Last Day

My last day in Owerri was an interesting one. I began to feel pangs of longing and nostalgia already. Just yesterday I was prepared to write off my experience, as I had fallen into a negative habit of complaining/worrying about the Ebola break out and about the recent thefts to my property. But today was a different experience. 

Just tonight I went with Uche to purchase my last two beers from the store down the street. I’ve been going there regularly. On the walk back, I took notice of the sandy road, the pot holes, the ephemeral

Nigerian Graduation

I’ve been negligent in writing for the past few days. I honestly just haven’t had the energy. After I got sick on Tuesday, I didn’t feel 100 % for the entire week. I still don’t.  A small part of me is worried that I might have contracted Hepatitis A. It is very common here in Nigeria and the vaccination which I have is over 6 years old. I knew that I should have gotten a booster shot before I left, but I was overwhelmed with work and trip preparations. I’m not too concerned, as I’m feeling better already and Hepatitis A, although in rare cases fatal , usually resolves on its own in about a week.

Final Days in Nigeria

Just the other day I thought to myself, “Gee! Isn’t it grand that I feel healthy after all the food that I have (at times) unwisely eaten!?” I celebrated my body’s victory over bacteria pathogens a little too soon. This morning I woke up and felt like my arms and legs were made of jelly. My head was pounding. I couldn’t breathe. And upon standing up, I was dizzy beyond belief. I freaked out for a second, thinking that I might have just contracted some wicked form of malaria that is resistant to my vaccination. Attempting to shake off my malaise, I made a large pot of oatmeal and drank two mugs