The souvenir nobody wanted is mine
The most significant souvenir from my trip in the immediate days back home is a summer cold. It’s no wonder, with days on end of little sleep so we didn’t miss out on anything fun, logging well over 15,000 steps each day, with multiple hours in spaces with lots of people like airplanes and the tube in London, and with the stress of traveling, my immune system couldn’t keep up.
I worked on Saturday, keeping a mask on around patients, but the cough worsened throughout the day. By that night, I had a low-grade fever. Clearly, I was in no condition to run 8 miles with my team on Sunday, so I stayed home to rest. By Sunday afternoon, my fever was 102. Ugh.
I’m sure this is viral. All in my sinuses, draining down my throat, causing the coughing and headaches. I’m grateful it’s not in my chest. But it’s been a while since I’ve been this sick.
Of course, I took a COVID test Saturday morning before going to work, as I didn’t want to transmit that to any of my patients. It was negative, thankfully.
Was the trip worth getting sick for? You bet it was.
Does my husband appreciate all of the delightful sound effects as I clear my head of this fountain of snot? Absolutely. So. Very. Sexy.
I should buy stock in Kleenex.
He’s currently running out to buy me meds to help alleviate all of this yuck. Luckily, we have some real Sudafed already. You know, the kind that you have to provide ID and sign your life away to buy. At least it’s easier to buy a gun than to start a meth lab. I’m obviously joking.
I’m already dreaming of my next trip to Europe.
In other news, my older daughter has also returned from her trip to Europe to study abroad. I think she feels the same way about her experience that my younger daughter and I do.
We came back to a country that is hell-bent on denying freedoms. I don’t even know what this new America is all about.
Here’s to hoping that I get rid of this cold soon. I would prefer to focus a bit of energy on fighting for what is right instead of these snot-clearing rituals. Sigh.
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Lead photo is my thermometer reading. Sigh. Photo by author.
Have you ever gotten sick after traveling? Tell me your story. I’d love to hear it!
As always, I hope you are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 
🙂 Get well soon, Anne.
Vegans are well-known for their robust immune systems.
Do enjoy the rest of your day!
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Thank you!
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Feel better soon. Interesting observation about coming back to a country, the land of the free if you will, that’s is set on taking away freedoms. As it celebrates a day, a group of slave owners a.k.a The Continental Congress declared its independence from GB. Which most people have clearly forgotten is the reason this holiday is celebrated. Take it easy and rest.
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For the past few years, I have deliberately chosen July 4th as my summer holiday to work. For we are not free.
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