Catching Up: So much...(part 1)
I know I have been terrible at blogging the past month or so. Here is an attempt to catch up a bit. Entries will probably be shorter but lets be honest, thanks is probably a good thing for everyone.
We last left off at Thanksgiving. On the day I left Kyoto, I began to feel sick (headaches, no appetite). Unfortunately, I also had to go to a lecture in Tokyo that night (which is why I arranged to go back that day). I took to Shinkansen (bullet train) for the first time but basically slept most of the trip because of my headache. It was a nice train ride, but probably not worth the extra $100 it cost (compared to a night bus).
The talk was by Robert Whiting, who just happens the authoritative voice on Japanese baseball in English. His specialty is pro baseball but it was still an interesting talk and I was able to get my book autographed. He also agreed to answer my questions if I had any. Of course I don't know enough to yet to ask him questions but maybe in the future. I was also able to meet a former Fulbrighter from two years ago who was nice enough to treat me to a drink and invite me to a nomikai he was hosting. Connections are always good.
I was feeling miserable most of the day though (body was sore, head hurt) so I knew I was sick. Went to play some volleyball the next day (exercise helps, seriously) but still felt like crap. I had a fever, headache, sore throat, and general fatigue. Yes, I do realize I had all of the symptoms of influenza/swine flu. I realize that with the H1N1 scare it would have probably been best if I went to see a doctor but I am not a big fan of hospitals/doctors in general. For the past few years I have been able to fight off everything with a combination of lots of liquids and rest. From what I have heard from other fellows they did not have very pleasant experiences dealing with medical care in Japan so I decided to forgo the experience, though I was willing to risk it if my condition did not improve. At least I actually went out and got medicine (which I usually don’t), though it might not be something I should pat myself on the back for. Thankfully, after a few days of sleep, Vitamin Water, orange juice, etc… my fever, sore throat, and headache were mostly gone, though I still have a slight cough. Being sick is not fun.
We last left off at Thanksgiving. On the day I left Kyoto, I began to feel sick (headaches, no appetite). Unfortunately, I also had to go to a lecture in Tokyo that night (which is why I arranged to go back that day). I took to Shinkansen (bullet train) for the first time but basically slept most of the trip because of my headache. It was a nice train ride, but probably not worth the extra $100 it cost (compared to a night bus).
The talk was by Robert Whiting, who just happens the authoritative voice on Japanese baseball in English. His specialty is pro baseball but it was still an interesting talk and I was able to get my book autographed. He also agreed to answer my questions if I had any. Of course I don't know enough to yet to ask him questions but maybe in the future. I was also able to meet a former Fulbrighter from two years ago who was nice enough to treat me to a drink and invite me to a nomikai he was hosting. Connections are always good.
I was feeling miserable most of the day though (body was sore, head hurt) so I knew I was sick. Went to play some volleyball the next day (exercise helps, seriously) but still felt like crap. I had a fever, headache, sore throat, and general fatigue. Yes, I do realize I had all of the symptoms of influenza/swine flu. I realize that with the H1N1 scare it would have probably been best if I went to see a doctor but I am not a big fan of hospitals/doctors in general. For the past few years I have been able to fight off everything with a combination of lots of liquids and rest. From what I have heard from other fellows they did not have very pleasant experiences dealing with medical care in Japan so I decided to forgo the experience, though I was willing to risk it if my condition did not improve. At least I actually went out and got medicine (which I usually don’t), though it might not be something I should pat myself on the back for. Thankfully, after a few days of sleep, Vitamin Water, orange juice, etc… my fever, sore throat, and headache were mostly gone, though I still have a slight cough. Being sick is not fun.