Sylvia's Journal

I did not think it was possible to dream about physical therapy. If I thought I could do without it for the next two weeks, I got a message to the contrary. In two-hour long stretches of sleep, punctuated by waking up, I dreamed up all sorts of schemes to fit physical therapy sessions into my work schedule. I cannot remember the details; it seemed all very complicated. So when I woke up I was surprised not to have to run off to an appointment. I guess I better make an appointment today.

I am learning about self care. Mary Wright is like my personal coach. She sends me frequent messages cheering on all my attempts at taking good care of myself. I am listening and so is my subconscious. One of my earlier dreams in the night was of a large horse trailer parked on the deck of an oceanliner. It was the horse that reminded me that the hay needed changing, and the water and food bins filled. I did that, which may explain the physical therapy dreams that followed.

So yesterday was my first day of work. I had only two meetings and everything took place at a slow pace, including my walking. I have finally slowed down to the natural pace at which most of Africa walks. It would be New York where I’d get into trouble, but here I fit in quite nicely.

After our morning meeting we went for lunch in a small sandwhich/deli type restaurant located right next to, indeed, a physical therapy practice. So I have the card and can call the number today.

I was rather exhausted and went to bed early after I had a long Skype chat with my colleague Sarah who is in neighboring Tanzania and later with Axel from home. I had brought my little notebook web cam in the hope that Axel and I could see each other but there is a Macintosh incompatibility and he could only see my Skype image. I also had wanted to show him my room. It is quite nice. I bought a bouquet of flowers yesterday (the markets overflow with flowers) which I put in a portable plastic vase that someone gave me a couple of years ago (was it you, Carol?). I am glad I stuck it into my suitcase at the last minute.