Back in the saddle again. Got home about 12:30 am and promptly crashed. Had a lovely time in Jamaica, except for contracting traveler's diarrhea on Wed morning which did not completely subside for the remainder of the trip. Put a damper on eating Jamaican food and participating in the activities I had planned. We went out snorkeling on Monday and spent three hours without realizing it. I was toast when I finally crawled out of the water, both literally and figuratively. The waterproof sunscreen apparently wore off early, so my calves and the area just below my bathing suit bottom were burned badly. Fortunately I wore my long sleeve rashguard so the top was safe, but the butt burn is still red. We did have a great time cruising the shoreline and reef, though.
Monday afternoon required a nap to rest from the snorkeling exhibition, but it was pleasant to sit on our porch and read. Every evening just after the beautiful sunsets, a large flock of bats would swoop past over the sidewalks right in front of the cottages on their mosquito quest. It was fun to watch them come through. Meals were served in the little bar hut and we were able to get to know the other couples at the resort by chatting over dinner and drinks.
Tuesday we walked to the site of Bob Marley's cottage nearby which took us through the village. We spent a little time soaking in the mineral water pool where he apparently sat and composed some of his music. In the afternoon we took a kayak around the lagoon. One of the other guests went spearfishing with some of the staff and they brought in an impressive haul of rock lobsters, an octopus, a squid, and some other fish. They cooked them up in the evening with a bonfire on the beach, but they waited so late to start that I couldn't stay awake and went to crash. May have been better that I slept because my illness came on during the night that night.
I sent Dad fishing by himself on Wed morning - he caught a little barracuda but we couldn't eat it because the small ones are sometimes poisonous. This one failed the test when Top Shelf, our Jamaican activity person, cut a small piece of the fish and set it down for the ants and they ran away. If they wouldn't eat it, it's a good bet we shouldn't either! We skipped the taxi ride into Negril on Wed afternoon with other couples staying at the resort, but they assured me we didn't miss much. They said it seemed seedy and they were constantly assaulted by merchants trying to sell things. We both just hung out at the cabins and read and napped instead.
Thursday we had planned to go with another couple to a nearby waterfall and river trip. I was not able to leave the security of rest and nearby bathroom, so Dad went with them and another couple and they had a great time. I felt well enough in late morning to do a little more snorkeling with one of the other women, but that was about all I was good for all day. I ate lunch (which may have been a mistake) and spent most of the rest of the day in the cabin listening to the workmen on the other side of the building. I did come down with Dad to dinner which they set up at tables on the beach, but I couldn't eat anything. Just drank several glasses of water and did manage ice cream which would at least slide down easy and give me some nourishment?
We had to be ready at 7 am on Friday for our 1 1/2 hour taxi to the airport. I was dreading the ride through the pothole-heavy roads as my stomach and lower tract were still actively protesting at about 6 am, but fortunately I recovered sufficiently to make it through the entire day without further incident. I was very grateful to fall into my bed this morning.
I'm still being quite cautious about what I put in my belly today, and I'm holding off on returning to my exercise regime until tomorrow. I'm still a little weak and my lower tract has only protested mildly today. I started a 3-day course of Cipro on Thurs night.
I'm finding it hard to deal with the fact that I can only expend brief bursts of energy before I get tired and need a rest. I fear if I push beyond that point, I will start rumbling and spurting again. I want my health back.
Cooked and ate supper tonight, albeit small portions. Hope it has no ill effects. I was pretty tired after grocery shopping and needed a rest before preparing it.
Food;
8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/blueberries, flaxseed meal, protein powder and soy milk
11:30 am 11 wine crackers
1:45 pm Vanilla soy shake, Nature Valley Oat N Honey granola bars (packet of 2)
4:00 pm 2 servings Jamaican chocolate tea
7:00 pm 2.85 oz mediterranean breaded salmon, 1/4 c green beans, 1/3 c mashed sweet potatoes, 12 oz skim milk
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