Lagrip

So, since my arrival in Haiti, I have basically been sniffling/snorting on a regular basis (attractive, I know), battling a runny nose that just never seems to run dry. For the most part, I was convinced I was being fairly discrete, casually sniffling everything up when no one was in close proximity. But apparently this has not been the case, as I now have been asked on three separate occasions whether I have lagrip, the flu, etc. I think one of the nuns was sufficiently annoyed with all the sniffling; after her inquiry as to the state of my health, she promptly offered me several tissues; too embarrassed to blow my nose right then and there, I tried to stifle my subsequent sniffs, though I think I failed miserably, as evidenced by several side-long glances directed my way.

In all actuality, I think it is just persistent allergies; I experienced similar congestion back in October, which quickly resolved upon my return to North Carolina. Nonetheless, I have since been more mindful of my snorting activities and am blowing my nose constantly (or at least it seems that way). My newest predicament: all this sniffling/nose blowing/congestion has left me with clogged ears such that I cannot actually hear much out of my left ear. This is particularly problematic when one is already having communication problems. Whereas before Kreyol was my primary barrier to understanding, I am now also plagued by partial deafness-- understanding English is even a battle now!

Actually made it into Port-au-Prince yesterday evening for Carnaval (courtesy of Dr. Merisier and his wife); more on that (hopefully with pictures), later!