December 24th 2009

As I quickly reached down to pick up the item I had dropped during dinner I heard (and felt) the "pop" a split second before I actually felt the pain. Apparently the speed at which I had moved to catch the dropped item, along with the force at which the arm of the chair pushed in between my two ribs, was the cause of the "pop" and of the excruciating pain that followed.

Sleeping was a nightmare as I couldn't sleep on my left or right side... Coughing or sneezing is absolutely out of the question! Deep breaths are not fun and there's not much to laugh about, so I'm okay there!

Luckily Bob (from our new friends Bob and Vicky) is a doctor. A short discussion over breakfast concluded with a possible diagnosis of either a bruised rib or possibly a ruptured ligament (the stuff in between the ribs). In either case expect a lot of pain, take Ibuprofen three to four times a day and don't cough or sneeze. Wundervoll!

Day 5 and the luggage is still MIA. The cruise director (no her name is not Julie!) has spoken to Air France several times, but to no avail. They do not know where exactly the luggage is, but they are very sure it will turn up. Mercy.

So far (in spite of everything) we are having a wonderful time. Germany is beautiful if not a bit chilly! (...but then again if we had the right clothes,we wouldn't be cold!) The people (although not as warm and friendly as Italians) are very nice and most everyone speaks English. It's really gray and quiet and there is a mist that covers the tops of trees and tall buildings.

Tonight is the Christmas Eve dinner (Semi-formal, you say? Fantastic!) and then tomorrow on to Mainz.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

M