Unusual event on Delta flight…Nothing surprises us…

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View of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2014.

Numerous media accounts have provided information about events occurring on various flights by many airlines. We ask, “What’s going on?”

Is all this news due to increased reporting of any situation that can be sensationalized, or are the airlines being less diligent in ensuring safe flights for travelers? Are careless inspections being performed by disgruntled employees, or are checks and balances ignored in certain situations?

We don’t know the answers to these questions, but we don’t perceive flying as safe as it may have been a few years ago. The average flyer can do nothing to eliminate such concerns as they continue to flood the press. Today’s story is a perfect example of such an event. Why was this allowed to happen?

“FAA investigating after Delta passengers report bleeding ears and noses (from this site)

SALT LAKE CITY —

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a Delta Air Lines flight leaving Salt Lake City last weekend developed cabin pressure issues and left some passengers with bleeding eardrums, headaches, and bloody noses.

The flight was traveling Sunday from Salt Lake City to Portland, Oregon, when the five-year-old Boeing 737-900ER aircraft’s pilots noticed a pressurization problem and made an emergency landing back in Utah’s capital, according to the flight log.

Passengers told KSL they noticed people bleeding as the plane decreased in elevation over the Great Salt Lake. Passenger Caryn Allen said the pilots announced they were returning to the airport but did not explain why. Oxygen masks did not deploy.

Allen described watching her husband cover his ears in pain while other passengers tried to help a man on the other side of the aisle who had an uncontrollable bloody nose.

Another passenger, Jaci Purser, told KSL it felt like someone was stabbing her inner ear.

“I grabbed my ear, and I pulled my hand back, and there was blood on it,” she said.

Paramedics met passengers at the gate and identified at least ten people out of the 140 on the flight who required medical attention. They recommended that anyone who was bleeding go to the hospital for further evaluation, and Delta offered to cover those transportation costs, the airline said.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15,” Delta said in a statement. “The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs.”

Delta said the plane was taken out of service Sunday and returned to service Monday after technicians resolved an issue that prevented it from pressurizing above 10,000 feet.

The Boeing aircraft involved in Sunday’s emergency landing is not part of the manufacturer’s newer MAX fleet, which was investigated this year after a door plug blew off during a Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines flight while the plane was at 16,000 feet over Oregon.

However, in late January, the FAA recommended more thorough inspections of other Boeing aircraft, including the 737-900ER involved in the incident over Salt Lake City, because it shares the same door plug design as the MAX jets.”

This obviously resulted from human error, which seems to have caused many such flight events. Notice the above statement in bold: “Delta offered to cover those transportation costs, the airline said.”

What about the cost of medical bills incurred for those who sought medical assistance? What about the potential loss for those who had connecting flights or other forms of awaiting transportation?

To enjoy world travel, one must fly. In a perfect world, one could cruise from location to location, as we attempted during the first year of our travels. It was often more cost-effective and certainly more enjoyable than flying. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible, although we continue to search for cruises to get us to our following preferred location.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 19, 2014:

My breakfast was served in the restaurant of the membership hotel, Club Intrawest, Vancouver, British Columbia, where we waited for a cruise. For more photos, please click here.

Time flies, even when its not as fun as we’d prefer..

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We stopped to take a photo of a pretty flower.

Time seems to fly as we age because of the way our brains perceive time. Everything is new and unfamiliar when we’re young, so our brains process these experiences with intense focus, creating many vivid memories. Each day feels longer because we’re constantly learning and noticing details.

But as we age, life becomes more routine, and our brains don’t have to work as hard to process familiar events. This creates fewer “new” memories, making time seem to speed up.

There’s also the relative perspective. When you’re 10, a year is 10% of your life. But by the time you’re 50, a year is just 2%. As a result, each passing year feels proportionally shorter compared to the ones before.

Emotionally, it’s also tied to how we approach life. Many people reflect on missed opportunities or unfinished goals as they age, which can amplify the sensation that time is slipping away. The more we focus on the rapid passage of time, the faster it seems to move, leading to that bittersweet feeling of time flying when we’re older.

Yes! “Time flies when you’re having fun” taps into how our brains handle enjoyment and focus. When deeply engaged in something that brings us joy, we enter a ” flow state.” In this state, we’re fully immersed in the present moment, losing track of external factors…like time.

Our brains aren’t constantly clock-watching or overanalyzing; instead, they’re soaking in the experience, and before we know it, hours have passed.

It’s almost like when we’re having fun; time slips into the background because we’re more focused on the joy and connection we’re feeling. The irony is that the more we wish to hold onto those moments, the faster they seem to slip through our fingers. It’s as if fun compresses time, making it feel fleeting.

This sense of time speeding up during fun is a reminder to embrace the present fully—while it lasts!

We can’t waste time worrying about how much time we have left, nor can we become obsessed with always having fun. Life’s reality dictates that sometimes it’s challenging and far removed from our preferred reality. However, having “downtime” is crucial to embracing those special times when we engage in joyful and playful activities.

