February 15th, 2024

I’m writing this post from the train on my way to Berlin, but I’ll share more about the trip later.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my surgeon for a follow-up. After a few X-rays, I had a long wait, which is unusual. The clinic was very busy, mainly due to emergencies from ski accidents. After nearly 45 minutes, it was finally my turn. I was eager to hear how my ankle was doing.

From the start, my surgeon wore his usual reassuring smile! On his screen, he showed me the X-rays in detail: healing is progressing well, the bones are still in good alignment, and the holes left by the removed screws are healing nicely. Just a reminder, a plate now stabilises my leg to my foot, meaning my ankle is immobilised. One of the screws fixing the foot appears damaged, the screw head has broken off, but for now, this is not causing any problems. It will need monitoring at my next check-up in six weeks.

In summary, I can finally remove the cast and start using my orthopaedic shoe, although I still need to wear the cast when I’m resting at home. Physiotherapy will begin after my next appointment. Overall, encouraging news despite the broken screw.

As I mentioned, I’m currently on this train to Berlin. The trip was planned a few weeks ago, but a Deutsche Bahn strike caused a delay. My motorcycling colleague René from Cologne thought it was high time I got out of these four walls. We had planned to visit an art exhibition held in a former WWII bunker, but it ended in late January. As an alternative, we’ll visit the Bundestag, with its famous Norman Foster dome. Beyond that, I’m ready for surprises.

I chose the train for two reasons: I figured I would have more space and a more comfortable journey than on a plane, where the seats are very cramped. Also, flights to Berlin have become very expensive! Deutsche Bahn offers great discounts for over-65s: I got a first-class return ticket from Bern to Berlin, with reserved seating and access to Berlin public transport, for just €150! The first-class fare from Bern to Basel alone almost costs that much. The downside is the travel time: departure at 7:04 am and arrival at 4:03 pm, but it’s a direct train with no changes. Let’s hope it’s on time, even though DB is notorious for delays.

Rescheduling caused a few administrative headaches. According to DB, I had to validate my ticket for the new date at a DB ticket office, but there aren’t any in Switzerland! I contacted the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), but they didn’t know how to proceed. I was advised to get my ticket stamped with the new date at a Swiss ticket office, which I did, though the clerk looked puzzled. So far, so good: the ticket inspection between Bern and Basel went smoothly, and I’m waiting to see how it goes in Germany.

Changing my hotel booking went well, although I had to pay a small extra fee due to dynamic pricing. Luckily, my travel insurance promptly reimbursed me for the cancelled exhibition ticket and the surcharge, which is very welcome after my troubles with KPT!

After nine months of immobilisation, I’m eager to enjoy Berlin. A wonderful plan!

Just after crossing the border, the first delay was announced: only 3 minutes, but that’s tradition with DB. The conductor came by and checked my ticket without any problem. On the right, the Black Forest; on the left, the Rhine valley and Alsace, which we’re passing through at speeds of 160–250 km/h.

Between Mannheim and Frankfurt, the train stopped due to a train with an overhead line problem. They announced at least a 30-minute delay! I took the opportunity to have a hearty breakfast to pass the time.

Frankfurt is behind us, halfway through the journey, and the delay remains 30 minutes. I’m going to try to catch a nap, as I had a short night, woke up at 5 am this morning.