Physically wrecked

I remember the physical effects of my exchange in the Dominican Republic as being mostly stomach and digestion related. Some of my worst memories from Summer 2002 took place in the local latrine, where I was accompanied every night by a fat toad and two gigantic spiders the size of small placemats.

Anyways, the physical effects of Turkey have been quite different. The food hasn't had negative effects on me, a fact that has been very welcomed. However, over the course of 4 weeks, I've had quite a battle with physical ailments.

The first was pink eye. Out of nowhere I woke up with an itchy eye and by 1030 AM on a Friday my eye was producing so much eye goo that it was moderately dripping down my cheek. Absolutely disgusting. This was the same day that I prayed at the Blue Mosque with Murat, which was also accompanied by 3 hours of talking about religion and our purpose on Earth. It was awfully hard to pay attention with a eye that felt like a small version of Hurricane Katrina.

Next came back problems. I passed out one night in Shawky's bed and woke up feeling like I had slept on a fire hydrant. That only went away after sleeping a few nights in my own bed. Must have been some Egyptian curse.

Now finally I've had terrible post nasal drip ever since Saturday. The feeling of something crawling slowly down the back of your throat and constantly making hawking noises to get it out is about as frustrating as trying to pick up a British chick as an American. The accompanying sore throat is 10 times worse. It feels like my throat is harboring a small terrorist.

I'm taking this weekend to hopefully get some rest and overcome my battle.