As we also know, during downtimes, we can fall into the trap of believing this is our permanent state of being. God, Life, or whatever spiritual means you surround yourself with (or not) usually provides us with the choice to make the best of every situation. However difficult it may seem, our state of mind determines the quality of our lives, regardless of the challenges. As world travelers, we are temporarily in another type of lockdown preventing us from exploring the world at this time to find even snippets of pleasure and purpose in our currently mundane state of being.

Thank you for sharing this time with us.

Be well.\

Photo from ten years ago today, September 15, 2014:

Buildings at the busy port of Boston. For more photos, please click here.

Hopeful…

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The dancers’ costumes on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas were elaborate for the upcoming evening’s entertainment.

This morning, for the first time in almost two months, I walked to the end of the corridor and back without getting out of breath. My legs, from lack of mobility and residual effects from the toxic drug I was taking for almost a year, are unsteady and fragile. Since today is the day I have been cleared to start walking after last Friday’s angiogram, as soon as we returned to our room after breakfast, I got up from the wheelchair and embarked on the walk.

After months of limited mobility, my legs felt weak, but this time, it was not painful, as had been the case on that drug that caused me life-threatening side effects. Little did I know, regardless of how much research I did. It was the insight of the highly trained and experienced doctors at the Cleveland Clinic that determined the reason for my breathing issues and inability to walk was caused by the drug, more so than the condition of my cardiovascular disease.

After last Friday’s angiogram, which indicated I have ongoing cardiovascular disease with one artery that is 100% blocked and not fixable. However, surgery is not indicated at this time. As for the Afib and the PVCs, it’s entirely under control with the new drug, a drug that costs over $800 a month. (As soon as I get the OK from the doctor to continue the drug, I will order it from the Canadian pharmacy for a considerably lower price).

What are PVCs? See below as described by the Cleveland Clinic at this site:

“Overview
Ventricular arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. They can occur as a result of damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack or cardiomyopathy or in patients with hearts that seem structurally normal.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature beats originating in the lower chambers that may be bothersome to patients, causing symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath. Over time, frequent PVCs can, in some patients, cause changes in heart function.

Ventricular Tachycardia – a sustained pattern of premature ventricular contractions, which can be life-threatening.
Ventricular Fibrillation – a fast, disorganized beating of the ventricles, which quickly leads to sudden death.”

If this drug continues to control my heart rhythm, even considering its high risks, I prefer to take those risks rather than live a life limited by feeling unwell from abnormal heart rhythms.

If the doctor gives me a “good to go” confirmation on my upcoming appointment on September 27, we will excitedly and quickly plan to continue our travels. We have some ideas on what we’d like to do between October and March or April before we return to South Africa. We will share those ideas once we know more.

No, my heart health journey isn’t over. I am going to have to live with the realities of heart disease. But, many people go on to live rich and fulfilling lives with conditions such as mine. At this point, at 76 years of age, I strive for” quality of life” for whatever time I have left to explore this world with the man who’s lovingly been at my side all along.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 13, 2014:

Tom is caught off guard while chatting with another passenger on a cruise. We can’t wait to be cruising once again. For more photos, please click here.

A story from ten years ago…We haven’t changed much…

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In many countries, we don’t see this much use of color in the buildings, which are often brick and stone from centuries ago. Much of Reykjavik, Iceland, has been built over the past 50 years.

On this date, ten years ago, we were on a ship-arranged tour in Reykjavik, Iceland. We opted for the full-day off-road adventure in a large, giant-tired land and water vehicle. It was a pricey tour, but with only eight passengers, it was perfect. Unfortunately, it rained the entire day. But neither of us hesitated to exit the vehicle to revel in Iceland’s wonders, ending up soaked but exhilarated.

As I reviewed the post from ten years ago, I was reminded of our enthusiastic emotional state and the joy we were experiencing in year two of our world travels. Thus, unlike anything we’ve done in the past, I am sharing the verbiage we wrote on September 10, 2014. You can see the entire post here.

So, here we go, the post we wrote ten years ago today:

“Happiness is fleeting. At times, it wraps around our hearts during a special moment or entirely surrounds us on a day when everything in the world is right. We experienced our fair share of those special moments in our old lives. However, the challenges of everyday life are often imposed upon maintaining a perpetual state of contentment.

A pipe broke, spewing water all over the basement. An error on our cable bill threw us into a frenzy to correct it, perhaps leaving us frustrated and angst throughout the day. Day-to-day life has many challenges, often entirely out of our control or beyond our realm of responsibility.

Of course, the greatest angst of all is when we do make a mistake, an oversight, or an unintended spontaneous blurb that may hurt the feelings of a loved one or friend. It is during these times that we may feel as if it will never be right again, and happiness becomes a fleeting memory.

