American nails and my map on election night!
(Visiting my host sister in the fincha for a picnic)
Happy (belated) Election Day! I know, better late than never though!
(the deer I came along one day...)
This was my first election I spent abroad which was an experience. I am sure many of you are happy that all of the political advertisements, debated, debacle, and constant phone calls (Are you registered? Did you vote?) are over. It was definitely an exciting election.
(my host mom and neighbor making tamales with chicken feet...yum)
It was actually on the news a good amount here leading up to voting day overall people seem pleased with the results. I wanted to express my deposit concerns to those affected by Hurricane Sandy, I know many people are still out of power, gas, and transport. Hopefully, things will improve. A lot of people talked about the storm here and everything that was happening in the US. There was actually an earthquake here today that hit over Mexico and Guatemala. I was in a bus so I did not feel it. Besides politics and weather changes, things have been relatively calm in site.
I have recently discovered how wonderful the hospitals are here in San Salvador. On Thursday, I was with my host family, had a Padres de Familia meeting (like PTO) for 4 hours then came home, cooked lunch, went to my pueblo to big up a package from my mom (thank you!) and when I returned home I felt fine. But as evening fell, I had some bread and coffee with my host family and before I knew it my latrine (hole in the ground, aka our toilet) became my best friend. I spent the next several hours getting rid of anything that was in my stomach at the time and disposing it into the latrine.
After calling the Peace Corps nurse on staff, tried to take a Dramamine, then threw that up as well, she made the decision for me to be picked up and taken to the hospital. I clearly remember her asking me “what color is your vomit Karita?” I answered by saying its dark out and I literally threw up in a hole in the ground, therefore I had no idea. My host family was wonderful and covered me in blankets, staying up in the same room together until the driver came around 11 pm. I am so lucky to live with them.
I had chills then a bien calentita fever. Once we arrived at the hospital around 2 am, they took some tests and got my IV hooked up (even though it was obvious where my purple vein was, the nurse decided to shove the needle around more than necessary, not my idea of a fun Thursday night).
(Irma, Peace Corp Nurse. :-)
After a sample and a hot shower (with the IV in my hand and a bag over it, hard to shower with) they figured out I had a lovely buggie in my stomach…also known as a parasite. The type was a blasto-something, I can’t really remember. Fortunately, I had packed a few extra clothes, my laptop and a magazine to keep me busy. But, the room I was in had a TV with CABLE. So I was as happy as a high school-videogame-playing male with a unlimited gift card to best buy. I watched a few shows in English and CNN (in English!!) before passing out. Such a luxury.
By Friday late morning I was feeling a lot better and even though I was on a liquid only diet (jello, tea, juice, water) and all I wanted to order was a large pizza from Papa John’s with red pepper flakes and garlic sauce (okay and pepperoni, bad Jew I know, I know). I highly considered ordering it to be delivered to the hospital, if I know the name of the hospital where I am was staying.
(coffee's ready!)
In the afternoon I was on the solid food diet, which involved chicken!! Then Jaime, our country director came to visit me in the hospital and brought Gatorade and crackers. J It totally made my day and he stayed for awhile and kept me company. I soon passed out for the night only to be woken up several times by nurses to check my temperature and blood pressure.
After being checked out by the Doctor this morning, he said I could be released and sent home. Took a nice long hot water (even better without a needle in your hand) and was given a ride back to site. I have a lovely goodie bag full of horse-sized pills to keep me company the next few days. Unfortunately I will miss the two year’s birthday party and cake, but I think I have a good excuse.
He will have to receive his gift of a HUGE teddy bear tomorrow.
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