My 16th - 21st thread change and a bit about Bangalore

I feel like I posted my last entry only a few days ago, but all of a sudden I’m up to thread 21! This time business is freaking me out. It’s going slow and fast and up and down all at once. Crazy.

The last 2 thread changes were quite sore as the track is much smaller now. Mainly cause doc has to kinda squeeze and manoeuvre the wound/area to do the change – but as has been the case with almost all other of my TWENTY ONE (woaaah) threads, the pain only lasts a short time. Tensing exacerbates it, but as if it’s possible not to tense up during!

Appointments are still very entertaining and as I’ve mentioned, the more you see doc, the more of a rapport you build which is lovely. Doc has imitated my laugh, sang along to the song I put on as a distraction, jokes around and tries to distract me through the minute of pain as I laugh-yell at him that I know what he’s doing. As the previous patients were departing so rapidly, I said to doc and the staff that I’m gonna be on my own – the response from all ‘we’re still here’. Love!

It's definitely a very different energy here now since everyone departed. For sure I’m feeling their absence and had to adapt to the sudden quiet, but I’m taking this time to wind down and try understand it all…everything is happening as it’s meant to.

There are a few new patients that have just started their treatment, a couple of which are from the US. I estimate that in my 4.5 months I’ve seen about 35-40 others healed, most of which are from Israel. A handful from the US and one from the UK. I hope one day soon to hear of many other countries starting a network like the Israelis have. Truly it’s been an inspirational thing to see, they have a very supportive community. They share information about all aspects of treatment, bring items and medication for each other as patients and attendees come and go, share things throughout their stay – household items, food, advice, places of note for services or attractions...and the rest. I began this blog in the hope of one day creating something like that for home. My journey would have been a completely different and perhaps lonely one if I had not met them. Also, they are all firsthand evidence of success stories – way better than any Google review!

Thought I’d add a bit of general info about life in Bangalore…

Getting around:

Prior to arriving, I was given the contact number of a driver named Raja who has a few drivers working with him. He is familiar with Dr Bhat’s patients and provides transport to and from the clinic, as well as anywhere else you need to go. He provided me with a SIM which was great and stress free. You can obtain a SIM from the airport apparently, but I’m not sure of this process. Raja can also help with currency exchange and probably many other things! His prices are higher, but not too much. His number should anyone require it: +91 88847 59187.

Uber is safe, reliable and cheap. A one way drive to the clinic is about $7AUD roughly and usually there are others riding with me so the price is shared. This is crazy cheap compared to home where a 30 minute drive would be about $50!

Tuk tuks are even cheaper but can be a bumpy ride. They are super fun and definitely handy especially for shorter rides. You can use the Uber app to book a tuk tuk, but there is no need as they are everywhere. Be aware to negotiate a price prior to jumping in. Also, there are many drivers that will offer to take you shopping to local places and whatnot. Be firm and decline or you will go on a wild goose chase and end up forking out more money.

There are trains and buses, but I have not tested them out.

Food:

Amazing! BUT this is the country of spice and since treatment requires you not have spice, it can prove a difficult thing. ‘Zero spice’ is common in our vocabulary, but not always successful. Remember that the locals’ version of no spice is vastly different to most other countries. So it’s pretty much inevitable that you will have spicy meals. The restaurant at the hotel is aware (for the most part) of patient’s requirements and accommodate the no spice factor. The local eatery across from doc’s clinic also is mostly aware due to being a patient favourite. It takes some getting used to but eventually you will get the hang of where to eat/how to manage the spice.

As you can imagine there are a plethora of options for food and from all over the world. Prices also vary considerably.

Cooking of course is an option and groceries are insanely cheap compared to our ridiculously priced everything at home.

Also, no drinking the water. Always drink bottled water.

Weather:

I started my journey in the winter season and it’s perfect. The temperature sits between 26-28 degrees and is ideal for day-to-day trips to and from the clinic and exploring. I only wore a light jumper a handful of times.

In February the weather did jump up a couple of degrees and stayed that way. The weather is very consistent (unlike Melbourne)!

I cannot really speak of other seasons, but I imagine humidity would be an issue.

People:

Most people you meet are just beautiful! Lovely and kind and helpful. It amazes me how, in a city FULL to the brim of people, the locals are so patient. SO very patient. It’s truly inspiring and I’ve taken a leaf out of their book and tried to internalise that. As I’ve mentioned, things don’t work out as you think – quite often actually, and this patience is vital in helping you to cope with that.

Don’t be scared to say no. You will be hounded by tuk tuk drivers, or vendors, or beggars…it’s ok to say no! Sometimes you have to be firm in your response. Sometimes you just ignore and eventually they will cease.

Also tipping. I struggle with his one, even after 3 months. I want to tip everyone!! Just remember you are here for so long, it’s not necessarily sustainable. But of course, each to their own.

Bangalore truly is a special place and it's hard not to fall in love with it...chaos and all.