Headin' back to the jungle

I met with the doctor this morning and I don't have tuberculosis! I do, however, have strep B and the PCV inevitable, amoebas. Those are probably the underlying causes for the other strange illnesses I had. Leaving today to go back home to my puppies :) Thanks for the thoughts and prayers!

Looks like you get a free weekend in Quito...

Just an update: I've been in Quito for the last few days dealing with medical issues. Basically, we know that I have erythema nodosum (google it.) we just don't know why. I have had every test known to man including a chest x-ray and tuberculosis test. I hope to return to my site on Wednesday, given the test results are negative. I must say, the medical care provided by Peace Corps is wonderful. Probably better than I had back in the states. Its been a fun 'vacation' in Quito, I've gotten to see alot of people and eat some amazing food (sushi!) but I'm ready to get home. It is cold in Quito. And it's really high up altitude-wise so it's hard to breathe. But, it's a fun city nonetheless. I will continue to keep you all updated!

What an eventful week we've had here in the Amazon, as I'm sure you are all aware from my Facebook statuses and emails. The indigenous communities went on strike against a new water law. I think at this point talks have started between the president and indigenous leaders, so things should get back to 'normal' here soon. Since I live in a 99% indigenous area, strikes and protests were happening very close to my house so I was on edge for a few days. It is comforting to know that a cab can get to my house and back to the big city in less than 20 minutes, and even more comforting to know that I have some very, very good friends living near me. Tena cluster once again had our usual Friday night shin-dig, complete with some amazing dinner at our favorite (the only) Argentenian restaurant and ending with dancing at the local hot spot. I did my October grocery shopping yesterday. I bought yogurt in its normal plastic container and also in a bag, and I bought milk in its regular box (yes, boxed, unrefrigerated milk) and also in a bag. I plan on doing a taste comparison to see if I prefer my dairy products in bags. We will see. Nina is doing well, I tried to put her old collar on her and the ends don't even touch around her neck. She grew...the kids at the caves and I started an eco-club yesterday. We are going to paint inorganic and organic trash cans for the caves next week! In English class, we learned and translated Michael Jackson's 'Beat It.' I think I won some extra points for that activity. I can't believe October is finally here. I can't wait for the Halloween festivities at the end of the month - Tena cluster has costumes planned and we get to go rafting! No other news from here, I'm trying to update my blog more often so we'll see if I can do it.