sick in mozambique, merrrp*

Being sick while living abroad is the WORST. Here are some reasons why:

-Because you’re alone.
-Beacause you’re alone in Mozambique (Africa).
-Because if you find yourself alone and have a craving for some tomato soup, you can’t get in your little fuel-efficient Yaris hatchback and run to your local Ralph’s/Trader Joe’s (or whichever other grocery store) that carries ready made soup. If you want soup, you have to make that shit from scratch.
-Because you don’t have a car, and despite being sick and feeling like death, you still have to walk to the local market/paderia (bread store) or a Shoprite (if you’re lucky enough) to do your week’s grocery shopping (or at least enough to sustain you through your cold).
-Because you just got back from a week/weekend away and your house is a total disaster.
-Because you don’t have running water and you have to cart all of your own water, despite barely having enough energy to get out of bed.
-Even better, the water spout is not running so you have to pull all of your water from a well.
-Because despite having no energy, a pounding heading and nausea- you have to cook.
-Because sometimes feeling this shitty takes away your appetite and you decide to live off pão (bread), fruit, yogurt (if you’re lucky enough to conseguir some).
-Because there is no such thing as instant meals in Africa.
-Because you don’t have a microwave.
-Because you don’t live at home and Mom can’t whip up that caldo de pollo (chicken soup/stew) for you that soothes your soul … and your sore throat.
-Because juice in Mozambique is so watered down that it tastes like water with flavoring. 
-Because tea varieties are minimal and you have to settle for shitty black FIVE ROSES tea (what I would give for some Fruit Infusion teas from Teavana).

….Because it reminds you of all the seemingly small things that you took for granted back in the states- from a family member/loved one to help mend your wounds to the simplicity of running water, take out food, and fully stocked grocery stores in the 1st world.

[ *…In my little imaginary head, that is the sound that dinosaurs make when they are sad, LOL!]

Comments

  1. HelenMarch 12, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    I'm sorry you're feeling sick, Wendy! Espero que melhores rapidamente!
    Being sick here DOES suck. I bought a bunch of ramen in Tete City a while back in case I get sick... I realize ramen is not healthy, but sometimes you just don't feel like cooking or getting out of bed... you know how it goes.
    Feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownApril 3, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    I'll do my best to get you some teavanna.

    ReplyDelete
  3. WendelsApril 4, 2013 at 3:21 AM

    no worries, cousin. Mom sent some in the package that's on its way :)

    ReplyDelete

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