Scan of Arthur's Brain

Arthur's Brain Scan!

The Portuguese coast near Aljezur in the Algarve sports miles of fine unspoilt beaches, usually deserted out of the high summer season. Even then, if you want to wade through those seeking the thrills of some of the finest surfing in Europe, you will find, a mere quarter of a mile away, fine open stretches of unpopulated sand.

You will also sometimes find me and my friends in some deserted nook, taking the sun in our naked natural state. Or, maybe, if you wander off the beach to the nearby small town or little clusters of housing, you will find us having a wild party.

It was at just such an event that, overcome with sheer exuberance, lust for life and, some would say, idiocy, I was swinging from the rafters in time with the music.

One of my friends got hold of my feet and tugged. My hands came off the rafters and, pivoting on his hands, my head described a huge arc ending up with a huge hollow drum-like sound as my head hit the floor. The noise from the blow was so loud the music stopped. Blood splashed across the floor.

I was rushed to a nearby hospital in a car driven by the guy who pulled me off the rafters, by now alarmed and trying hard to help. The other occupants were a statuesque blonde German doctor, and, sitting behind me, holding my head between her hands, a Hungarian healer. It was due to her ministrations that the next morning I woke without even a headache.

However, the blow to the back of the head was counted serious enough that I had to have someone with me at all times for the next 48 hours!

Credit : Colin Davidson