Friend Eli gets me a first class ticket on JAL for less than the Expedia economy price! I do not know how he does it but if you are going to fly internationally always contact eli@jetnsave.com. Drop my name, it will make all the difference!

Anyway, once home, I set off to get a rental car. I trip on a manhole cover just outside my place and wham down on my ribs. It is a very heavy fall. I have no time to break my fall with my hands nor knees nor head. I go down like a felled Giant Redwood, but faster. Ouch! I do not feel too bad but definitely shaken.

The pain does not go away, in fact it gets much worse. I cannot take deep breaths nor move easily. The next day, I go to the doctor who refers me to a nearby orthopaedics clinic. No good as nobody speaks English. I am downhearted, very jet lagged and in pain. I am rescued by Arisa san who makes an appointment for me at a great clinic. Thanks Arisa.

I went to this clinic years ago when I had meniscus problems. https://thequietripple.com/2014/07/17/i-bury-my-heart-at-wounded-knee/

I think all clinics and hospitals Japan are private businesses. Doctors and nurses are employed by the clinic not the Government. The clinics bill the Government and the patient pays a small percentage. I pay 1,160yen for my treatment.

Lots of X-rays and thorough examination by Wantanabe sensei. He says that nothing is broken but there is severe deep bruising and there is nothing he can do do about it. He suggests painkillers but I explain that I am from Scotland. He says the pain should go away in a week or so and that I should take it easy.

I like taking it easy! It is my hobby.