So I survived my first stomach bug since getting here. I figured it was bound to happen at some point. I haven't figured out exactly what I ate that did me in. 36 hours later I'm feeling fine, thankfully.
After staying inside since Thursday, I ventured out of my house this morning to buy groceries. There's a small market near my house that I walk by everyday on my way to town. I stopped at my favorite stall to buy the essentials: potatoes, eggs, bell pepper, onions, and tomatoes. The two women who work there asked me where I had been the last few days. I was surprised they had noticed; I don't buy food there everyday. They must notice me passing by all the time (I do stand out around here). I told them I had been sick, and they seemed very concerned that I was doing alright. Did I have malaria? Did I see a doctor? Did I take any medicine? Was I 100% better?
I guess even being sick has a silver lining; it was nice to know that people noticed I was missing. Also it reminded me about the difference in community here. In the States, close friends and family MIGHT know when you're sick or have some big problem affecting you, but usually if you hide in your house for 2 days no one will be the wiser. People here are sometimes more interested in my personal business than I care for (e.g. a few weeks ago I had a Canadian girl visit who is doing her grad research here on Pemba. I showed her around town one afternoon, and the next day everyone was convinced that she was my wife, fiance, or "special friend"). But sometimes that interest is ok- around here I never feel that I'm invisible or that no one cares. It's a feeling we've all had at some point, and it's not one I miss.
Just read online that the Aggies beat Sac State to close out their season! Woot! Congrats to all the Aggie Band officers who are finishing up their year!
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