I had an surgery, painful, unpleasant. Shaving the legs, changing into a hospital gown, fishnet panties, ten days of injections in the abdomen against blood clots. I survived everything.
The Beatles – Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
Of course, for the first two weeks I was banned from driving, lifting weights, running up stairs and any other feats where you strain your leg muscles. But I can walk as much as possible…
The first week I was really on my guard. Everything hurt, the compression sock itched, I limped to the bandages, in short, I was runny. Then they removed those few stitches. Everything still hurt, the bruises were slowly disappearing.
The Who – My Generation
And I decided it was time for a little hike. I told myself, what will be will be. If my leg starts to screw me up, I just turn around and go back.
Headphones in the ear, old sixties rock at full volume, old Nikes on the feet and off we go.
The Band – The Weight
Down the street to Savinja river, across the bridge and up the Franciscan stairs. I run the first thirty steps, walk the next thirty quickly, slow down for twenty and stop. Heart in throat, breath ragged, pulse and blood pressure dangerously high. I drag myself to the top for the last ten. Then I drag myself around the monastery and up the hill behind it.
Thunderclap Newman – Something in the Air
City forest all over the hill. A narrow winding path. At the first corner I slaughter. It seemed to me last year, but this time I see that it is true. Someone pulled out the rare protected flower Fritillaria orientalis.
I slowly move on. At every other bend I rest and catch my breath. Fortunately, there are quite a few twists and turns. Left, then right and left again, higher and higher.
I notice blueberries along the way. Beautiful, fat, dark blue, sweet. An excuse to rest and take some vitamins. And again the bends and the way up.
The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon
Once in the Himalayas, Uroš told me that the problem is not in fitness, but in will. Damn it, my fitness is lacking after almost a month of rest after the surgery. A few more bends and I reach a crossroads. To the right towards the church, to the left towards the observation tower. I somehow feel that the left direction is shorter. So let’s go to the left. Of course, after a while it seems to me that it is longer. What the hell, everything in life is different than we want it to be. And by the time you find out, it’s usually too late.
Derek & The Dominos – Layla
After a few more turns, I’m at another crossroads. This time I know it’s to the right quite close to the tower. A few more steps and I’m at the top. Someone brought two plastic chairs over the winter. The sun and wind pretty much ruined them. But, it is a pleasure to sit and watch the city in the valley.
Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side
Catching my breath, I slowly begin to descend. From here it’s only downhill. I am always amazed by the fact that the way down is half as short as the way up. I just wonder why?
When I come over the hill into the valley, I first walk to the kiosk where they sell homemade bread. I always take the golden dark loaf. I’m obviously too early this time. When I arrive just before closing, there is an extra bun or two in the bag. No bonus this time.
Scott McKenzie – San Francisco
Then I turn into a small cafe under the old chestnut trees. Disappointment. They no longer have Carlsberg, but that communist Heineken with a red star. And the price is also higher.
I sit and slowly sip a cold beer and read the news on a podcast. Slovenia elected to the UN Security Council. Not bad for a small country. If it’s of any use.
Wings – Band on the Run
I struggle to pay for the beer, get up, put the headphones back on and head towards the city center.
My street. A few more steps and I’m home. I have another cold beer and a mortadella sandwich waiting for me in the fridge.
And a hot shower.
The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
I have a check-up with my surgeon next week. Well, let’s see…