When we left life in Minnesota almost two years ago (October 31, 2012), we had no expectations of happiness being a daily state, of being consistent, or even somewhat dependable.

After being ill for many years and suddenly becoming well in August 2011, we both felt a sense of urgency to take advantage of my renewed health by living “outside the box” for as long as health allowed. It could all change in a day, a week, or a month. We chose happiness as a way of life.

We asked ourselves how we could best achieve such a state of happiness. The answer in our hearts was being free of most responsibilities, certain obligations, and the tasks of maintaining a house, a car, and a lawn.

We were left with only the responsibility of financial matters, planning and following our travel schedule, and, of course, to one another.

Communicating with our faraway loved ones has been nothing but pure joy. Yes, we occasionally feel a tinge of guilt for leaving everyone. But it doesn’t consume us when we’re committed to loving them all with open hearts, not guilt or sorrow, both of which impede happiness. They know we love them.

Ah, the old clichés. Terms such as “live life when you can,” “live life on your terms,” or “live your dreams ” are often espoused when speaking to others, but we seldom adopt these principles for ourselves.

So, here we are, “living life on our terms,” pleasing some, frustrating others, and leaving some curious about how we could dispose of everything we knew and love to make a life of happiness.

Whatever comes, we’ve been exquisitely happy these past almost two years. We often look at one another with expressionless faces, eyes locked upon each other, when suddenly, a wide-tooth-baring grin, almost from ear to ear, fills our aging faces with pure and simple happiness.

“Pinch me,” I often say. “Is this well-organized, meticulously planned, and executed like ours?” Yep. That’s us.  And for however long it lasts, we’re grateful.

We love it now as much as the first day we left the US on January 3, 2013, after spending two months back and forth between Arizona and Nevada, planning our final details. In many ways, we love it more now, with the experience under our belts, the kinks worked out, and the fear all but gone.

I no longer fear flying in tiny airplanes, scorching hot weather without AC, lack of screens on windows, scary bugs, rough conditions, or rough roads. Laying it in God’s hands, coupled with common sense to keep us safe, we carry on.

Today, we share the last of our photos from Monday’s Iceland tour. Monday night, we departed Iceland and will be out to sea for five days. I won’t have WiFi until Sunday morning at 8:00 Eastern time when we dock in Boston. Please email me if anyone needs to reach me, and I’ll check daily.

Posts and photos will continue daily when we’re out at sea, during which I’ll use Tom’s computer with the ship’s slow WiFi signal. In the meantime, we’ll continue to have fun, cherishing each moment, every week, every month, and every year of happiness for however long we’re gifted with the desire to continue on.”

We haven’t changed much, have we? Regardless of how challenging the issues we face, we always strive to be challenged and fulfilled in life. Thank you for being here with us.

Be well

Photo from ten years ago today, September 10, 2014:

Icelanders believe Leif Erickson, represented in this statue, discovered America, not Christopher Columbus. For more photos, please click here.

Finally, we’re back!…A diagnosis…Huge savings on prescription drugs!…

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A storm was on the horizon over the Indian Ocean.

I don’t know where to begin. It’s been an interesting and rough past several days since we went to the ER at Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday when I  had another concerning spike in blood pressure. 220/122, which felt like “birds flying around in my chest,” while I was breathless and could barely walk.

It has been six days since I stopped taking the dangerous drug Flecainide, and the symptoms the drug supposedly covered returned with a vengeance. Since no alternative drug was to be prescribed until after I had the angiogram on Friday and after I was required to stop taking Eliquis, the vital blood thinner to prevent strokes, the ER cardiologist felt I needed to be closely monitored in the hospital until the test was conducted. I was returned to Eliquis and some form of heart rhythm drug that would be safer.

A few days earlier, the electrophysiology cardiologist, Dr Keogh, insisted that l immediately stop taking the drug Flecainide, which can be deadly for heart surgery patients such as me. Below, I will list the discoveries made this past week since my appointments began at the Cleveland Clinic, many shocking to us after all we’ve been through with my health issues over the past few years.

  1. I do not have severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, which three cardiologists diagnosed in three different countries after three echocardiograms. Thus, I do not need valve surgery at this time based on the comprehensive echocardiogram I had at the Cleveland Clinic. My valves are moderate, but that could change to severe in months or…if I’m lucky, not at all. Of course, we’re thrilled I don’t need the surgery now. But we’re highly frustrated to have been misdiagnosed by three doctors, resulting in considerable worry and concern. At the same time, we’ve waited for my appointments at Cleveland Clinic since making the appointments last March.
  2. The drug Flecainide was prescribed without hesitation by the three cardiologists, as mentioned earlier, with no consideration for the fact that this drug is toxic for patients, let alone anyone who had previous CABG surgery (cardiac bypass surgery). This toxicity caused me to be unable to walk and be out of breath from walking a short distance. Why didn’t they know this?
  3. After the angiogram on Friday, it was discovered that one of my bypassed arteries had failed, and my arteries are too small to add a stent. Instead, when and if I have bad symptoms, I’ll have to have another bypass surgery. Time will tell.

