Week Nine - Making Friends with my Cast - 18th April 2014

Enjoying the sun!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”  Helen Keller 

This week I have been adjusting to life with a full arm cast and it is fair to say it does not come without its difficulties.  As the quote above suggests – it is certainly an adventure - even with everyday tasks.  Washing my hair is the one key task that I am unable to manage so for the past week it has been the duty of whoever wants a go!  Although there are some drawbacks I do have some perks, for example getting out of doing the dishes and any cleaning that may need done around the house – I finally have a reasonable excuse. 

After the antics of last week I did feel guilty that my guest had been unable to enjoy the Swiss sightseeing I had planned so this week I made the effort to get out and about as much as possible, albeit a little more local than had been previously arranged due to the cumbersome nature of my cast. 

In our paddle boat

On Friday the weather in Konstanz was the best yet hitting 24 degrees celsius.  After much touring around Konstanz we soon found a shelter by the lake where paddle boats were available for rent.  After a week of incapacitation we found it very hard to contain our excitement and within ten minutes we were in one! What better way could there be to get a sun tan than to paddle in a boat out into the middle of Lake Konstanz in glorious sunshine for an hour.  Following this we then made our way to the ‘Sea Life Aquarium’.  This was absolutely not what we expected and was so much fun!  We were able get up close and personal with all manners of sea life from tropical fish to stingrays to sharks and even penguins. 

Up close to the penguins

Touching a star fish

Coping with the cast has been a challenge, but one that I have had to adjust to and it has certainly made my time in Switzerland more memorable.  However, one unfortunate result of the accident was being unable to go on a previously arranged visit to Austria during our Easter holidays. Ashleigh, Sarah and I had planned and booked the necessary elements but unfortunately due to my circumstances I am now unable to go.  This is definitely one of the most disappointing points of my Erasmus experience. 

Coming home to Northern Ireland was certainly something that I had not planned during my Erasmus trip but due to the unfortunate circumstances encountered was something that was preferred by my parents who, for peace of mind, wanted me to attend a specialist just to confirm all was well with the treatment of my injury.  Anyone who knows me well will know how key music, and in particular piano playing, is in my life.  Therefore coming home for a couple of days to see a specialist to seek the reassurance that the break in my wrist will not affect my future piano playing is particularly important. 

Although I do feel like I am cheating the Erasmus programme slightly I think given the circumstances I can be forgiven this once. 

Until next week - Stephanie