Yesterday afternoon, we decided to “give it a try” and head down those 30 steps for a walk in the neighborhood. I went down as gingerly as possible with Tom in front of me in case I fell. Once on the street, we both sighed a breath of fresh air and began a short 15-minute walk, taking photos along the way. My legs held up well.
Every few days, we’ll head out again for more walks over the next 37 days until we board the ship. Once on the ship, walking will be easier for me due to the level surfaces. Additionally, I plan to utilize the fitness center on the ship to work out on the treadmill, elliptical, and lift weights several times a week.
As far as the new challenge is concerned, we’re facing the fact that Tom’s hearing aids have stopped working. It appears to be due to a problem with the lithium battery charger. This afternoon, we’ll call Costco, where he purchased them in 2024 in Minnesota, and see if they can provide a replacement charger or offer an alternative solution.
Most likely, they won’t send it to us in Spain, but they will send it to our mailing service in Nevada. Once it arrives there, we’ll have them ship it to us overnight, incurring some substantial shipping charges. There’s no way Tom can go without them until we return to the US in May.
Not only can he not hear me talk to him, but he won’t be able to engage in conversation with other passengers on the ship, seriously impacting the quality of our experience. Hopefully, the three-year warranty Costco provided will include the replacement of this part. If not, we’ll have no choice but to purchase another charger for US $199, plus the cost of overnight shipping.
The longer he’s worn the hearing aids, the worse his hearing seems to be without them. This has become an issue when I try to talk to him when he takes them out to go to bed. I have to holler for him to hear anything I am saying.
Fortunately, we have two Bluetooth portable speakers that enable him to hear his favorite podcasts and any shows we may stream in the evening.
Otherwise, all is fine. Once we returned to the apartment after the walk, I had less trouble going up the stairs than going down.
Today, we have four small roasted chicken breasts left, with potatoes for Tom and a new batch of coleslaw I made this morning for both of us. We have decided not to drink alcoholic beverages while here, unless we dine out, and neither of us has missed our usual sundowners/happy hour.
Once we’re on the ship, with our priority status, we’ll enjoy the few included “five-a-day” free drinks per person. Neither of us would ever drink five drinks in a day, but it’s a good perk.
That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back with more tomorrow, including an update on Tom’s hearing aid situation.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, September 20, 2015:
It’s wonderful to see you and Tom able to get out and about! I follow some YouTubers that were there recently and Barcelona looks like a fascinating place. Sorry to hear about Tom’s hearing aids. There are several Costco stores in Spain, with closest appearing to be in Zaragoza, about 3 hours away. Perhaps they can help you. That would be great! If not, maybe the manufacturer of his device may have a representative in Barcelona or nearby. Hope you find a solution soon!
Pam, we have been to Barcelona in the past and did some sightseeing, so we are not as concerned about getting out as we would have been if we hadn’t. But, we’ll make the best of the situation. The Costco store in Spain don’t carry his brand of hearing aids. So we called Costco in US and they said to order from their site and they will reimburse us when we return in May will a full credit for the cost. It’s being shipped to our mailing service and they will send it to us overnight. We’ll have to bear the cost of the shipping but so it goes. Apparently, they don’t carry his brand in Spain so that wasn’t an option.
Thanks for writing!
Warmest regards,
Jess & Tom