I was started on a new drug on Friday night, Multaq, which also has serious side effects but is safer than Flecainide for my situation. The bad part of this drug is that in the US, the drug costs as follows:

$850 for a 30-day supply

  • Multaq 400 mg oral tablet costs around US $850 for a supply of 60 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. The recommended dose is 60 tablets a month, 400 mg., taken with breakfast and again with dinner since it is necessary to take it with food to avoid severe stomach upset.
  • Fortunately, I found the drug at PharmStore.com, where I can buy 180 tablets for US $648.99. At this point, I am taking only one tablet a day, cut in half, which the doctors said was fine as long as I take only as much as I need to reduce the side effects and work for me. Currently, I am having harsh side effects, but they should improve in months to come. I’ll be thrilled if I can avoid doubling the dose to prevent more side effects.

4. The doctors (I have four cardiologists) suggested we stay here for the next six to eight weeks while I become accustomed to the drug to control my heart rate, blood pressure, Afib, and PVC symptoms. If it doesn’t work, they’ll have to switch me to an alternative with only a few remaining that I can take. In the past, I’ve already tried five drugs, resulting in intolerable, life-changing side effects. Quality of life is crucial. I am not willing to be sleepy all day or be unable to breathe or walk. Nor do I want to be going to ERs with outrageously high blood pressure, heart rate, and arrhythmias.

It’s a convoluted series of issues, none of which I can avoid over the long haul. But, to be able to avoid surgery and a long recovery right now is a huge relief, and I chose not to worry about what’s to come in the future. We are both excited to return to our world travels in the next few months. We’re contemplating several options, including our next journey to South Africa when it cools down.

Again, thank you for all of your concern and warm wishes. It has meant so much to both of us over these many months and kept me busy on my phone while I was lying in a hospital bed for the past three days and nights.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 8, 2014:

The Videyjarstofa house, where a restaurant is now located, was built in 1755 and is thus the first construction made of stone and cement in the country. The church was consecrated in 1774 and is still the second oldest one. The island became the seat of the first Icelandic treasurer and later the first Icelandic sub-governor. At the beginning of the 20th century, the country’s first harbor for ocean-going vessels was built on the eastern part of the island, from which a hamlet developed.For more photos, please click here.

A harsh reality…

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Sunset with an unusual shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.

They say doctors are “practicing” medicine. It’s not an exact science. My use of a prescribed dangerous drug has clouded the answers to the cardiac condition that I was prescribed in 2023. Some tests have to be redone now that I am off that drug. Thus, the process of getting definitive answers is prolonged over the next several weeks while more tests are performed.

Being patient has never been easy for me, although I have learned to monitor my response to my lack of patience by being diplomatic. It is rarely beneficial to exhibit adverse reactions to waiting for answers. Of course, I couldn’t be in a better place to seek those answers.

In this case, the required patience isn’t regarding the healthcare professionals handling my case. It’s regarding this Black Box drug I’ve been taking for the past 11 months which was condoned and prescribed by three cardiologists in three different countries, not here at the Cleveland Clinic.

Sure, I need answers as to the condition I am suffering from, which is looking more and more like an electrical problem with my heart, not a plumbing problem, which I’ve described below.

The cardiovascular system can be compared to a house’s electrical and plumbing systems. Each plays a crucial role in keeping the system functioning correctly, and problems in either area can lead to severe issues.

Electrical System (Heart’s Electrical Activity)

The heart’s electrical system controls the rhythm and rate at which your heart beats. This system generates and conducts electrical signals that trigger heartbeats, ensuring blood is pumped efficiently. Here are some key points:

  • Components: The electrical system includes the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, and a bundle of His and Purkinje fibers.
  • Function: The SA node acts as a natural pacemaker, creating electrical impulses that spread through the heart, causing it to contract and pump blood.
  • Issues: Problems with this system can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), tachycardia (fast heartbeat), or bradycardia (slow heartbeat). For example, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a standard electrical issue where the heart beats irregularly and inefficiently.

Plumbing System (Blood Vessels and Flow)

The cardiovascular system’s plumbing involves the heart’s structure and the network of blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) that carry blood throughout the body. Here’s how it works:

  • Components: The heart’s chambers (atria and ventricles), valves, and the vast network of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
  • Function: The heart pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to the rest of the body, and returns deoxygenated blood through the veins to be reoxygenated in the lungs.
  • Issues: Plumbing problems often involve blockages, leaks, or malfunctions in the blood vessels or heart valves. Common issues include coronary artery disease (blocked arteries), heart valve disorders (e.g., stenosis or regurgitation), and heart failure (where the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively).

In Summary

  • Electrical issues involve the heart’s rhythm and rate, and problems here can lead to irregular or ineffective heartbeats.
  • Plumbing issues involve the blood vessels and the heart’s structure. They affect blood flow, leading to blockages, leaks, or inefficient pumping.

