10:35 am on Wednesday Morning - Ibuprofen for potential fever and cold symptoms
8:35 am on Wednesday Morning - Metron for giardia
6:30 am on Wednesday Morning - Cold FX to combat impending cold
9:30 pm on Tuesday Night - Metron for giardia, melatonin for 10 hour jetlag
2:00 pm on Tuesday - Metron for giardia
6:00 am on Tuesday - Metron for giardia
9:30 pm on Monday Night - Metron for giardia, melatonin for 10 hour jetlag, and gravol for nausea
2:00 pm on Monday - Metron for giardia and gravol for nausea
Sunday night - arrival in Canada after 27 hours of travel being ill throughout.
27 hours earlier - chills, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting as started our trip and as we checked-in at the airport in India...
Welcome Home! More when I feel better.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
I made enemies today
It went something like this… we arrived at the Indian Embassy at the time they had told us to come. It was the largest gathering of foreigners we have seen – all waiting outside the gated doors… many had a number previously guaranteeing that they would enter the visa fort… but we didn’t…
So I went up to the armed guards and put on the charm… It must be noted that all the guards were Nepali. At some point, the armed guard came back to us in the back of the line and just stood there with his hands behind his back… I realized this must be for bribes, but I don’t know how to do such a thing. As he turned to me, I looked at him with a certain shy helplessness and told him “listen, I don’t know how this works – but we really need to get our visa today” – he smiled and led us past all the foreigners to the next armed guys – with whom I chatted a bit telling them our situation and they also let us through… I could hear behind us... 'well I guess speaking Nepali helps'... It was interesting since as soon as I explained that Clayton was my husband to the door guards, their eyes lit up and they shook his hand with heartfelt sincerity - we don't know what that was really - we wondered whether it was because they thought he would have control on the bribe money or something... but then again...
As we returned after a long wait to get the first phase of the visa process, I stopped at the guys again - thinking that they would want a 'tip' - but no... they just wanted to chat...
It was like a failed attempt at getting or giving a bribe... oh well...
So I went up to the armed guards and put on the charm… It must be noted that all the guards were Nepali. At some point, the armed guard came back to us in the back of the line and just stood there with his hands behind his back… I realized this must be for bribes, but I don’t know how to do such a thing. As he turned to me, I looked at him with a certain shy helplessness and told him “listen, I don’t know how this works – but we really need to get our visa today” – he smiled and led us past all the foreigners to the next armed guys – with whom I chatted a bit telling them our situation and they also let us through… I could hear behind us... 'well I guess speaking Nepali helps'... It was interesting since as soon as I explained that Clayton was my husband to the door guards, their eyes lit up and they shook his hand with heartfelt sincerity - we don't know what that was really - we wondered whether it was because they thought he would have control on the bribe money or something... but then again...
As we returned after a long wait to get the first phase of the visa process, I stopped at the guys again - thinking that they would want a 'tip' - but no... they just wanted to chat...
It was like a failed attempt at getting or giving a bribe... oh well...
Friday, May 9, 2008
Minus-1
Today, I am minus-1… Yeap, only a year before the big 30… Clayton and I just finished a lovely breakfast and I am now the proud owner of a color-changing pendant that I will proudly wear as my minus-1 birthday gift.
Pokhara is treating us well… relaxing days of walking, reading, boating, and just chilling. Today, we are heading to the Shangri-la, one of the nicest hotels in Pokhara for a lounging day beside the pool. The walls are so high surrounding the complex that I can even wear my bikini. It has also been great to hang around with Carol, as this will be the last time we spend time with her in Nepal. Tomorrow, we head back to Kathmandu and start the final craze of packing, getting a suit fitted, having dinner with friends, and getting the apartment spotless for the next renter.
Well better be off - there is much celebrating to be had...
Pokhara is treating us well… relaxing days of walking, reading, boating, and just chilling. Today, we are heading to the Shangri-la, one of the nicest hotels in Pokhara for a lounging day beside the pool. The walls are so high surrounding the complex that I can even wear my bikini. It has also been great to hang around with Carol, as this will be the last time we spend time with her in Nepal. Tomorrow, we head back to Kathmandu and start the final craze of packing, getting a suit fitted, having dinner with friends, and getting the apartment spotless for the next renter.
Well better be off - there is much celebrating to be had...
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Smells like holiday
All is done - I did the big presentation on my results on Thursday - handed in my paper to NFHP on Friday - got 'evaluated' - even sent some job applications today... Now it's time to get some necessary stuff for a visit to the village and a trip to Pokhara to relax and spend time with Carol... AHHH You can just imagine me relaxing by the lake with a coffee soothing me and a good book (not on qualitative research or private health providers)... 2 weeks till we head home...
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