I seem to get sick a lot more in Korea than I did back in the states. I credit this to coming into contact with over a hundred students every day. Basically, I work in a virus factory, and frequent deathly colds are one of the hazards.

Of course, here in Korea, unlike home, people go to the doctor when they have a cold. I’m not really sure why. The doctor always says to get fluid and rest, and gives an identical prescription. I’d skip it, except the whole encounter only costs about five bucks, and it’s the easiest way to get drugs. He also sprays three different magical mists down my throat. I don’t know the purpose of these magical mists, except they’re really grody and don’t make me feel any better.

Night before last I started having difficulty breathing through my nose. Yesterday morning I woke up with a sore throat. This morning I woke up feeling like Hell itself had been lifted my God’s mighty hand and placed between my ears.

I called in sick.

The teachers were supposed to play sports today. Badmitton and an obstacle course and traditional Korean stick-throwing. I probably would have been allowed to sit it out, being sick and all, but I think just being near all that would have made me feel worse.

I got some kind of hot beef soup, hoping it would make me feel better. I honestly couldn’t believe how bad it tasted.

a lurking horror

If you see anything that looks like this, for God’s sake, DON’T EAT IT.