Both types of issues can have serious consequences, but they originate from different aspects of the cardiovascular system’s function.

After Friday’s upcoming angiogram, which tests the heart’s plumbing, we may be able to narrow down my problem to either electrical or plumbing or, in the worst-case scenario, both. But at this point, I am hopeful it’s only electrical, which is most likely based on new and upcoming tests.

In any case, being off that drug has changed everything. I can breathe better, walk better, and sleep through the night. I hope my remaining issues can be addressed and resolved so we can continue our travels.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 4, 2014:

There was no post on this date ten years ago due to a travel day.

Moving day…Holding my own…For our US readers, please have a safe Labor Day!…

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We visited Normandy, France, ten years ago. A mannequin of Pvt. Steele, which still adorns the church at Sainte-Mère-Église, memorializes the paratroopers who jumped into Europe on D-Day, June 6, 1944. For more information about this event, please click here.

We booked the Residence Inn by Marriott, Cleveland Clinic, a few days ago, from today, September 2 to December 2. Without enough info on my prognosis and treatment yet, we have no idea how long we’ll have to stay in Cleveland. If we need to stay longer, we’ll book more days accordingly.

Again, by contacting Marriott’s Bonvoy Club, we got a better rate than at any other site, saving as much as $50 daily. When we booked it for three months, we didn’t have to pay for all three months in advance and could pay weekly, as we did at another Residence Inn in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. We prefer not to pay for hotels so far in advance.

Paying weekly works for us, making reviewing the weekly room charges easy. Since they don’t have a regular restaurant, we’ll unlikely incur additional charges. As in most residence-type hotels, breakfast is included; although it’s basic with processed scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, bacon, cereal, toast, processed pancakes, coffee, and tea, it’s OK for us.

I don’t eat processed foods and usually choose hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and decaf coffee. Since we don’t eat lunch, we’re on our own for dinner. With several tests at the clinic this week, we’ll most likely order dinner from a delivery service. A few tests are somewhat invasive, and I may not feel up to preparing dinner.

Also, after being off the Afib drug for the fourth day, I am experiencing a few symptoms of suddenly stopping the Flecainide as required by the cardiologist I saw on Thursday. So far, I have only had a few quick bouts of Afib and heart rate increases, but overall, I am feeling better being off of this FDA Black Box drug, which ultimately is a dangerous drug.

We are mostly packed, although we didn’t start until yesterday. We’ve already wrapped up the remainder this morning. We hardly unpacked anything for this one-week stay, but once we arrive at the new location, we’ll unpack everything we’ll need to use in the next three months.

We are locked into a 91-day stay and will be charged a one-month penalty if we leave early. Based on the nightly rate savings, we figured it would be worth it if we could leave early. We won’t head to South Africa until after Christmas and the hot summer months have ended. (Seasons are opposite in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere).

If all goes well, we can head to Marloth Park around April, seven months from now. If we leave here early, we’ll have to find somewhere to go while we wait to leave for Africa. We aren’t concerned about that now. As Tom always says, “Don’t put the cart before the horse,” which is hard for me as a perpetual planner.

We’ve received an unreal number of messages from our family members, friends, and readers. A special thanks to each of you for your kind and supportive comments. I try to respond to each one individually, but I will never get to everyone. If I don’t reply, please know how much we appreciate your comments, love, and support! We read every message that comes our way, which is taking up the better part of each day right now. What a meaningful way to spend an otherwise uneventful day in a hotel room when we’re not at the clinic!

Tomorrow, tests begin again at 9:30 am. If it takes all day, we won’t be preparing a post. If we get done early, we’ll write to all of you.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 2, 2014:

No photos were posted on this date as we made our way to Stonehenge, England. More tomorrow.

Was incompetency the issue?…Using delivery services worldwide..

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The region of Normandy is rich in history and charming for its appealing French architecture of the century’s past.

A few nights ago, we placed a food order with DoorDash, an often-used delivery service that includes ordering from restaurants, pharmacies, retail shops, pet supplies, beauty products, and more. We have nothing negative to say about DoorDash since we’ve always had good experiences using their services, along with GrubHub or Instacart, to name only a few such delivery services.

When we placed the Chinese food order on Friday evening, when our delivery time passed, I called the driver to discover he’d delivered the food to the wrong Intercontinental Hotel, Cleveland Clinic. There are two such hotels near the Cleveland Clinic, including the one where we’ve been staying, a few blocks away, the Intercontinental Hotel Suites, Cleveland Clinic. It was an easy mistake to make.

When I called the driver, he said he was already 25 minutes away but would return to collect the food and bring it to our hotel. An hour passed, and the food wasn’t delivered. He wouldn’t answer his phone. When I called the hotel where the food was delivered, they said they couldn’t get it to us.

