The Crescendo
Trip Start
Feb 10, 2006
1
9
32
Trip End
May 31, 2006
Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Two hours later, having left a small fortune behind, we each received six, yes six, shots....three in each arm. They didn't really hurt, the worst part came 20 minutes later when Ed and I felt weak, disoriented and retarded
01 The Red Cross
. I actually had trouble thinking straight. It was quite a sight to see us walking down Corrientes St. in a total haze, with 6 band-aids in our arms. People actually stared. It was kinda scary to know that a real battle was going on in my immune system and I was actually feeling its' effects.We got to the office thinking the fever-like condition would pass quickly, but oh no, it was like that all day so I was VERY unproductive at work today. Luckily, the haze subsided eventually, but then the real pain started in my shoulders. I could hardly move my arms. Since the shots were all intramuscular, I felt like I rowed a boat across the Atlantic.
Anyway, the worst part is over. Ed was so thrilled that we actually went through with this. He kept saying all day long he felt really fulfilled having passed this stage, like he was ready for the next item to check off on the list. His optimism and energy are really inspiring and sometimes I'm so exhausted he's the only thing that keeps me going. Today I had a nice chat with Ed's aunt, and she said she was worried we were so frantic in getting everything ready, she felt we were getting stressed out and we needed to rest a bit. I totally backed her up on her preoccupation, but assured her that although things are hectic, we are happy to be engaging in this. It's our project and even the preparations are important, hence the travel logue!
Ed has been so good to me lately, even better than usual. I've never felt him this close to me before. It makes me feel we are a real team on this. I repined today about the large sum of money we had paid for the vaccinations and he interrupted me by saying "HEY
02 Red Cross Argentina Building
! We're in this together, I cover your ass and you cover mine", meaning he would lend me money if I needed it. I think I fell in love with him all over again when he said that. Mainly because I felt so warm to know that he is backing me up all the way, taking care of me even in the tiniest level, protecting me and spoiling me in every way. It is so important to feel safe. And I think you only know what it is to feel safe when you have someone who genuinely cares for you. I realize now that I felt vulnerable for so long, more so than I'd like to remember. I am definitely grateful for him. And I told him today I would not be going on this adventure if it wasn't for him. He already knew this but I had to let him know, as if showing him my appreciation for being in my life.So this weekend, we're gonna take it easy. We used to go out every weekend to pubs or parties or raves, but since we are now putting everything we have in the Piggy Bank, the stay-home-and-cuddle-while-watching-a-video plan has been the highlight of our weekends. Tedious, I know, but it's nice to spend the quality time together and get good rest for the next busy week to come.
On a different note, every day I receive "A Word A Day" in my inbox, showing me a new word everyday and thus enriching my vocabulary which I am a big fan of
Yellow Fever Shot - Ed
. But apart from new words, they add a quote from famous people throughout history which is delightful to read. One can learn so much from just a single quote or phrase because it triggers so many thoughts and ideas. Anyway, I wanted to share one that got me thinking :"Take long walks in stormy weather or through deep snows in the fields and woods, if you would keep your spirits up. Deal with brute nature; be cold and weary."
-Henry D. Thoreau (naturalist and author)
Much more to come......
