Juniper Armstrong

After the first week of school in March, Abbie and I made a trip to Beijing for the weekend. We decided to take the subway to our friends place... what were we thinking taking the subway IN China AT rush hour ON a Friday?!? Needless to say, we were crammed into there like sardines (you often hear this expression, but this might actually be the first time I TRULY experienced it). A man behind me had a box by his feet and therefore when more people poured onto the subway pushing me back farther, I ended up being bent over backwards and not standing upright. PLUS, someone was using my messenger bag as support to keep them upright bending me farther back. I was awkwardly holding on to Abbie's pants so that I would not fall back completely or get trampled. Oh and have I mentioned before that I am somewhat claustrophobic?!? My heart was racing so fast, I honestly think I was having a panic attack.

By the time we finally made it to our destination, I was jittery and so incredibly sore. That whole weekend I ended up not feeling well and just felt drained. Finally when we got home Sunday night, I was just physically exhausted and spent. Slowly as the week progressed, my symptoms got worse and by Wednesday it hurt to move any part of my body. I went to class Wednesday morning and did not even have enough energy to stand. When my second class ended, I knew I could not do the next period and it had to be canceled. The walk from my classroom to my bedroom normally takes 12 minutes... it took me 25 minutes to get back, I was moving so slow. I passed out and by the time I awoke, I was feverish. My temperature was over 38*C and if we ever have a fever we have to call our liaison officer, Howard. He ended up coming to my room and taking me to the doctor. I was really nervous, so Abbie came with me for company. The doctor said if my temperature was over 38*C I would have to go to the hospital. She takes my temperature (under my armpit- THANK GOD) and it turns out to be 38.3*C... she decides instead of me going to the hospital I should take this effervescent type stuff and drink hot water. Let me tell you something, when you are BURNING UP the last thing you want to do is drink HOT water! So when I was taken back to my room, I opt for a COLD shower and western drugs... my temperature drops.