In the storm

I checked the time on my cellphone — I had forgotten to turn it off to save power. 2.52 am. I stayed on my back for a few moments, looking and listening around me. Ladina did not seem to be disturbed by any of it: she was fast asleep — and for the better, since not only had we woken up at 4.30 the previous morning to see the sunrise from the top of a dune, but she also would have to drive for the whole following day. My driving license was still stuck in a cargo plane somewhere between France and Hong Kong.

A gale, more powerful than the others, violently shook the tent. I thought I heard a line ripping outside. I really had to go out.

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Back to the future

Being ill whilst traveling is not a nice experience — and yet it is part of the deal, especially when you travel for such a long time and in countries with low hygienic standards. It is not too bad to lie in bed for some days and be reminded of the fact that we live in a fragile body and that health is a mighty bliss. What is a bad thing though, is to stay in bed for more than a week, not being able to eat or walk around and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks, I found something that is even worse than being sick myself: to see my love and travel companion in pain, to watch him suffer and not being able to help him. It was a nightmare that lasted many days.

 

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