Ahhhhh! A free day at last. We bussed into the beach resort NhaTrang in the dark, noting the buzz of construction taking place by many big hotel chains on prime real estate beach property. Whilst the others had another set dinner, this time at a BBQ restaurant, I opted for a night on my own. A word on the food here; Claire and I, who both decided to eat vegetarian, (More for religious reasons than health reasons...), thought we might starve, so I brought a few snacks, and Claire brought a suitcase of tuna, nuts, muesli bars and corn. However, we had no trouble finding vegetarian food here. Hilly made sure we always had enough to eat when there was a set menu, and we ate VERY well. Anyway, by now I was a little tired of veggies and rice, and my tummy was a bit queasy from the bus ride, and the thought of cooking some strange fish on a bbq with the meat, along with the sight of the squid etc, made me nauseous, but I managed to find a pizza! Just a vegetarian pizza, but gee, it tasted good. Chocoholics found Tim Tams and M & Ms, so all were happy. The day was well anticipated by all. Daryl, (my son), had visited NhaTrang last year whilst cruising The World as a fitness instructor, and he recommended a resort called "The LouisianeBrewhouse." so Claire, Leanne, Nahid Jenny and Helen and I braved crossing the road and found it..perfect for what we wanted. We had a fabulous 1 and 1/2 hr massage for $18, had drinks by the pool, and for $2.50 could stay and use all pool facilities. others went Island hopping, or to mud baths. At 6.15 pm, we were at NhaTrang Station, ready to catch our second overnight train; this time to Saigon. You may remember the train from Hanoi was not too pleasant, so we were wary, but this train was much cleaner and better. There was even a decent toilet! The HA HA girls shared their drinks with whoever was still up, taking photos and telling stories, and so the night passed, and we arrived in Saigon at 5.30 am.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's aged 44. Since then, my life has changed in many ways...some for the better; at least for now. I have traveled to America, Canada, Poland, Israel, Jordan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Venice, Rome, England, Scotland, Amsterdam, and ridden a pushbike around Vietnam to raise funds abd awareness for Parkinson's. I have walked in the New York Unity Walk, and attended numerous Conferences.
I am an ambassador with Parkinson's Victoria, and head a group of 'young' Parkies called "YAP-Young@Park. It is a support group of People living with Parkinson's and their partners. We meet informally at restaurants, often with a guest speaker.
As I near my date for DBS, August the 5th, I am keeping this blog for myself, my family and friends, and for others who may be contemplating DBS in the future.
I shall be continuing this blog until August 28th, the date of Parkinson's Victoria's Unity Walk, which I am using as a focal point for recovery.
Did you know that *25 Australians newly diagnosed every day of the year. *80,000 Australians are affected by Parkinson's. *Parkinson's can affect people of all ages. * You can make donations online. For more information click on the name below
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