When Ms. Adventure becomes Misadventure

If you’ve ever been to Bali, you’ve probably noticed the sidewalks. They’re basically terracotta slabs fitted over drainage ditches.  The slabs are frequently askew or missing altogether.  It is precisely this situation that led to my first brush with the Indonesian medical system.

Jessica and I were off to check out the elephant caves, an ancient Buddhist hermitage just outside of Ubud.  As is typical of us, we decided to walk the two kilometres, despite the less-than-ideal road conditions.  Being our usual bloody-minded selves, we continued despite the occasional missing sidewalk or construction site requiring trudging through.  We were probably about three fourths of the way there when I decided to consult the map as we walked.  Rookie error.

Missing slabs in a sidewalk that hovers over a drainage ditch makes for giant holes in the sidewalk.  Yes, I fell through the sidewalk while trying to read a map and walk at the same time.  Blood ensued.  I’ll spare you the gory details, but let it suffice to say that I can probably rely on discounted pedicures going forward.  Jess and I finally caved and took a cab back to our villa, where we poured filtered water and hydrogen peroxide on my wound and wondered if I needed stitches. 

I did finally go to the doctor, ironically riding on the back of a scooter without a helmet, which is completely terrifying in a country that relies more on intuition than traffic laws and/or looking where you’re going.  The lovely Dr. Made cleaned up my cut and checked if I’d broken my foot.  She doesn’t think I broke any bones (after a thorough punching of my poor foot) but she was able to disinfect my toe and teach me how to change my bandage.  It was so worth going to the doctor just for that.

Just to add insult to injury, by the way, I’m now on my way to some insane beaches – apparently turquoise, bathtub warm seas and crazy snorkeling.  This would all be great, except I’m not allowed to get my foot wet.  I love my life sometimes. 

I hope you all are enjoying your own adventures and misadventures!  See you in May.