Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Well it's been one hell of a week culminating in quite possibly the worst single day of my life so far. Friends this blog is likely to depress or make make you laugh quite a lot. If I was reading it, I would probably laugh as I have that sense of humour. Any way make up your own minds.
The week started off quite well. My fellow travellors and I were enjoying the laid back atmosphere of Si Phan Don in southern Laos. It's a sleepy old place and for the main part we just sat in our hammocks soaking up the sunshine and cycling around the island. We also managed to find a good outdoor BBQ place that served authentic Lao cuisine. Quite hard in this area I'll have you know. The owner was quite amusing in that he was stinking drunk the whole time. We were a little worried as the BBQ was served at our table and grilled by us. Naturally we were a little concerned when he stumbled over to us with a bucket of red hot charcoal in his hands. We wisely left the table as he set it up. The previous week, I had begun to feel really unwell and hoped that a couple of days on the Island would sort me out. However I began to feel worse, mainly by being tired all the time and losing my appetite. As we were heading into Cambodia I decided to go to a doctor as soon as we got there just to be on the safe side. In order to leave the islands we had to catch a ferry over to the main land. This wouldn't have been a problem except that the day before, a ferry driven by our friend from the bar had sunk halfway across the river, leaving quite a few soggy backpackers and their belongings. The guy was wasted again and had failed to realise that their was a hole in the boat!! We all resolved to check the boat thouroughly before heading out. We managed to get back to dry land and headed for the Cambodian border!
The border post was a little surreal as it consisted of a tin shack with two gurds inside stamping passports. Good photo opportunity though. We managed to get to the town of Kratie by 5pm but still not feeling great I had a little dinner and went to bed. The others went to spot the Iwwaddy Dolphins that congregate near there and I met them later to catch the bus to Phnom Penh.
I was glad to get to the capital as I could finally see a doctor and get sorted. We all decided to hire a Tuk Tuk for the day heading to the city sights via the doctors. Phnom Penh has the infamous killing fields used by the Khmer Rouge. Basically all political prisoners, ordinary Cambodians and some foreigners were executed there. It was like visiting Auschwitz in that it makes you question humanity completely. We then headed to S21 the interrogation cells that were used to question the prisoners. Again it was a depressing sight but essential viewing.
I headed back to the doctors after our sightseeing blitz to get my results and as expected it was s*** news. I've managed to contract Hepatitus, although they are unsure which type. As a result they advised that I head back to Bangkok to get treated here. This was a real pain in the arse as I only just got to Cambodia and I now had to go back to the one place I really don't like. Still I took their advice, hopped on a plane and here I am.
After getting to Bangkok and trying to arrange my Insurance, I headed over to the International Hospital for more tests. The bloody traffic meant that I missed my appointment and had to wait another hour. I say hospital, but it was more like a Hotel and a posh one at that! The doctor there basically told me that I had Hepatitus but would need another blood test to confirm which type. So off I go with the nurse to pay for the blood test, when I realise that some b****** has stolen my wallet right there in the hospital! I couldn't believe it, as a result the hospital would'nt do the blood test and instead told me to come back in a couple of days. (Give me the NHS any day)
Luckily I had some travellers checks in my bag (thank you Lewisham, you saved my life) as I was on the other side of town and had no money to get to my hotel. Feeling wretched, all I wanted to do was jump on the first plane back home, but I pulled myself together and decided to stay.
So as you can see it's not all fun in the Orient. Thankfully the parents are sending me my new cards and wiring me some money to be getting on with. I've found a comfortable Hotel to rest up in so life is on the up, albeit slowly. I should be going to the hospital again tomorrow but I'm not sure yet. I actually fell a lot better today and my skin and eyes are returning to their normal colour. I have a pic that has me looking a little like the Simpsons. I really need a beer but that's off the cards for the next 3 weeks. Have one for me guys and i'll keep you updated.
Ta da for now
Will
- comments