That piece of glass I had in my foot over Labor Day weekend never came out on its own. It got so painful that I had to go to the ER on Labor Day morning to try to get it removed. They wouldn’t do that so after seeing an orthopedic surgeon, this past week I had to have it surgically removed. It was actual surgery in an operating room – not outpatient in a doctor office – and no anesthesia other than a local. It was a pretty involved procedure for a piece of glass that ended up being only 4mm. Needless to say it has not been any fun recuperating after what they did to my foot (and I felt everything they did but without the pain).

I still have to stay off my foot after surgery and that is getting very frustrating since it is after the three weeks I have been hobbling around. At least the pain has subsided drastically but I cannot wear a shoe or get my foot wet for two weeks so taking a bath has been like a contortionist. Glad I am not the orthopedic having to get up close to that smelly damn foot after that!

Add to that the sheer joy of having to go to the ER a SECOND time the same day and discovering a kidney stone had decided to further enhance & enliven my Labor Day weekend. Fortunately that problem finally fixed itself a few nights ago without any further adieu.

✈️ 🎒

As I have posted in the past I tend to keep up on stories & news in the international places I may be interested in traveling to because sometimes I will decide on a whim to start plans to go somewhere. I may not be traveling soon, but I want to be ahead of the game. If there are potential issues where I want to go I want to know early on so I avoid even starting any plans. Since planning a trip like that can begin well in advance, by constantly keeping updated you can determine if you can start your plans, should wait a bit and see, or choose a new destination.

I do not know if you have seen the stories in the news lately about eastern Europe or not. I think there is real cause for concern with the things that are happening, especially if you want to travel to these areas. I won’t speculate here about the future as it is not my place nor is it responsible for me to do so in this blog. I know what I think but I won’t editorialize.

I do, however, want to take a moment and send the people in those places some good thoughts. I wish you the best in hopes that the problems subside soon and peace prevails in the many places where it is needed.

But, if you are going to travel someplace, you must be an informed traveler. Knowledge is power as they say. YOU are the only one responsible for where you go and the trouble you get into; it is not your government’s responsibility to bail your dumbass out of a problem you could have most likely avoided. Remember the three American hikers who thought it would be a good idea to go trespass into Iran a few years back? Don’t do stupid shit like that.

There is definitely a potential for problems anywhere you might go near or far and really it is everyday life. I will go, and probably have gone to, places that many others may not. Sometimes it is not planned, like on the last trip to Europe in February when we walked around Prague in the dark at 5 AM to get to the airport after our plans had to change last-minute due to a rail strike. I have walked around many cities in different parts of the world alone at night but you can bet I am very aware of my surroundings and will avoid someplace if I get “that feeling”. “That feeling” is why I don’t walk around most US cities. I don’t look for problems.

This is the time of year when many may start to plan for next year’s travels. I felt it was timely to post a reminder about doing your research and also abut being careful wherever you go. We will start to see good airfare deals over the next few months, shoulder/off-season lodging deals will be plentiful, and the crowds are fewer.

Again, I think it is wise to be prudent and if you DO go, make sure to check and get the travel insurance you need to cover your trip.

See you next time!

Shawn