August 30
I went to the travel clinic yesterday. But first I had to find my vaccine card. I could not find it where it is supposed to live - in my travel wallet with my passport. I have to admit, I never really unpacked from Morocco. I just left my travel stuff in my backpack and shoved it in a closet. So, I pulled that out and emptied everything onto my bedroom floor. No vaccine card. I never did find it but I guess the 'unpacking' is the start of the packing process.
I'm glad I am already booked for everything. Nothing like a very serious travel nurse reading off all of the things that will kill me in Madagascar. I might have reconsidered. Let's be honest, probably not but still.
I had to get a Polio booster! I am going to vacation in a place where I might get polio. POLIO! And let's not even talk about the rabies, plague, dengue etc.
I got my Dukoral. And I am going to do the malaria treatment. I haven't done that for years but I feel like all of the National Parks and huts hanging out over water make malaria a possibility and the shady health care and questionable infrastructure makes me want to avoid it if at all possible. I will be leaving too early for Flu vaccine and Covid booster so fingers crossed for those two.
September 9
September 10
Ackkk. just barely over a week to go before I leave. I started my 'packing' today, which always starts by just throwing things I might need at my spare bed. I still haven't decided on a bag yet. I bought a new wheelie duffle with pack straps, trying to get the best of all options. I am almost certain I won't take that. Something about wheels makes me feel like i'm cheating. Even though I am old and broken and booked on an organized tour, I can't let the 'backpacker' ideal of myself go. So, bag: TBD.
I took my Dukoral today. I took my Malaria prescription to the pharmacy yesterday. I just have to remember to pick it up. I counted my medication. I like to take a full two rounds in case I lose a bag. I have enough for 1.85 trips. I don't have time to get a refill so if I lose a bag, I will ration I guess. It'll be fine. I've only had my medication lost once (to leaking bug spray) which is when I learned, double and divide!
I think I forgot to mention that I bought a new camera to replace the one I destroyed in the Antarctic. I actually bought it months ago but it was another hit to the budget. But I need a decent camera. You'll all remember the camera situation in Morocco. We can't have that again (a compact point & shoot - although it did take some good photos IMO).
September 11
So, the no need to shop situation just couldn't be tolerated, clearly. I was on my way to dinner last night with 15 minutes to spare so I stopped in at MEC. I like to use hotel kettles to purify my water and avoid buying plastic bottles. My travel nurse agreed with this as a plan, but since I don't know the kettle situation on all of the stops, she suggested I get a SteriPEN as well. Kind of expensive but it will probably be usable for years, the rest of my trips, the rest of my life...
Anyway, I bought the cheapest version. It purifies water using UV light. Here's a
short video.
September 12
I ordered Euros today. I was trying to figure out how much I need vs how much I have in the bank so I can actually pay. Lots vs nothing. So, I just ordered lots and I'll figure out the rest of it when my Visa bill is due. Did I mention I found €145 in my travel wallet from my last trip. I read on the G website to take big, crisp, new bills. So I ordered 100s. My €145 is all 5s and 10s. I'll save those for the Paris wine and cheese, airport gift shop extravaganza on the way home.
Speaking of my last trip, my guide Mohammed and his family in Morocco are all fine after their terrible earthquake. I'm still in a WhatsApp chat with my group. I really hope the Madagascar group is half as good as the Morocco group/guide.
September 13.
One week to go!
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| 12:10 pm |
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| 12:11 pm |
Ok, time to wrap this post up and send it out to the world.
Here's your dose of lemur:
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| Pale fork-marked dwarf lemur |
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