i'm fine now

(Family Lore has made it very clear that all discussions of illness have to start this way.)

So, I did get ill for awhile, but now I'm better. Not the typical travellers illness, but something else stomache-related.
I was throwing up prett violently the night before the last day of orientation. It was highly unpleasant. Before I could even think about what to do, my hotel roommate was up and had already contacted the front desk about getting me to the hospital. I protested because I didn't think it was worth going to the hospital, but she had already set things in motion so I didn't have much choice. (In case you didn't know, Jordan is known for "medical tourism." Medical care is so inexpensive for its high quality that Europeans frequently fly to Jordan for medical treatment because they can combine it with a vacation.)

The ER was nothing like an American ER. I was seen immediately, and treated without much runaround or paperwork; the entire episode was over within an hour and a half. They gave me an anti-nausea shot (with which I am familiar) and some prescriptions. The whole thing was a bit of a blur for me...I'm glad I had my very capable friend with me to take care of things.

Anyway, the next day was the last day of our homestay, and we went home with our families. It was kindof an odd way to meet my family, but they were really nice, and let me sleep alot. I was eating again in a few days, and off medication in a week. The first time I tried to stop taking the medication I felt awful, so I went back to a doctor, and he said I might have a virus...or amoebas. One spring break I went backpacking with someone who picked up a parasite while studying abroad. I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that I will NOT permit myself to get amoebas. Period. So I took the antibiotic he offered, even though I hate unnecessary medication.

But now I've been off all medication for a few days, and I'm fine.