I'm sick... and homesick.

Getting sick-- what is commonly known as "traveler's diarrhea" -- is a rite of passage in India.  Everybody I know who has visited there has a story.  I managed to avoid it the first time I visited India, but no such luck this time around.  5 days into my trip and I ate some fish at the restaurant at my guesthouse, and a couple of hours later I was buckled over in my room with stomach cramps that just wouldn't quit.  I spent the next 36 hours in my room trying not to puke and waiting for the worst of it to pass, which finally happened when I started taking antibiotics.  I'm not the biggest fan of Indian food-- south Indian food, for the record, is very different from what you get at Indian restaurants in America-- and after about 10 hours of abdominal pain, I could barely remember what it was like to have an appetite.  I went out once to check my email, and as I left, the power went out, another common occurrence in India.  Fortunately, it was back on when I tottered back to bed about half an hour later. 

I'm not sure if I had a fever or not, but I probably did-- all I can remember of those 36 hours, aside from fading in and out of consciousness, is the 12 episodes of Weeds that I watched on my iPod.  How surreal to be transported to an upscale California suburb while fighting the runs in Goa!  It was quite the Showtime marathon.

I suppose it's natural to be homesick when you travel abroad for long periods of time, but I've been so excited for my trip for so long that I never thought it would hit me quite as hard as it did.  Sitting there in bed, intestines gurgling, on that hard bed with the stiff little pillow far far away from home, I wanted nothing more than to be back in Philly hanging out with some of my peeps, maybe checking out a metal show or getting some sushi.  I miss you fuckers! 

Comments

[Damien]

Wow, friendly adventurous male 20 somethings, sounds like my kind of trip. What was so amazing about Dans eyes and what was so wierd about it?

I feel for you and your tummy. It happened to me in Thailand, but not as severe, also in Istanbul to a lesser extent. The homesick thing usually hits me after 10 days, then it passes; except for the times when drama hits the scene early in the vacation, which really SUCKS!

Once again, major props for blogging, it's feuling inspiration for my trip. Have you heard of gapadventures.com? They book trips throughout the globe, Nepal, India, Africa etc. I thought since I'll be traveling solo, might be wise to hook up with a tour. Thoughts?

Do you have oral mineral oil? I heard this is good for moving things along and out of your system, via the back door.

D

[Nicola]

Bummer (oops, sorry) about the sickness. That's gonna leave anyone in a negative mood for a bit. But buck up little camper, I'm sure the excitement and delight of being in a different culture and a beautiful country will come back soon.

[Heather]

Dude - I am so sorry to hear that! I feel your pain since that was my gluten inspired experience I felt the same way, although clearly not in a foreign country - although I also watched a marathon of Weeds episodes while I was miserable!! I'm sending you healthy vibes! Feel better!!!

[drew elliott]

I miss you dude...There is a huge gap that most likely will not be filled anytime soon. There are no metal shows to go to these days so take some comfort in that. Did I mention that I miss you?

[Alex Reynolds]

I totally understand the homesickness. Seattle is its own country, in some ways.

[Jenn]

Drew really does miss ya, said so Saturday night atleast twice. Glad you feel better my friend
"tofu and seitan in a spinach based sauce with brown"
I honestly cant believe! it You Fuckin Hippie!

[Geetu]

we miss you too! you should go to northern india. you wouldn't be disappointed in the food there. though every trip i remember to india, my brother got sick. maybe i picked around the right things.