and thought it was very helpful in showing how to adjust as well as sitting and going up and down stairs.  I would say it would be very difficult to use with it adjusted to your elbow instead of just below on the forearm.  I would try it using the instructions in the video and see if you find it easier to use.  You mentioned you were having a hard time keeping your balance the way they were adjusted by the doctor.  Good luck!  Go slow!

 

Thanks.  They are actually just below my elbow.  Every video I have watched shows them in the other place.  Going to see if we can adjust them.

My BIL might be able to help.  I can stand on it with support so it would help me reach clothes for one thing 😉 Just can’t walk at all.  So much for being a quick healer although I was told I really did a number on it.

 

[kazu]

So last night my other BIL and sis came by and wheeled me out to find the rollator/walker and then we went to dinner.  That sister is not too adventurous but this place (same one we went to the first night I got released) had something even she could handle - chicken 😉 She gave me a taste and it was so moist.  Really good!

 

 

BIL had meatballs

 

 

and I ordered croquettes (yum) for them to try.  They liked.  Octopus and calamari for me and they tried some.  There was no calamari left like

 

 

And you can’t go without patates braves

 

 

It’s a great little spot - been there for 70+ years and they do know how to cook tapas.

 

 

Huge menu. The first glass of wine is pequeno but when they refill it, it’s to the brim. 🙂 

 

 

 

 

And a big thank you for the advice and help on these crutches.  I’ll get there.  Toyed with the idea of going home while I was struggling to pack but I live alone in a 2 storey house so much better off on a cruise ship.

 

And heck, I’m in a Neptune Suite (transferred cruise and couldn’t downgrade the cabin after DH passed).  It will be my last one - that’s for sure.

 

Tonight a bunch of us arre going to Bar Lobo for a roll call tapas and drinks get together.  Should be fun - wheel chair or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sea42]

I'm so glad you decided to continue with your travel plans. Airports aren't fun in the best of times imagine navigating them with a newly injured foot! And the ship is a much better place to heal, physically and mentally. The moral support of friends and family will also be better than going home to recover. You've got this!