Still in Chiang Rai

Original post date Sunday, 1/5

Still not strong enough for travel.  Since health care is cheap, very good and minutes away, will continue to stay in Chaing Rai.  Had first sleep in 3 days last pm....albeit sporatic....but not enough. 

Cough lingers as do the sweats.  All symptoms have improved.  Can walk a bit and climb a few flights of stairs.  36-48 hrs ago I was dead meat.  Once positive I have this licked, will put on the backpack.  Until then will hole up where it is comfy, cheap and I am well cared for.  Thailand is as modern as many parts of US.

Laos, if and when I get there, will be more like Myanmar.  Poor heath care in Laos and probably none at my destination...the Plain of Jars.....is in the hinterland....hours from any healthcare.  It will be like Kung Tong, only much much smaller.  Rural village life.  Dirty, smelly, dusty, poor roads, questionable food preperation.  Do not want to head out on the wrong foot.  Following my prescription plan the Dr gave me.

Travel is enough of a hassle without unnecessarily adding feeling bad. I can stay here indefinitely, comfortably, for $25.00 a day all inclusive.  No worries, mates.

Did feel good enough to eat some thing other than a few pieces of watermellon whichis about all I have eaten for about 3 days.  I have no appetite.

 In the afternoom took a walk to the 7-11 and bought a can of beer and some chips, since Jiab and his mom were gone and their little restaurant was closed.  It was open when I returned so I entered, cracked the beer, took two sips and immediately felt like I was going th faint.  Quickly asked Jiab for something to eat.  Told him please be quick, I feel like I am going to faint. He promptly brought some toasted raw cashews and I normallized, but I asked him to walk me to my room.

Last night at 2 am I awoke and was dripping wet.  Rested all afternoon.  Showered at 5:30 PM and started sweating profusely.  Went out anyway to a street maket with Rondi and Andy, watched some Thai dancing the sat in a bar and watched the end of the Philly and N.O. football game from about the middle of 3rd quarter to the end. Walked back alone to my room and started taking all my meds.

Have lots of notes on paper, just have not entered as a blog.  Will upload when able.  Tired, sick.