I woke up early today. Last day in a hotel with a gym, so I felt the urge to make the most of it. I went straight in, trained chest and triceps, and followed with a PowerDot session. Extension work got done, while flexion was once again postponed for later.
The morning got busy quickly. My wife left early to meet a friend, so I had to get the kids ready for breakfast. No time to finish physiotherapy properly, which was frustrating, but sometimes logistics win.
After breakfast, we took a taxi to Taipei Zoo. I met my wife and the rest of the family there. I did not want to take risks, so I rented a wheelchair. Once again, it turned into a humbling experience, not just for me, but for my wife and son as well, who pushed me around. The weather was great, and overall I felt good.
By lunchtime, fatigue kicked in. Long waits, lots of people. My wife decided to head into crowded streets for shopping. At first, I thought about joining her and sending the kids with their grandparents, but in the end, plans shifted. They went shopping, and I went back to the hotel. The knee approved immediately.
Back at the hotel, I spent some time in the pool with the little ones. Walking in the water, moving the leg freely, feeling supported. It reminded me how much I miss swimming and how much I am looking forward to getting back to it.
I rested, iced, elevated, and even managed to get some work done. Dinner was in the same place as yesterday, which meant minimal walking. A small but important detail.
By the end of the day, I felt ready to leave Taiwan. Packing the suitcases turned out to be more challenging than expected, but by around midnight, we were done. One last ice session, then sleep.
Key Takeaways
- Morning motivation is high, but logistics can override plans
- Wheelchair use continues to protect the knee on long outings
- Fatigue shows up quickly in crowded, high-stimulation environments
- Water movement feels safe, effective, and motivating
- Choosing rest over activities pays off immediately
- Familiar routines reduce physical and mental load