Curves Ahead. Cartagena, Colombia

On my third day post-surgery. Still SUPER puffy, especially my back and stomach, but wanted to post my progress so far. Ive been told that the first 3 days or so are the puffiest :) and that things should setttle down over the next few weeks.

Enjoying a nice light breakfast of coffee, fresh squeezed oj, and local tropical fruit. Elsie will make me some pancakes or eggs later if I'm still hungry. Sidenote: The ladies who work here speak mostly Spanish. They are used figuring out how to communicate with English speaking patients, but if you have time, learning a very small amount of Spanish will make things easier. Obvious universal curteousies like please and thank you are nice to know, along with basic food words that you might want to order. Chicken, beef, fish, eggs, salad, coffee, juice, etc. Youll also want to keep Google Translate handy on your phone!

So here i am, relaxing at the Premium Care recovery suite with my surgery behind me (yesterday!) Their website really does not do this place justice. Its a good sized apartment with 4 rooms, each with its own bathroom and shower. There is a common kitchen and living area. Breakfast is included in the price, and Elsie and Manuela will make whatever you'd like for this meal and any others. You can eat downstairs in the dining room or they'll bring you breakfast (or lunch, or dinner) in bed.

The common area is a great place to sit and relax, read a book, or chat with the other residents in varous stages of thier recovery. This was so helpful for me in the lead up to surgery! Its great having folks to talk to who know exactly what youre going through and what to expect, especially if you're travelling alone like me. Not to mention they have already figued out the lay of the land, the nearby shops and places of interest, the taxi rates, etc.

It feels great to relax in this sunny (but air conditioned!) paradise and know that i dont have to worry about a single thing besides relaxing and recovering.