Being Sick Isn't So Bad

Despite having no academic work (or any work at all) since leaving Tufts in early May, I feel as though I’ve been going non-stop all summer. Two weeks after school ended, I packed a small suitcase and flew to Basel, Switzerland, where I would begin a semi-independent trip through Europe. I saw five countries in five weeks. Thankfully, I had the comfort of staying with my godmother and my parents’ friends for most of the trip. However, I always had the excited discomfort (is that some kind of anxiety?) of not knowing where I was, of not knowing the language, of not feeling integrated in the culture, and of not really traveling with any friends, aside from the five days that I crossed paths with Lily. On the other hand, Western European cultures are not that difficult to adapt to, especially since they are equally – if not more – luxurious than American culture. In addition, so many people speak English that any important transactions can be done fairly smoothly. Ten days after arriving in the United States, I packed three seasons worth of clothes, and flew to Chile. I can’t say I’m not living the good life. Still, the luxury of so much travel can be a bit tiring. Tiring in a good way - but tiring. Or, perhaps, what I mean to say is that I’ve been kept on my toes this summer.

The sore throat and runny nose that crept up on me two days ago hasn’t gotten my spirits down as sickness often does. In fact, it has taken me off my toes, forcing me to slow down, and let go of feeling unsettled in my environment. It didn’t start off too well. Sitting through my Historia Social de América Latina was a little miserable. Nasal congestion and sore throats make it difficult to listen to lectures and take notes in ones non-dominant language. Later, In my ceramics class, my friend (Yes!! I have a Chilean friend! Her name is Mariluz. She’s friends with all of the gringos. She even invited us to her birthday party!!) suggested that I take “Tapsin,” which, I assume, is similar to NyQuil. When I got home, I told my host mom, Alejandra, that I wasn’t feeling so hot. She checked if I had a fever. No fever. She asked if I was going to take any medicine. Yes - Tapsin! She then immediately refilled my hot water bottle (called a Guatero, a.k.a my personal heater and best friend), and told me to get some rest. Later, she brought my dinner to my room so that I wouldn’t have to get out of bed to eat. And she’s been attending me ever since. I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time in bed. I’ve had all three meals (plus once) in my room. I watched some Chilean television, I tried doing some reading for class, I talked to my real mom, and I sent some emails. Most importantly, I slept. Plus, I’m getting better.