We were hungry and didn’t care for a refund, so Tom left on foot to walk to the other hotel to collect our food. Fortunately, he managed to catch a Cleveland Clinic shuttle to return to our hotel. Surprisingly, the food, two hours later, was a little warm. We reheated our plates in the microwave, and by 8:00 pm, we could have dinner.

This is not to say delivery companies are incompetent. This was the first time we’ve ever had an issue, and we won’t hesitate to use delivery services in the future. It was more of a fluke. The only disappointment was that the driver promised to bring us the food but chose not to.

Many delivery companies are international, which we’ve also used when available in other countries. However, to ensure accuracy, we use them more often in the US and English-speaking countries, and when ingredient specifications may not be clearly defined for my way of eating.

Navigating the World of Food Delivery: A Journey Across Continents

As the sun dips below the horizon and the city lights begin to flicker, a universal hum unites people from New York to New Delhi, from Paris to Tokyo—a craving for comfort, convenience, and connection. In the modern world, where time often feels like the most precious currency, food delivery services have emerged as the bridge between our busy lives and the nourishment we seek. This phenomenon, while global in reach, carries distinct flavors and emotions that vary as widely as the cuisines it delivers.

The United States: Convenience at Your Doorstep

Food delivery has become synonymous with convenience, speed, and choice in the United States. The sheer variety of options is staggering. Whether craving a greasy cheeseburger at midnight or a vegan quinoa salad during a lunch break, services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub fulfill almost any culinary wish. The ease with which one can browse, select, and order a meal with just a few taps on a smartphone is a testament to the country’s love affair with instant gratification.

But beneath this veneer of convenience lies a deeper psychological layer. For many, ordering food is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about comfort, especially in times of stress or isolation. Selecting a meal, waiting for its arrival, and finally indulging in it can be a soothing ritual, particularly in a society where people often feel disconnected from the traditional cooking at home. The delivery person becomes a temporary link to the outside world, a reminder that even in solitude, there’s a connection to the broader community.

The pandemic amplified this dynamic. With lockdowns forcing people indoors, food delivery services became a lifeline for many. Not just a way to avoid cooking but a small luxury—a way to break the monotony of endless days spent at home. The arrival of a delivery driver was sometimes the most human interaction people had in a day. It’s a service that offered a sense of normalcy in a time when nothing felt normal.

Europe: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

In Europe, the relationship with food delivery is a bit more complex. On one hand, cities like London and Paris have embraced services like Deliveroo and Uber Eats with the same enthusiasm seen across the Atlantic. But on the other hand, there’s a deep-seated appreciation for traditional dining experiences. The leisurely meal at a café and the ritual of shopping for fresh ingredients at a market are cultural staples many Europeans are reluctant to abandon.

In cities like Rome or Barcelona, food delivery often feels like a convenience reserved for the rushed, the overworked, or the young urbanites who prioritize efficiency over tradition. Yet, there’s an exciting fusion happening. High-end restaurants that once resisted the idea of takeaway now offer gourmet meals delivered to your door, complete with detailed instructions on how to plate the dish just as the chef intended. This blend of old-world charm and modern convenience reflects Europe’s ability to adapt while still holding on to its roots.

Food delivery is still a novelty and unnecessary for many Europeans, especially those in smaller towns or rural areas. The psychological relationship with food is steeped in the idea of communal dining, of meals being an event rather than just sustenance. Therefore, while the convenience of food delivery is appreciated, it is not yet a replacement for the deep cultural significance of cooking and sharing food.

Asia: A Symphony of Flavors at Your Fingertips

In Asia, food delivery has taken on a life of its own, shaped by the region’s rich culinary diversity and the fast-paced nature of its urban centers. In cities like Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo, food delivery isn’t just about convenience—it’s an integral part of daily life. The options are as varied as the cultures within Asia itself. One can order anything from sushi to street food-style snacks, all with the expectation of speed and precision.

In many Asian countries, the rise of food delivery services has also sparked a unique cultural shift. Traditionally, meals were a family affair, prepared at home with care. However, the demand for quick and easy meal solutions has surged as more people migrate to cities and adopt hectic lifestyles. Apps like GrabFood in Southeast Asia and Meituan in China have revolutionized how people think about food, making it possible to access a vast array of dishes with minimal effort.

Yet, this shift comes with its own set of psychological implications. The convenience of food delivery can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnection from the act of cooking and the rituals surrounding meal preparation and consumption. In societies where food is deeply intertwined with identity and tradition, this can create a subtle but significant tension between modern convenience and cultural preservation.

A Global Appetite for Connection

Across the globe, food delivery services have become more than just a way to satisfy hunger. They reflect our collective need for connection, comfort, and control in an overwhelming world. Whether it’s the convenience of a late-night burger in New York, the fusion of tradition and modernity in Paris, or the symphony of flavors in Tokyo, food delivery offers a unique window into how we navigate our lives and identities.

