I have now spent three weeks at Svenska Re in San Agustin, Gran Canaria. Here are some of the conclusions I’ve draw over this period.
Not like others
No, I’m not your typical AS/Bechterew “patient”. I don’t show the usual symptoms, instead I seem to be over flexible in certain ways instead. Go figure. Like for example when it comes to bending sideways, curving your spine, I’m more flexible than your average non-Bechteerew person is expected to be. As is the case when I spread my legs. Uhm. Yeah.
I hate bugs
Judging by the others’ stories, I’ve actually had a quite bug free bungalow. For which I’m forever grateful. I must also say that I’m much better at dealing with bugs now than I was when I first arrived. But even so, the faintest movement in the corner of my eye, my heart starts beating faster. I’ve been watching Dexter and My Boys on my computer with one eye focused on the patio door at all times. Just in case a cockroach would dare to approach it. There was also that small lizard that scared the bejeezus out of me on my first night here, and of course the thousands of tiny ants that are everywhere – in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the fridge, and even in my bed.
Beauty
Even if this warm climate really isn’t what I’m intended for, I must say that the plants they can grow here are striking! What I wouldn’t give to have a hibiscus hedge! Or a fig tree!
Underestimation
I’d completely underestimated my physiotherapist. When I met her today she was stoked I’d gone on the hike yesterday. She said that had I asked her she would’ve had to try and talk me out of it, but she was really glad that I hadn’t, and just gone instead. Why? Because it’s of vital importance that we, I, learn not to let our disease “take over” our lives. Which I think I’m pretty good at. Not letting it, that is.
More than beaches
Gran Canaria has a lot more than beaches to offer people on holiday. Lots more. For example hiking, like I mentioned yesterday. I’d in fact like to come back, once my knee is better, and hike some more. Question is if I can convince A to return here – his family vacation spot during his childhood. Should I come back to Svenska Re in the future, he will however not be presented with a choice. He has to come for a week or so, because these last three weeks have done my head in.
Yep, but luckily I didn’t need any more of the fluid…
are the ants in your contact lens cases? Yuck