December 1st, 2023

It’s now been over a month since I returned from the hospital. Since not much has happened and my spirits haven’t been the best, I hadn’t posted on my blog. That said, my ongoing issues with my health insurer, KPT, are now in the hands of a law firm. They have sent a detailed letter to KPT’s management demanding justification for the many reimbursement refusals. The letter was very formal and referenced several legal articles. My lawyer set a deadline of 28 November for their response, as I needed to send my termination before the 30th. Surprise, surprise: KPT still hasn’t replied, which doesn’t really shock me but only reinforces my overall impression of this company. My lawyer is equally disappointed by their attitude. So, I went ahead and sent my cancellation letter, expressing the frustration I’ve built up over the past year.

Last Wednesday, I returned to the hospital for a routine check-up. An X-ray was taken and compared to the one from after the operation, to ensure the screws were still firmly in place. I was hugely relieved when my surgeon confirmed that everything was fine and my ankle is progressing well. He did remind me, however, that mobility will remain limited, as the plate firmly fixes my ankle to my leg, preventing a normal rolling motion of the foot while walking. That said, the front of the foot remains mobile, which should allow me to get around without too much difficulty, even if sporting activities will obviously remain limited. The scar is well healed and, according to the nurse who changes the bandages, it’s one of the nicest she’s seen (if a scar can be considered nice!). The ankle is still a little swollen, which is normal at this stage. The next check-up is scheduled for mid-January, so I’ll be wearing the cast for another month and a half. All told, it’s now been nearly seven months that I’ve been dealing with the consequences of this seemingly simple accident in Morocco.

Since returning, I’ve had a nurse help with my wound care for a few weeks. Meanwhile, a cleaning team comes every week to tidy my apartment, which is very welcome since my scooter limits my mobility and outings. They’re two lovely ladies, one of whom is originally from Morocco, quite a coincidence!

A colleague kindly took my motorcycle to the garage for its 12,000 km service and to check the rear brake. In Agadir, I had to replace the brake pads after one came loose and got stuck between the disc and the other pad, wearing down the disc. The parts will need replacing, but Honda will cover the cost of the parts, as it seems to have been a fault caused by the brake pads. My mechanic is happy to do this kind of work in winter, which is quieter than the busy summer season when many bikers are out and about.

The weather has changed a lot recently, the first snowflakes have fallen. That’s actually quite negative since I’m going out less, but staying immobile at home isn’t always easy, and the days can be long. Next Monday, I’m invited to my former employer’s retirees’ Christmas party, which should bring some warmth to these monotonous days.

Last Friday, on Black Friday, the ferry company I travelled with from Sète to Tangier in April was offering a 50% discount on new bookings. I didn’t hesitate and booked a ticket for 18 May 2024, this time departing from Genoa, which is easier to reach from Switzerland in a single day. The booking is flexible, so I can cancel free of charge up to a month before departure. So the next big step in planning my trip is set, and I’m delighted!

I’ve also booked a trip to Berlin at the end of January. My colleague René, from Cologne, invited me to visit an exhibition called “The Dark Room” (www.thedarkrooms.de), a light and sound installation with very promising photos. And Berlin is always a city worth visiting. I’m taking the train, as Deutsche Bahn is offering incredible deals: 150 CHF for a first-class return ticket from Bern to Berlin, including reserved seats and public transport tickets. That’s the same price I pay just to get from Bern to Zurich airport!