La Tourista - Thy Name is Foul!!!!

Ok, so I woke up this morning, feeling better than I had in the past few days, but after an hour of being up, it started all over again. There is nothing worse than being sick, and being so far from home, family and friends who give you love and support.

So, after thinking about it.... I decided not to chance it anymore, especially since this was the third day of this happening. Using the list that wa provided to me from the Canadian Conslate (thanks again ODG), I called a local Canadian doctor and made an appointment (more on the phone card later). ka went out to see a church (La Chapelle - she went after reassurances that I was ok for a couple of hours), and came back and met me, we then tried to flag down a taxi. After heading to Rue de L'Opèra, ka was succesful in flagging down a cab (a little scary on a blind corner).

Dr. Nancy Salzman has her offices right next to Les Champs Elysées, in a beautiful section of town. Thankfully, the consulate had provided some English speaking doctors, as I was afraid I was not able to communicate everything that had been happening. The doctor was absolutely wonderful, talked to me a little, took my temperature, felt my tummy, and said everything will be ok - I probably had something called "La Tourista" - something very common for North American visiters to France. I can't tell you enough how wonderful she was. Since Immodium is not available over the counter here, she gave me a prescription, and an antibiotic if needed. She says I am safe to travel home. No tests were required, as I was coming home shortly, and to follow up with my doctor once I get home.

So now that I'm re-assured that things will be ok, and I don't have to panic, I need to take a little time and thank 2 people in particular.

Dad - thank you for listening, and your reassurances - thank you for always being there for me.

ka - I could not have asked for a better travelling companion on this journey. You have been so wonderful to me - patient, staying when I'm scared, (even though I feel terribly guilty you have missed so much because of me), talking me through this. It is no fun being sick while you are away, and being sick, sometimes you can get a little grumpy - thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for skipping some of your plans today to come to the doctor's with me, making sure I got there ok, and coming back with me. You are a wonderful person. It is your kindness I will remember most on this journey.