Ultimately, no matter where we are, ordering food is about more than just eating. It’s about the emotions that come with it—the anticipation, the satisfaction, the comfort. And in a constantly changing world, that’s something we can all relate to, no matter where we call home.

Tomorrow, after we move to our new location, only blocks away, we’ll place a to-be-delivered grocery order since we’ll have a fully equipped kitchen where we can again prepare easy meals. It will be nice to get settled.

Happy September! To our friends and family in the US, have a safe Labor Day weekend!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 1, 2014:

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, France. For more photos, please click here.

And the saga continues with a big challenge over the next few days…

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On this date in 2014, our ship was Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas.

There are no words I can write to describe how safe I feel being at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, in the competent hands of professionals, none of which I’ve experienced in the past. Every doctor or technician I encounter has the utmost credentials, exhibits kind and caring service, and treats each patient individually, not just as a number and income source in the system.

Doc Theo, a family practice physician in South Africa, was the only other doctor I’ve ever seen who was so qualified, caring, and competent. I last saw him in April 2023, 16 months ago. Since that time, with escalating heart-related problems, I sought the help of a few cardiologists as we traveled from South Africa to Ecuador to Nevada.

The most accurate test results I received were in South Africa. Still, the cardiologist in Ecuador last October and then in Nevada in March misdiagnosed my issues, according to the tests and doctors I have seen at Cleveland Clinic, only in the past few days. The problems I have with my cardiovascular system are still not fully diagnosed, with many more tests on the horizon that have nothing to do with my valves.

First, I met with Dr. Grimm, a heart “plumbing” specialist. He’d ordered numerous tests, including an angiogram, yet to be scheduled, an invasive test to see the status of the patient’s veins and arteries, done in the cath lab. Yesterday, we were waiting to hear about other tests to be scheduled to complete my diagnosis. I was told to call Dr. Grimm’s office at the clinic to arrange my future appointments.

When I was on hold, the scheduler finally came to tell me my next round of appointments would begin on November 7. I was shocked! Did I not just wait four months to start this process? She explained that many others were waiting ahead of me and that she could do nothing about it.

When I explained my symptoms, leaving me in a wheelchair to get around, I kindly asked her to do better. November 7th wouldn’t work for me. I was very diplomatic. She asked me to stay on hold, and she’d see what she could do. I waited a full 20 minutes to have her return on the line asking if we could get back to the clinic in 20 minutes for an appointment with the doctor who is a specialist in the heart’s electrical systems, an electrophysiologist, Dr. Keogh.

Within five minutes, we were out the door after asking the front desk to order a Cleveland Clinic shuttle, one of which makes a loop in the area hotels from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Within minutes, the shuttle arrived, and we made it to Dr. Keogh’s reception area.

After we arrived, I checked My Chart to see if the appointment with Dr. Keogh wasn’t until 4:00 pm. It was 12:30 pm. This wait would be better than waiting until November 7th! Moments later, Dr Keogh’s nurse escorted us to his office. He’d had a no-show and could see me now. Tom and I giggle that it was “safari luck,” an expression we’ve always used when we had great sightings on the many safaris we’ve experienced.

Minutes later, Dr. Keogh entered the room, and his expertise and knowledge far surpassed any cardiologists we’d seen in the past. I felt like I was in the best of hands. The first thing he told me was I had to stop taking the dangerous drug Flecainide, which I have been taking for Afib since last October when we were in Ecuador. It was the only afib (for heart rhythm control) that worked for me.

Ecuador doesn’t allow that drug to be prescribed in their country. When I couldn’t any more than the one month’s supply I had on hand, we left Ecuador and headed to Nevada, where a cardiologist said I had terrible valve disease and needed surgery immediately. He didn’t hesitate to prescribe more of the drug until I could have surgery on my valves.

Dr. Keogh explained this drug could kill me with a massive heart attack and I must stop it now. It’s been 26 hours since my last dose. The drug leaves one’s system in about 48 hours, when the Afib undoubtedly will return. When he reviewed all of my tests thus far, and I explained that Flecainide prevented my heart rate from going above 90, the stress test I’d had on Thursday could have been inaccurate.

When we left his office, he said he’d devise a plan for me and get back to me soon. Time is of the essence when I am going to be in what is called persistent Afib within two days when the drug is out of my system. When we returned to our hotel room, my phone rang. It was Dr. Keogh. He decided I needed to retake the nuclear stress test without Flecainide in my system. Then, he could better determine where to go from there, such as a pacemaker, ablation, surgery, or other treatment modalities.

Within minutes, I received a message from My Chart stating I had a new appointment, rescheduled for another nuclear stress test on Tuesday at 9:30 am. It was such a relief, especially knowing by then, I’d be experiencing awful Afib. Dr. Keogh didn’t want me on any Afib drugs for the repeated test. He explained that if the Afib gets too awful, we should head to the emergency room to oversee my care. That was comforting.

