Though we recently vowed to avoid apologizing for light posting, we can’t help ourselves today. Sorry, just swamped with prepping for our East Africa trip—gotta pick up our doxycycline, along with a host of other odds and ends. For the moment, though, we’ll leave you with sonic stylings of the late Joe Higgs. And we’ll return soon.
David Moles // Sep 24, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Which malaria meds have they got you on? I’ve got a Malarone prescription to pick up next week for a trip to Ethiopia the week after — was hoping for Mefloquine, but the docs here in Switzerland are too modern, and anyway my buddy in the Peace Corps says the hallucinogenic dreams are overrated.
Brendan I. Koerner // Sep 24, 2009 at 2:04 pm
@David Moles: Good question. Apparently Mefloquine isn’t effective in East Africa, so that wasn’t even offered as an option. So I was given a choice between Malarone and doxycycline. Alas, the fucked-up American health insurance system basically made the choice for me–my terrible plan doesn’t cover non-generic drugs, so I would’ve had to shell out c. $7/pill for Malarone.
Doxycycline cost nothing on my plan, as it’s a generic. Just as effective as Malarone, but two annoying details: I have to keep taking it for 28 days after my return, and it makes your skin unusually sensitive to sunlight.
Safe travel in Ethiopia! A good friend of mine covered the war with Eritrea in the late ’90s. Sounds like a fascinating place–wish I had time to make it up there on this go-around.
Jesse // Sep 24, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I have to start taking Malarone in a few days in preparation for my trip to India. I guess my insurance covered it because I just paid $25. I think crazy dreams were a potential side effect of Malarone.
Brendan I. Koerner // Sep 24, 2009 at 6:39 pm
@Jesse: Jealous of your insurance. I was on Malarone for my trip to NE India/NW Burma in ’06, back when my coverage was better. Don’t remember any side effects of note, save for the very desirable one of not contracting malaria.
Have a ball in India. I’m looking forward to heading back in the not-too-distant future.
Jesse // Sep 25, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Yeah, I’m sure it will be great. I’m going to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. I think I’ll try to pick up your book before I leave (I’m the guy who couldn’t find it at Borders in the Financial District).
Brendan I. Koerner // Sep 25, 2009 at 2:53 pm
@Jesse: Hope you can find the book. The paperback version is ultra-portable, promise.
J&K is supposed to be one of the most gorgeous places on Earth. Travel well, and travel safe.
Maxine Higgs // Nov 24, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I guess in all things, there is at least one blessing, Sickle Cell. If one has Sickle Cell Disease then one will not be able to contract Malaria. Anyway guys, I am one of Joe Higgs’ daughters, impressed that we are left with my dad’s sonic styling to while you guys are out. I hope the trip was enjoyed by all.
Fort Lauderdale tuned in. Bless Up
Brendan I. Koerner // Nov 24, 2009 at 8:16 pm
@Maxine Higgs: The trip was enjoyed, indeed. Thanks a million for stopping by; your father was a truly incredible artist.