Last week, I was in Kribi. Kribi is a beautiful coastal city in Cameroon with amazing beaches, weather, and views. This week was to be a training for the volunteers who came to Cameroon the same time as I, and it was for most people, but not me.

Every volunteer brought a "counterpart", someone with whom he/she works closely. My counterpart Steve and I arrived in Kribi Sunday early in the afternoon. We spend sometime on the beach, which was incredible, picture perfect tropical beaches with everything down to the coconut trees on the edge of the sand. Steve insisted we spend sometime on the beach before checking in because this was his first time ever seeing the ocean in real life. Around 3pm we checked in to our hotel which was great. It had everything from a REAL mattress to a shower with hot water to an air conditioner; it was hard to believe we were still in Cameroon. That evening we had dinner a the hotel and then a beer on the beach.
Kribi Beach

The following day we set to work. Around 8am the conference began. We began with brief introductions and then a discussion of what works and does not work in our schools. We broke for coffee break and then again for lunch at the hotel.

Finally our day was finished around 4:30pm. Of course we headed to the beach. We swam. We enjoyed the sun, just took it easy. Then for dinner we headed over one of the nicest Cameroonian restaurants I've seen. We ate pizza. The first time for me in Cameroon, and the first time ever for Steve. Headed to the beach once more had a beer and then turned in for the even.
pizza

I woke around midnight feeling like crap and having to shit. It came out like water. Ugh. I must have gone more than ten time that night. In the morning, I was still feeling like crap, but thought I was feeling better. Steve came to my room around 8:05 to yell at me for being late. I told I was feeling well and he passed the info on to one of the directors who informed us someone else was going to see the doctor at 10am and that I could go too. I said no, that I was starting to feel better. 10 o'clock arrived, I was feeling about the same. I didnt go to the hospital. I was trying to drink and eat a little, but every time I drank something, it immediately came out the other end. I even had to change my underwear a couple times. Afternoon came and I was still fell shitty, but I kept drinking and couldnt imagine that i would have to see a doctor for a little diarrhea. Finally at around 5pm I gave in and I said let's go to the hospital.

I was a little worried about heading to hospital because my bowel movements were still somewhat urgent, but we made it there no problem. We were checking in and then I had to go. I knew it couldnt wait. I asked for the toilet. The nurse sighed, looked around, asked the other nurse which restroom to use, and otherwise moved slowly, not seeming to realize the pressing nature of what I was asking. Finally she stood up and started leading me to the restroom. After walking for about maybe 20 feet or so, I knew I was in trouble. I knew I wont make it to the toilet, but I wasnt sure how bad it would be.

I found my waking up for what seemed like a very restful nap. Steve was helping me up and over to a bench to lie down. I was struggling to remember where I was and what I was doing. As I was sitting down I remembered. Steve had me lie down and tried to put my now bent glasses on my face. As I was lying there waiting for who knows what, someone came by and mopped up where I fell down. I spoke with the Peace Corps doctor by phone a little and then after about 20 or 30 minutes we walked to a different building where I was going to say for the next two nights.

The room was old and shoddy. The AC didnt work, which didnt really matter because you couldnt close the windows as there were panes of glass missing, at least there were screens on the windows. I probably wouldnt have stay in this build if it was a hotel in the states, but here in Cameroon it's the hospital. They started me on IV.

Everything which the nurses used Steve had to go buy from the pharmacy: cotton balls, gloves, needles, IV fluid, EVERYTHING. That evening he even had to buy sheet for the bed (you have to supply your only sheets). Steve stayed at the hospital with me for the two nights. The second day they finally told me they thought I had a "little" malaria. I didnt believe them because I no longer had a fever, so I didnt buy the malaria medication. I waited to talk with the Peace Corps doctor who agreed with me that I didnt have malaria. I still dont know what I had, but I fairly certain it was just something that I ate that day.

Merry Christmas all.