I've had malaria, how about you? Are you jealous?

Clearly dont be. while my symptoms could have been a lot worse, I still felt like I was hit by a truck! Its interesting that the way folks talk about malaria (or pali or paludisme here) it seems like a huge deal when in actuality it really isnt here. Its like having the flu. My little brother actually had it last week. Its only serious when it is diagnosed too late or misdiagnosed or if the people are malnourished or dont take the meds properly. I always hope for a really shocked reaction when I tell people here I have it but i get no sympathy whatsoever here! Its just that common. People actually laugh more often. I was diagnosed once again by the doctor/niece who lives right around the corner... so useful! But I am certainly in very very good hands with my mother. When I told her i had a fever she was on top of it.

Initially myself I was really worried. Once again I came up with 10 different scenarios of what illness I could have and how Id be on the next plane home. But I really dramatized the whole situation once again. But it really was scary. I havent been this sick for years (even though itsnot that bad) I cant remember the last time i had a fever, or malaria for that matter. The hardest thing about being sick here is just that its not home. At home I know how pretty much everything medical functions, at least on a basic level. But here I was completely at the hands of relative strangers. All I wanted was some comfort food sprite (which they actually do have but which I substituted with jus de madd a fabulous juice from a fruit found here) and chicken noodle soup (or DQ) but instead I got (and promptly refused to eat) random fish parts which were unidentifiable, thus inedible, to me smothered in a bbq looking sauce. So i settled for the next best comfort food at my disposal, a baguette smothered in chocolate sauce. But what i think I wanted most was physical affection. I am starved for it here! All I wanted was a hug man! My mom did give me a kiss htis morning after I ate her prescribed malaria diet of eggs, bread, and milk. I really see a lack of physical affection around here (except for wmong infants and small children) not only in the street but in the house too (my house could always be the exception but I doubt it). I need hugs and kisses when I come home!!!