La Coruna

Thursday 24th November

I did not hear as many banging doors during the night! I set my alarm for 9.30, ready to meet Jenny for breakfast and then a wander.

It was a wet and miserable day so we did not go far afield. 

La Coruna is famous for its glassed-in balconies, as shown in this photo. I can imagine they would be lovely spaces to enjoy the view in Winter.

The ship was berthed right next to a shopping centre. Unfortunately most of the shops were empty. It was a short walk into town. We wandered through pedestrian streets and looked in shops. 

We found a lovely coffee shop and sat down for a drink and a croissant/biscuit and accessed the internet. It seemed strange being back in coffee shops after spending my shore time in bars with David on previous cruises! It really was a lovely shop and we enjoyed our time there. 

Just before leaving I went to the toilet and bent over slightly to reach the toilet paper and felt a twanging in my back! I’m not sure what I did but I ended up in pain for a few days. At first I could hardly walk.

We went back to the ship and I asked about hot water bottles. One of the Receptionists showed me a map of where I could buy one in town, so I hobbled back. I could not find the shop he mentioned, and no one seemed to know where it was, so I bought a packet of 4 self-adhesive hot packs for my back. Each one lasted 8 hours. I don’t know if they helped but I enjoyed the sensation of warmth. In a second shop I managed to buy a hot water bottle. Back on the ship a few people suggested Voltarol, and one woman gave me a half-used tube the next day.

I found that sitting down hurt. I sent an email to Sarah, my sports therapist, who said to lie down or stand up but not to sit for the next few days. I decided I had better not dance that night. I went to the first dance session to keep Jenny company, leaning against the wall, but left at 9.30.

I went to bed with painkillers and my hot water bottle and had a good night’s sleep.