Oops! Emergency Room Visit in La Paz (Everyone is okay!)

The Malecon in La Paz is a wonderful tiled sidewalk all along the bay. There are statues along the way and it is a wonderful place to gather for locals and tourists alike, it really is a social center for this city. Also along the Malecon are a playground and a delicious ice cream shop. To take advantage of all the Malecon has to offer, we planned a playdate with the crews of Riki Tiki Tavi and our other kid boat friends on Nomi (we met them way back in Morro Bay and Santa Barbara).

The kids were gleefully running ahead, as usual. Odin decided to try a trick and jump off a little curb on the side of the Malecon, but unfortunately he didn't stick the landing and came down hard, right on his chin. He split it wide open, and it was clear that we needed to go to the hospital to have it taken care of. He was scared, upset and hurt, but I think mostly sad about missing the playdate and planned ice cream with his friends. Tor and I didn't know where to go, hospitals aren't usually on our list of tourist sites. Fortunately we were close to a taxi stand, so while Sara (from Riki Tiki Tavi) and I tended to Odin (note to self: carry first aid supplies and be prepared like Sara!), Tor ran down to get us a taxi. They came to pick us up and the taxi driver whisked us off to the hospital. He parked the car and got out to escort us in and help us navigate the emergency room. The receptionist left her post and took Odin and me in hand and with perfect English she stayed with us and shepherded us through the whole process. I could have communicated and we would have been okay, but not having to think about the language and just focus on helping Odin feel less scared, was invaluable. The caring staff put in three stitches and with nary a piece of paperwork nor any charge, we were free to go. The taxi driver waited for us and dropped us back off where we started 63 minutes after he picked us up. Amazing care, amazingly fast, and we were able to get back to our play and ice cream date. The US could really take note. Odin is healing up quickly and well, and though he wasn't so sure about the beard-like bandage at first, he is starting to relish it a bit. The other great thing about it is how many people have a shared experience and have showed them their scars. Yet another way to make connections.

We are leaving La Paz today for some more time in the islands. We have spent enough money and purchased enough food to last for weeks. We will be out of internet and cell range for most of the time, but we will update our position on our Farkwar site with our Iridium Go satellite phone, so keep an eye on that.

The ice cream date happened! Thanks for all the love and support friends!

Pretty handsome with a beard, no?