A thought that doesn't often enter my mind

I have to go home and put my typhoid pills in the fridge.

This afternoon I got three shots and two packs of pills in preparation for my India trip. The shots weren't bad, actually, just three pricks in the arm. I was wondering why the typhoid pills have to be refrigerated, but then I realized I probably don't need to know. I learned way too much today about all the diseases available in India—and the world in general. Rule number one: Don't drink the water. Number two: Stay away from dogs and chickens. Three: Poop is dangerous.

I didn't get fancy band-aids, but all in all, the experience was OK. Now I can focus on more exciting things, like where we're staying and which cities we'll visit and how warm it will be (into the 80s). Not how long the flights are.

It's been snowing off and on for three days. We are all fed up with the snow. In between flurries, there are a whole bunch of birds outside work that start up a chirping frenzy. They must be so confused, poor little birds. I used to love snow, but this winter has unleashed something of a petulant child in me. Now, every time it snows, I want to stamp my feet and yell at the sky. Which I do, sometimes, but usually only at home or in the car.

Hey, tomorrow is Groundhog Day. Guess what? I bet the New Mexico hogs that dwell below will see their shadows. Definitely.

Comments

[Zandria]

India...how exciting! Pretty convenient that your brother is there and you get a built-in place to stay and a tour guide. Those are the best trips of all. :)

[Simon Warrick]

You'll love India, once you get over the shock that it's not a clean as you may be used to. The smells, the noise, the people (people everywhere you turn) are just superb. Make sure to get out of the cities and into the country where you'll see the real India.

If the malaria tablets make you feel ill, don't worry stop taking them and plaster yourself in repellent, make sure its high Deet though to be effective.

I look forward to seeing the photos, and wish I was heading back to India again soon.

[Julie]

Wow! India! How exciting! Make sure you go to Jaipur and ride an elephant to the Amber Fort - I really wanted to do but we ran out of time while I was there. If you want more woodblocks like the elephant one I gave you you should visit the wood block lady off of Connaught (sp?) Place she must be 80-something and the sweetest person that ever lived. She'll convince you to buy hundreds of blocks..."They are very good price! They are light and easy to pack! If you decide you don't need them any more you can give them to a school for education..." As for the meds, I didn't get any shots but I did take an antibiotic for one week before I left, the whole time I was there, and three weeks after I returned. I can give you the name as soon as I think of it. Don't be afraid of the food - I never once got sick. I really liked some of the "chain" type places (nothing like McDonalds I promise) it was fresh good Indian and I felt comfortable that it would be safe. Sagar, and Halidrams are both healthy, vegetarian options. You need to take an autorickshaw at least once - it's great! Well, if I think of anything else I'll let you know.

[Julie]

Oh Yeah! Repellent is SOO important - I was eaten alive! I got 32 mosquito bites in two days! Luckily I'm still alive, but it was itchy and red and ugly and I felt really dumb.