What's Up, Doc?

One step closer to leaving for Peru! I have been vaccinated!

I went to the travel doctor this morning and had a great meeting with him (Dr. Sam Williams...amazing travel doctor, highly recommend him). We really went through everything together. He advised me on what vaccines I did and didn't need, any medications that I should bring with me, and just general well-being while traveling. He told me what I really should get is Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever and Typhoid. 3 shots, I can deal with that....right??

I'm not really squeemish around needles or blood or anything...I willingly watch those surgery shows on the Discovery Channel from time to time afterall. And I really had no problem getting the shots -- we just kept talking as he gave them to me. But ow-ee! A few hours later my arm, particularly the left arm which received the yellowfever and typhoid needles, felt like jello. And then the jello turned into aching pain. I passed out on the couch for like an hour and it felt a little better after that. I keep moving as much as I can. My mom reminded me of when I was little and got the usual little kid shots...apparently I wasn't enjoying the pain then either and 6-year old me decided to just not to move my arm AT ALL for several days after the shots. Yeah, let's just say I still remember how much that hurt then!

I also got a few prescriptions for malaria and altitude sickness. For those of you who have experienced malaria pill options before, I went with the once a week variety. These apparently give you some trippy, vivid dreams so I'm sure I will enjoy writing about those later! I was glad to be able to get something to help with the altitude sickness. That was one thing I was a little nervous about dealing with.

SO vaccines, check! 2 weeks to go now. I have been in contact with the 9 other volunteers who will be starting on the same day as me. Everyone seems really nice through their emails. There's even another girl from Maryland that will be there with us.

I'm really hoping to find out what my actual work assignment is at the beginning of the week. I'm really anxious to find out what I'll actually be doing.

Alright, my arm is starting to cramp up from the way I'm sitting and typing so I'll end it here. Ravens, please play hard and make one of the last games that I'll see before my trip a good one!