May 7,

Yesterday, we started the day finishing our weekly connections, by WhatsApp videos with our sisters. Having our breakfast in between the calls was a nice way to transition. It is nice to reach out to family but each call was over one hour in length! We all had a lot to catch up on!! Anyway, breakfast was the smallest volume we had received so far – still too much, but it did not seem as wasteful. We had our start of cubed papaya fruit with a wedge of lime. I have been forgetting to mention this starter! I could eat papaya every morning, especially with the flavor addition the lime gives it. Now comes the rest: toast X4 with butter and jam, string hoppers – umpteen of them, dahl, coconut sambal, omelet – that we split, and our tea!

There was a French couple eating here this morning. They had spent last night here, and have rented a tuk-tuk. We thought about this, but it seems a novelty thing. Where-ever you go your belongings are in the tuk-tuk that can not be locked in. Also it doesn't seem practical if it rains; there's not AC; it can be very uncomfortable on long drives; and lastly, one of us would be in the front the other would be in the back, having to yell at each other to communicate over the loud engine. So yeah, we thought about it, but too many negatives over the positive of transportation. We can rent scooters or cars.

Anyway, we went back to our room after we ate. Jeff's foot seems more red as the morning gave way to the afternoon. So we decided he should have it checked out. We went to a medical place. It is basically a shop front. There is a number to call for a Dr.  We were figuring it out when a local man approached us, saying, “Doctor?” We affirmed this and he called for us. We set up an appointment for later,1715. It was oneish, so we decided to go for lunch.

We loaded up on Scrapper and went up a road we hadn't been up yet. We found – Serenite Ella Cafe and Restaurant. We ordered a Lumprais: yellow rice, fried hard boiled egg, eggplant pickle, veggie cutlet, chicken, and potato all wrapped in a banana leaf; and Serenite chicken and pineapple salad with mayo sauce. It was so very good!! I had a Coke to drink and Jeff had a Ginger beer. No one else was here! We sat eating, listening to smooth jazz, and viewing Little Adams Peak with Kuda Ravana Waterfall in the distance!! It was quite peaceful and relaxing. 

When we finished we hopped on Scrapper; went back to our place for couple of hours; and then back to the medical place. Arrived and there was a lady receptionist/nurse or helper that had us sit. A family of four in front of us. Humph! So much for needing an appt. We had just sat and a man, presumably the doctor, showed up at 1716!! It was the doctor – he helped the family first. Thankfully, just one of them needed to be checked. As we were waiting two ladies with a toddler showed up. Busy little place.

We went in next. The doctor took one look at Jeff's foot – yes it was infected with an onset of cellulitis. He pinched and poked around the wound to try to drain it. Then cleaned the area with a very through scrub of betadine. Jeff was really wincing, but knew it all needed to be done so he endured it! Then the doctor dressed the wound. He was telling Jeff to keep the dressing on for 24 hrs and not get it wet. I had noticed it had rained, and mentioned it. We all looked back outside. I thought of putting a glove on Jeff's foot. Jeff and the doctor chuckled. One of them said you can tell she's a nurse. Ha-ha! Then he gave Jeff antibiotic cream, as well as antibiotic pills to take for five days, telling Jeff to take an anti-inflammatory (we have already) and antacid if needed. The damages: $50! Crazy low!! The price included the consultation of the doctor to a foreigner – $40. He apologized for that price! We were pleased!! The medicine was $6; and we had to go another pharmacy to get more antibiotic as they did not have enough, the last $4. So yeah! The low charges amaze us each time!

We managed to get back to our place on Scrapper without it raining on us! We had a light supper and watched  some You tube. Bed by 2300.

Today, breakfast was only Jeff and I. No one else was here. This hotel and so many here in this valley seem more empty than full. We wondered how they manage to stay afloat. Anyway, we had our papaya, red rice, dahl, coconut sambal, roti, toast X6! with butter & jam, an omelet, and our pancake dessert! Just when I think they have figured us out some they bring out more again – I don't get it. We finished and went to our room to digest the food!!

Around 1245, we went out… to return poor Scrapper. The owner saw the bike and Jeff showed him where the accident  damage was. He called someone and then told Jeff a price of $40 for the damage. Jeff gave him $50. The guy seemed pleased, returned Jeff's passport to him, and asked about us. We told of our scrapes and bruises. Whew! We both sighed relief! That could have gone way worse!! 

We walked to the main street to a pharmacy for Band-Aids as our stash is now low, to a store for some more chocolate, and then to Matey Hut Cafe for lunch. Taking their last table, we ordered their onion rings, and their veggie, chicken, cheese Kottu (to compare to the Hostel/train station Restaurant). We both enjoyed the Kottu better – reminded us more of mac and cheese😋😋. I thought the Hostel's onion rings were better – these are more cake battered, whereas the Hostel's seemed more lighter coated. Either way they are both good – just happy to have onion rings. Finished up with chocolate ice cream.

Finished we walked back the 1.2 miles to our place. After we cooled down, we showered and I tended Jeff's foot. It looks so much better already, thankfully!!! thanks to all for the prayers! Then I blogged, Jeff read. We plan on a light supper of cracker with pb and bananas. Tomorrow we catch a bus to the south of the island and beach time!