Malarial Fears
19.12.2008 - 22.12.2008
25 °C
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Reis van de Nautilidae
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Max looked up from his prone position in the sun on the sand. He looked terrible with sand all over his face, droopy eyes and a deep lethargy. He had a fever starting and I was a little worried. We had just been paddled through 1.5km of subterranean river caves and I he didn't think he was going to be able to complete the 7km walk back through the jungle to our beach cottages at Sabang. Fortunately I was able to book two places on a boat from a tour group and we were wisked back to Sabang over a choppy sea. That night Max's fever reached 38.5c, he developed chills, a headache and lost his appetite. My concern for his health deepened when I awoke at midnight and read the phamplet that came with the anti-malarial drug we are taking (Larium).
The symptoms all seemed to fit and the words "life threatening" in the literature got me wired. Over the past few days we had been reasonably diligent in protecting ourselves against mosquitoes but we had all been bitten once or twice when we had taken the canoe on the amazing mangrove tour, which I would recommend to everybody who visits Sabang. At that moment I made the decision then to cancel our early morning departure on a boat to Cacnip Island and instead we rerouted ourselves back to Puerto Princessa on the first bus. By the time I had Max in front of a doctor at the Adventist hospital his fever had subsided but the doctor agreed with my concerns and took a blood sample....2hrs later we were back in reception at the hospital and I was very relieved to hear the nurse read out that he didn't have Malaria, just an influenza....Phew!
I have purchased two large bottles of insect repellant and we are now going to reignite our plans to get to Cacnip where I have booked a family bungalow at the Coconut Island Resort.
Posted by Estebaan 21.12.2008 4:09 PM Archived in Family Travel | Philippines
dear Max & Victor,
the excursion you're on is less fun than expected I can imagine. Maybe it is difficult to understand today why all these experiences are worthwile. The older you will get, the further you move on your lifepath's you will realise the full beauty of the gift your parents are giving you.
This is a great way to grow up and learn about the world and yourself. Courage, strength and resistance, both fysical and mental, knowing exactly where your boundaries are and learning to speak up for yourself are essential skills in life. Combining these skills with the vulnerability and sensibility of your hearts is the clue.
You are both special boys and I know you learn and grow from it.
Don't worry to much, stay believing in yourselves, and in your parents, in the end you will get home save I am sure. Dont forget I know these people that are your parents. You are special because they are special, trust them and in that way learn to trust yourself.
Enjoy the trip,
Carlos
22.12.2008 by pentax