Now, I’m scheduled for the angiogram next Friday instead of November 7th. And so it goes with more tests and an upcoming scary few days, especially when we are moving to the new hotel on Monday. Whew.

I can’t express enough gratitude for the love and support I have been receiving from so many of our worldwide friends and readers. You all mean the world to both of us!

To all of our family, friends, and readers in the US, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend and a happy weekend for our international readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 31, 2014:

We were on Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas. The following day, we were off on our first tour to Le Havre/Normandy, France, for an all-day excursion to see WWII Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and American Cemeteries. For more photos, please click here.

“It’s always something. If it’s not one thing, it’s another”…

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South Kensington consists of one pretty street after another, with parking always at a premium.

My sister Julie often reminds me of the humor from Rosanne Roseannadanna from “Saturday Night Live” when Gilda Radnor said, “It’s always something! If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” See the video here for a chuckle.

It’s so true. None of us are exempt from life’s unexpected turns, which can result in serious situations requiring an enormous amount of time and effort to resolve, all the way down to minor annoyances that may only need a few minutes of our time and little effort to resolve.

Ironically, we get angry and upset over minor annoyances when most of us handle life-changing issues with resolve and determination. That’s where we are right now. We’re leaning into accepting whatever health situation I am presented with over these next few months, but we are annoyed with the small things we encounter along the way.

The only annoyance we encountered associated with our experiences at Cleveland Clinic was on Wednesday when I appeared for the first round of tests in the cardiac unit when my Medicare number couldn’t be entered into their system for some reason. The night before my appointments, I had tried dozens of times to enter my Medicare number into “My Chart,” the medical information system available for doctors and patients.

In “My Chart,” appointments, notes, test results, and communication with medical staff are readily available promptly. Many medical facilities use this system for their patients, which most patients find helpful in reviewing their care processes.

Two days ago, I felt compelled to complete my file before my upcoming appointments on Wednesday. The app kept reminding me to accept my insurance information but to no avail. On Tuesday night, when we went to bed, I worried about why my Medicare number wasn’t accepted into their system.

Awake early on Wednesday morning, I tried again, but to no avail. I called and spoke to tech support for My Chart at Cleveland Clinic, and the rep said, “No worries. They’ll enter the number when you check in for your first appointment at the desk.” That was a significant relief.

Once we arrived at “imaging” for my first appointment, the rep at the desk couldn’t get the system to accept my Medicare info either. After 15 minutes of trying, even with the help of other staff members, we were sent to a different office where a particular tech support person, 15 minutes later, somehow managed to get the Medicare number into the system. We hurried back to imaging for my appointment.

Fortunately, we are always the “early birds,” and we made it to the appointment on time. Since we had three appointments, one after another, we were concerned. If we missed the first one, we could be late for all of them. After all, we waited for these appointments for four months. It would be a fiasco if we missed any of them. Whew!

From there, everything went smoothly at Cleveland Clinic. But in the past week, another medical insurance-related issue cropped up. A week before we left Minnesota, I received a bill for $1300 from Park Nicollet from my recent stay at Methodist Hospital when I had that horrific blood pressure event requiring me to go to the hospital by ambulance. Why did I get a bill for $1300 when I purchased the zero deductible supplement Plan G with Aflac, along with Medicare Part B?

I’d already paid the annual Part B deductible of $240 when I went to the cardiologist in Nevada in March. I ended up on the phone with Pak Nicollet’s customer service for at least 20 minutes to resolve the $1300 bill, and then, a few days ago, I got another bill for $83.32 from that hospital visit. Today, I called again and discovered they had no information on my Aflac supplement, which I’d provided at least twice during the hospital stay.

Plus, they had my name wrong, using only my first and middle name along with the wrong phone number, again, which I provided on several occasions. The customer service rep retook my Aflac information this morning, and the bill is gone. Such an annoyance!

Now, I discover there is nothing wrong with my valves. Whatever is wrong with my heart is not related to my valves. I had three tests in different countries, all stating I desperately needed valve surgery immediately. The echocardiogram I had here at Cleveland Clinic took twice as long and was more thorough than any of the three previous tests. Go figure.

Last night, I received the results of yesterday’s nuclear EKG that stated, in part, the following, as quoted:

‘EKG  reviewed from stage 2 of Cornell 0% and consistent with exercise-induced type 2 second-degree AV block. This is a very abnormal stress test.”

I’ve researched this comment, but the answers are unclear. I guess I have to be patient and let the professionals determine a proper diagnosis and treatment, whether it’s surgery or other treatment. By Tuesday (due to the holiday weekend), I have more appointments scheduled for next week, with more diagnostic tests, including an angiogram, the test I’m dreading the most. Ugh!

So, I’ve handled some annoyances hanging over my head right now. We’ll see what pops up next. Tomorrow, we’ll share where we’ll be over the next three months as we work through this medical process.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 30, 2014:

This was the shortest car we had ever seen in South Kensington, England. For more, please click here.