4th and Goal

Wendy Guesthouse, Bangkok, 1pm

So close, yet so far. I almost made it through a month in a foreign land without any maladies...no stomach flu, no broken limbs, no decompression sickness. Until this morning that is, when I had to take a trip to the hospital. Before you panic Mom and Dad, I'm just fine...and if I were in the States it would be no big deal. Unfortunately, I got a scratch on my face a few days ago that has gotten infected and turned into elephantitis. Well, I don't really have elephantitis, but the left side of my face is the size of a bowling ball, and I certainly feel like I could costar with Cher in that terrible 80s movie. I've contemplated becoming Muslim for a short time, and wearing a wrap around my head, but it's too damn hot. Don't worry, I've taken pictures so that all of you can laugh at me.

I woke up this morning (yesterday came in from the islands to Bangkok, arrived around 10pm) with a swollen, throbbing face. I looked in the mirror and pulled a McCauley Calkin in 'Home Alone'...AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I calmly got out my trusty Lonely Planet guide and found a US accredited hospital nearby my guesthouse. Took a taxi there, and went to the skin disorders clinic. It was amazing how clean the hospital is...more like a hotel than a hospital. There were bellhops, receptionists, guides, and translators. I was quickly bustled to the skin clinic (no one looked at me and screamed, although I'm sure they wanted to) where I was very efficiently signed in and asked 'what seems to be the problem'. Thai people are too polite...what seems to be the problem? My extremely swollen face, that's all. No big deal.

I saw the doctor, and although I think she overprescribed, she was sharp and spoke English incredibly well. Very good experience in general...the only thing that was a bit of a pain in the butt was the penicillin shot I had to get (hahaha, very bad pun). The whole thing ended up costing me about $75 - for two prescriptions, the office visit, and the shot. Not bad, not bad at all.

The funniest part of the whole thing was that I was taller sitting down than the little nurse that weighed me, took my height and blood pressure. She had to stand on a chair to measure my height, and was still on her tiptoes. Would have been funny if I wasn't elephantlady.

Spent the rest of the morning jumping up from behind garbage cans and street signs and scaring the kiddies (just kidding!). I really spent my morning shopping for presents and found lots of good stuff. Wedding presents, family presents, Christmas presents....I love shopping, especially when it's for other people! Good day.

Tonight I think I'll cap off my last night in Bangkok in true style - maybe shrink into the shadows of a movie with English subtitles and have a righteous Thai feast. Leaving tomorrow for home and the real world! What an amazing month. Can't wait to see all of you, thanks for keeping up with my travels and sending me emails along the way.

Lots of love!
Cheers -
Genevieve