Dodie is an obsessive list maker and organizer. We "have to" pack things in one particular way and bring a spreadsheet showing the location of each item. It makes it easier to locate things at the start of a trip, harder to forget where things are, and undoubtedly is a good system, even if stressful for both of us at times.

SO glad you were able to get OUT and enjoy!! :)

You could even put your panniers in the wardrobe cabinet ;)

So very sorry, Jill. Sending healing thoughts and a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

A corkscrew would be a wonderful souvenir of France. Functional and not too big or heavy to carry.

That looks painful! Hope it heals soon.

Oh no! I was wondering why the posts had stalled. This was not the answer I was hoping for. I am so, so sorry that this random spill happened, Jill, but it sounds like you are getting a lot of sound advice from other people posting. Stronger pain relief will help you heal faster, so I hope that becomes the path you take. Fingers crossed that it is just a sprain and you will heal soon. David--thank you as always for these wonderful photographs. Arm chair travel is the best I can do right now with my schedule and I so appreciate your sharing these delights.

Hang is there. Healthcare is very cheap in France and a visit to a doctor will likely get you a pain killer better than Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Our experience suugests that you can get into see a doctor almost immediately—quite unlike stateside! Keep your chins up. Even in these circumstances, you’re still living the dream!

Dodie (previous nurse) echoes all the previous advice. Definitely get the ankle seen. It is better to verify a sprain than to assume and risk doing more damage. Painkillers are important to promote rest which aids in healing. As Susan said, an ankle brace is a very important adjunct to a more rapid, and comfortable, recovery. Hoping your next few days are better.

I am so sorry about your ankle and know how disappointed you must be that things have gotten off to such a bumpy start.

I echo what Keith, Rich and Scott said re seeing a doctor. At the very least, I suggest you go to a pharmacy and get a brace for the ankle. I suffered a badly sprained ankle in 2022 while getting into a taxi at CDG. After visits to the doctor (25€) and radiologist (75€ for visit and 5 X-rays - nothing broken) I got a stabilizing ankle brace at the local pharmacy and it allowed me to ride with more support and confidence.

I am so sorry about your injury, and I’m sure between that and the weather it’s been a great disappointment. You’ll just have to come back to the Tarn someday soon.

And I’ll add to what Rich and Keith have already said - don’t hesitate to see a doctor. I had my own experience with illness in France a few years back - a serious case of food poisoning that had me in the hospital on an IV drip for a day. They didn’t charge me a thing at the time but when we got back to Portland I found a bill for €50 waiting for me, payable online.

Hi -

So sorry that you're hurting - that totally sucks.

My advice as an adopted local is to follow Keith's advice. Doctors are cheap here, many speak enough English to communicate (apologies if you speak French well), and pharmacies are great. It could rescue your trip!

Hi,
Just saw your journal. Welcome to France!
By all means, do not hesitate to see a doctor when you are hurt. The cost will be about 39€ for an office visit PERIOD. Ask at a local pharmacie for the médecin du garde, and they will set you right. If you check out my journal about my trip to Bordeaux when I got sick, the whole experience ambulance ride, overnight stay in the ER and assorted medical procedures cost less than the taxi ride back to the hotel, which was 100€ for the 40 k I needed to travel. I understand that Americans don’t believe me when I tell them things like this, but they are true. Don’t risk your tour for false economies.
Enough lecture from me, get out there and enjoy yourself!
Cheers,
Keith

I’m enjoying your blog and now can’t wait to get back to France! Jill, I hope your knee is feeling better. Enjoy and be safe!

So sorry about Jill's knee! And David, I've been eagerly awaiting your first laundry experience...pretty boring compared to some of your other escapades, so continued good luck with future endeavors.