The common cold.

Oh yes, it happens. Even in Africa. The first minute you have a fever, the next minute you are hyperventilating because you think you are going to die. It’s quite ridiculous, but it happens. Cornellie told me “You don’t wonder about malaria, you know.” In other words, stop whining, and go get tested - it takes 5 minutes. Lucky for me, as I planned to go to the doctor today, I woke up feeling refreshed and without fever. Today I do not have malaria. Praise the good Lord above.

I am feeling very weak, but I can hold my own. I still haven’t managed to get my appetite since I have been here. Please note, I am not complaining. In any other circumstances this would seem pleasing, but when you are working on a MAJOR budget and would rather go on safari than buy new clothes, it can become quite a problem. Oh well…when my pants actually fall off of me – and there is photographic proof – maybe Mum will feel sorry for me!

So if you didn’t catch that, no, I don’t have malaria. I just had a really bad cold. The more colds I get in Africa, the more level I feel. It’s a notch on my belt.

The French are funny. I met Romain on couchsurf.org and ended up meeting him and a friend for a whirlwind kind of night! They took me to all the hot spots for ex-pats and just for some good dancing. I had a ball. A ball until…my phone and flashlight were stolen!! It is amazing how fast things happen. We were literally about to leave, I spun around and saw my wallet on the ground. I thought it was odd, but didn’t think much about it. When I got back home I searched for my phone and it was clearly gone. I then checked out my wallet to find no money. Lucky for me I NEVER take my passport, cash card, or loads of cash out. It was a good day for me.

So WEEE, for yet ANOTHER cute little African phone. They really aren’t that cute now. Turns out Aleksi and Jens both had theirs stolen in ZNZ this weekend as well. I don’t feel as silly. No matter, I still had to spend 1/3 of my salary on this stupid little phone. It really puts things into perspective. New jeans or food? I think there is an obvious answer here.

Arusha is quiet. I am still awaiting the Dannish. And a miracle from Kari. I am hoping to go on the safari in the Serengeti with Bernie, Jude, and Svenja, but I may I have to wait. Pole Sana.

N