Thursday, January 4

I have had a problem with a tooth since we arrived. I cannot decide whether I think I have a tooth problem or an infected gum. I decided to wait and see if the possibly infected gum healed on its own. Yesterday I decided that it had gone on long enough and posted in a Facebook group called Kovalam Connect asking for recommendations for a local dentist.

Two names kept cropping up and I chose Archana Gopalakrishnan because she works about five minutes away from where we live.

I find myself looking at the signs on the stairs up to the second floor. I decide to see what Major Ravi actually does. It turns out he offers “pre-recruitment training” for anyone thinking that they might like to join the police, fire brigade or army.

Ashana seemed very nice and very trustworthy and decided I had a problem with infected gums. I left with a prescription for some tablets and some mouthwash. The chemist opposite the dental surgery offered another adventure.