Day 325: August 19, 2025 – Kobe, Japan
After what seemed like an endless week in the hospital, I finally got cleared for discharge. I can’t say my body was completely back to normal, but the most critical aspect disrupted by the pneumonia, oxygen saturation level, had stabilized enough that I was given a fit to travel. I was sad to say good-bye to my fabulous team of caretakers! These are just a few of the 40+ that I interacted with in the hospital.
The next hurdle was figuring out how to re-join the ship, which was about 300 miles away by then. The consensus from everyone I asked was that a bullet train was my best bet. You hear a lot about how great the transportation system is in Japan. And it’s all true: it’s efficient, clean, quick, quiet. But what makes it so good is that there are lots of options, which can seem overwhelming. I’m no stranger to public transportation around the world; I’ve navigated many a train in Europe and Asia. But the big difference this time was, I didn’t fully trust what my body was capable of. Always in the back of my mind, was the question: will I have enough oxygen for the next few steps? So, I did everything at glacial pace. Find ATM. Rest 5 minutes. Find taxi stop. Rest 5 minutes. Figure out train track situation. Rest. Buy ticket. Rest. Complicating things further was that I was still on various meds, each impacting my body in a different way. I had been on corticosteroids for over a week to help bring down lung inflammation. A known side effect of steroids is blurred vision. (I’ve had steroids for bronchial asthma before, so I was aware of this.) Trying to read signs that were already in an unrecognizable foreign script, on top of being blurred, added to my anxiety. I thought the sign below was a timetable, until I realized it was actually a list of donors!
The beauty of the bullet trains is they are always on time; the train arrives, everyone quickly hops on board, and it instantly zooms away. There’s no dawdling, no time to figure things out at the last minute, it waits for no one. I was so nervous about getting on the right train and going in the right direction, I asked at least three different strangers for reassurance that I was standing in the right spot for boarding.
I cannot describe the relief when I finally knew for sure I was sitting in the right train, going in the right direction. And when the taxi pulled into port and I got a glimpse of the Odyssey, I burst into tears.
It feels good to be back in the safety and comfort of my own bed.
22 responses to “Reunited and It Feels So Good”
Relieved that you are better and home. I think pneumonia recovery is gradual and hope you are now better each day.
Hot summer in Rochester but finally autumn approaches. Nothing like the clear air and cumulus clouds in our blue sky. Be well, my friend.
Relieved that you are better and home. I think pneumonia recovery is gradual and hope you are now better each day.
Hot summer in Rochester but finally autumn approaches. Nothing like the clear air and cumulus clouds in our blue sky. Be well, my friend.
We’re glad you are back.
Soon you will be back to your best self.
Take it slow.
Thanks Jim, happy to be back.
Home
I have been thinking of you every day, wishing for the best outcome. I’m so relieved and happy to hear you are reunited with the boat and your companions. This was an adventure of perseverance, trust and hope that you aced marvelously. Let’s keep it in the rear view mirror. Prayers.
I’m so glad to hear that the train stopped long enough to let you get off!
Lol, yes there is always that worry, isn’t there?
After that trek back to the Odyssey, you are truly a SUPER WOMAN! Take care of yourself!
So glad to learn the details of your journey back! This is a story with a happy ending if ever I’ve seen one. Wishing you a complete recovery. If I could figure out how to add emojis here, I would send you a 100 hearts.
Dziekuje! Being able to insert emojis has been on my list of improvements for this blog. In the meantime, you copy them from anywhere else, and paste them in.
Hear Hear! Joyous News! Having navigated several mine fields of recovery over the last decade or so, I offer one piece of advice… sit down and/or lie down when your body calls! You’ll know! Learn the Art of Napping! Continued healing, my friend! Namaste ♥️
Dziekuje! Being able to insert emojis has been on my list of improvements for this blog. In the meantime, you copy them from anywhere else, and paste them in.
You my friend are THE bravest person I know . I no more ciuld have done that ! I would have just gone home . Thrilled adventures in the Odyssey continue- and I know you will wait until you are totally healed first !!!!!
Getting there sounds like an incredible ordeal, but I’m so glad you are back home and can finally relax. Take care.
I’m extremely happy that you are recovering and back at your home on the Odyssey.
I’m extremely happy that you are recovering and back at your home on the Odyssey.
Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery! I’m so glad you are back on the ship! Hugs from the old neighborhood!
Oh, that’s wonderful news, Basia! So glad you had such good doctors and nurses who worked hard to get you feeling better again — and so glad you’ve been reunited with Odyssey. I’m sure it feels great to be home-sweet-home again! 🙂
Ask Sierra and Zeke what my favorite topic is and chances they’ll say talking about Japan. I watch youtube japanese trip blogs daily. Love the bullet trains. Understand your joyful tears when seeing your ship – your home. Now keeping resting and let the rocking and rolling of the ship lull you to many hours of sleep.
O My goodness! I can’t even imagine. You are such an amazing soul!!!
So glad to hear from you as I have been concerned about your health! Thank goodness you are on the mend and on your ship? That must be such a relief to be back on board.. my goodness you sure have been thru it!
Glad all is well.. ish!
I’m so glad that you are on the mend and back on board the Odyssey!