What You See Is What I am Getting....

This is a daily scene for me, as it is raining and is taken from the front of the school. You can see the Police Station for our neighborhood (Hyoja dong) with the hill that I walk up and down every day.

Had a super low key week and weekend. We were testing at the school for two days and then I finally went to a Dr. to see about some swelling in my right foot. It was determined that I had "trauma" to the foot, apparently, twisting or spraining it some where along the line. (Easy to do, as much of the payment here is uneven and made of unknown materials.) Anyway, after two days of physical therapy, I returned to Dr. with additional swelling in hands. Fortunately, I was referred to an English speaking Dr. who had practiced in Indianapolis for several years and all's well that ends well. Dr. Song determined that my problems, in addition to the trauma in the foot was circulation related and prescribed two types of medication for just 5 days.
I have no insurance card yet, so each visit (including physical therapy) was $10 and medication was a little over $9. Amazing, huh? Most Koreans pay $3 per visit and seldom over $5 for medication. So, remaining weekend was spent with my feet elevated, me relaxing, and checking ESPN.com for football and golf results.

Am waiting for several used books from Amazon.com, but have started reading "Badlands" by the man that co-founded Lonely Planet. I highly recommend this book, as it looks at areas of the world, including Afghanistan, North Korea, Burma, and many others that are not high on people's travel plans list. It is really facinating to read about other people's travel ups and downs in off the beaten path and dangerous areas at that.

Other than the above, I have been in touch with Betsy, in South Africa and have heard from Carla, who traveled to Ghana. Carla has returned home after a series of harrowing events and will remain in the US until her plans are more settled. It is so great to talk to people via Skype, as with a good headset, it is like they are right next door. PLEASE, if you get a Skpye address, please let me know. On a rainy, grey day, hearing familiar voices really lifts my spirits!! Talked to Nicky and Visnja last week, as well, and nearly cried after we "hung up". So, a BIG plug for Skpye: www.Skype.com FREE, despite what the top of their website says. Just hit "Download" and follow the directions. A headset is worth the investment. My Skype address is joanie.calder.

Thanks again to everyone for emails!! Keep those cards and letters coming. And, last bit of news.....Denise and Doug Knight made it out of Jamaica safe and sound.....but nearly a week late due to the hurricane. The grapevine says they aren't traveling again for quite sometime. Home never looked so good!!

Hope your week is good!