My First Traveller's "D"

Trip Start Oct 10, 2001
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Trip End Feb 19, 2002


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Flag of Guatemala  ,
Saturday, December 8, 2001

I woke up this morning clear headed, first time in two days. I was sick to the point I have never been sick before nor after. High fever, body chills, vomitting, and every 20 min I had to rush to the toilets. My first experience of Traveller's Diarrea was a horrible one. Juliette was very nice to be my side helping me through what seemed like a life time of suffering. "There is a huge difference, between travelling alone and travelling with someone" I told her, almost unconciously as heavy dose of Tylenol was in my system.

As I woke up this morning, the sun was shining again, we packed and left San Pedro, on our way to El Salvador (the country). In my weakened state, Juliette made most of the planning for this part. We took the boat to Santiago Atitlan then transfered to a chicken bus to Esquintla. We decided to stay the night when we reached Esquintla, as the sun was begin to set. The trip was short in terms of distance, but as the chicken bus had to twist and turn its way out of Lago Atitlan and towards the lowlands, it took almost 6 hrs. I was still weak, had not eaten anything in 2 days, probably completely dehydrated, but hey, we are travelling again. We found a hotel near the central market in Esquintla, the city where no other traveller can be found. Truely a Guatemala town.

I still cannot walk complete upright as I'm holding my stomach, preparing for the next battle. We ate at a road side McDonalds, THE BEST McDonalds Big Mac I have ever eaten, considering it is probably the only and cleanest food I'm willing to touch. We watched a movie at night, can't remember name. Outside there was lots of fireworks and firecracker everywhere, as Guatemalan were getting ready to celebrate Christmas and New Years only few weeks away.

Then I just realized, we were very, very behind schedule. In my weakened state, we don't have much time. I have only travelled 2 countries so far (Mex & Guate), about 1/10 of the distance to Brazil, and only two months left until Carnival. For the first time, I begin to worry we are not going to make it in time, and my dream was only a dream. But the show must go on.....
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