Gideon's Interesting Day

Because Internet is pretty expensive on this island we are on (Koh Phangan) and Gideon is sending a few other emails, he asked me to post a little story about today to the blog.

As a preface, these events really happened and are in no way part of a ploy to win the so-called "Blogatition" with Jackie and Co.

This morning we rented mopeds from a store down the street from our hotel ($4/day) and after a quick lesson, set out to expore the island. It is pretty desolate out here and easy going, so we were confident in our ability to drive safely around. Our goal was to hit two waterfalls, climb to the highest peak on the island, and be back on the beach by mid-afternoon.

After a stop and hike at a waterfall, we headed over to the trail that would lead us to the peak. We tried several times to figure out exactly how to go, and then were led by several locals to the actual trail across a stream. On the way, we had to cross through a construction site where nothing much seemed to be going on.

About 10 minutes into the hike, we decided not to proceed to the top, because the trail was not marked well and the jungle was very hot. So, we headed back toward the entrance, through the construction site.

On our way back down, Gideon and I followed Coles the way that we came, down a high dirt mound back toward a dirt road. Coles made it down the mound safely. I followed, with my eyes on the ground, and narrowly missed hitting my head on the scoop of a bull-dozer, saying something to the effect of "Whoa, look out" back to Gideon.

I turned around after I was at the bottom to be more specific about what my "Whoa, look out" was about, and watched him come down at a pretty good speed, hit his head on the scoop, and fall to the ground.

Blood appeared after a few seconds, and Gideon moved to the shade to let us look at the cut. Coles kept his wits about him (before and during the injury), pulling out a first-aid kit (thanks, Mrs. Jennings) and cleaning Gideon's cut and getting gauze to put on it.

Once we got a look at the cut, we decided that a trip to the island hospital was in order. A local who was helping us agreed. Luckily, we had seen the hospital earlier, so we had an idea where it was. We headed down the mountain to our bikes and Gideon hopped on the back of mine "Dumb and Dumber"-style while Coles led the way. As before, we were all wearing helmets.

We got to the hospital and were directed to the emergency room. After filling out a few forms, we followed Gideon into a room where he received five stitches.

All in all, each of us was very impressed with the entire operation. It could easily have been a small American hospital. Everyone was very helpful throughout the entire process and gave specific instructions for each of Gid's next steps. He will have it re-looked at on Sunday and the stitches removed one week from now. The plan is to be in Kuala Lumpur then, which should be a good place to get them out.

So, there you go. It was quite a day, but everything is fine now. One good thing: They didn't have to shave Gideon's head.

We were back on the beach at 6pm for sunset after a belated lunch.

I know that this makes everybody nervous, but please know that we never felt unsafe or worried during the entire experience. Love to all -- we will continue to keep you updated.

Oh, and there are light-hearted stories to come. I promise. Sorry for the long post.