Well, around Wednesday this week, I was hit by a particularly yucky head cold, and have thus been MIA on the WWW...three whole days, I know! It's almost unthinkable, isn't it?
However, until my BVA card (Austrian insurance card that gives me access to the fabulous Socialist health care system) comes in, I can't go to the doctor. I mean, I can, but then I would have to pay a premium. Which, sorry, I don't want to. At least not unless one of my limbs is endangered or something. So, with two weeks left to wait until it comes in the mail, I have been downing vitamin C tablets and green tea and blowing my nose at 5 minute intervals. In between English instruction. Because, according to the Fulbright handbook, I need a doctor's excuse to skip school.
No biggie, actually, since this week was my easy week. But I am reminded of the last time I was in Europe for more than two weeks (well, that would have been the last time I was in Europe) and I got sick in Bratislava in September. Which was actually worse, because I was on vacation, and supposed to be enjoying myself. And I didn't speak the language, so I was extra petrified of going into an Apotheke and asking for what could be aspirin...or could be some hallucinogenic drug, for all I know of Slovakian. And you know what I blame? The disgusting Soviet-era hotel we stayed at because it was super cheap, but also super groaty. Like, they hadn't cleaned the rooms since 1979...well, the bell boy said the place would probably be demolished by that time next year...don't know if it was.
He also said something like, "American girls? Very nice. You like disco?" every time we left or entered the hotel. Maybe he thought that was welcoming...
So...yes. Am recouping nicely. In my own bed. Miles away from any Slovakian hotel or bell boy. Thank God.
At school, the kids have been...your average teenagers. I introduced myself to a new group almost every day. But by Friday, they had all heard about me, so I didn't even need to introduce myself. It was actually very creepy to know that they had been talking about me. Must get used small-town mentality. Everyone likes to gossip, right? And when you get fresh fodder...
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