Flu Bug Takes a Bite

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It’s been quite a week. When returning from Mallorca last weekend, G felt a slight tickle in his throat. This nagging tickle rapidly progressed into an overpowering wrath and by Wednesday he surrendered to seeing a doctor for diagnosis. They couldn’t confirm that’s it’s the flu, but it’s easily the worst illness G and I have had since we’ve known each other. So, we’ll call it the flu. After Wednesday, he was back on the road to recovery and he now sniffles and sneezes a bit less each day.

By late Wednesday/early Thursday, I began to feel a slight tickle in my throat. My illness progressed a bit more quickly and by Friday, I was completely overwhelmed by it. We’re taking it easy this weekend in order to [hopefully] get over this completely by Monday. Fingers crossed.

As for other news, I learned something new about the transition to living in a new culture this week. Ever since returning to London from home and the offensive European news coverage following the VT massacre, I’ve been a bit down on Brits and Europeans in general.

The constant pokes regarding US political issues, public figures, business ethics, accents and stereotypes since we arrived last year have certainly taken their toll. But, the combination of objectively seeing the many positives of Americans and life in the US during my recent visit to Virginia and the subsequent European news coverage condemning Americans and, perhaps more hurtful, Virginians hit a bit too close to home for comfort.

I chatted with a fellow American classmate on Tuesday about it. Originally from Iowa, she moved to the UK six years ago and is rather desensitized to the constant criticism by now, but did turn me on to the stages of expatriation–very similar to the stages of loss. At first everything’s new and different. You’re excited to explore. But as time moves along, your new “home” becomes an old shoe. Only then, do you begin to judge differences as good or bad rather than just new and different. This usually happens at around 6-7 months. Since G and I have been in London from 8 months now, it’s long overdue. And it may never have happened. Unfortunately, the news response to the tragic events at VT were a trigger for me. Rather than being rosy and new, London now seems a bit like a worn-out, outdated, impractical old shoe. However, I know it’s not true. Come on acceptance stage!

On a brighter note, we will be treated to seeing a couple familiar faces from home this week as friends venture over for work and travel. Both G and I are thrilled to welcome Rachel and Mrs. B to London later this week. Now, back to the vitamins and meds to ensure we’re in good form for their arrival.

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