The Sickness

I've been ill for over a week now. What started as a standard infection has turned into the unknown. The Dutch are very wary of prescribing antibiotics but I'm already on my second course. I hate them (the antibiotics, not the Dutch), they seem to make me even more sick than I was before. I've spent the past 10 days, more or less, sequestered in Mina, leaving maybe once a day for a short class or a brief bike ride. I have an exam today, plus another on Thursday, so I have been attempting to study (that means I've been interspersing reviewing my notes with naps), thus at least I've kept myself occupied.

It hasn't been all bad. I'm actually quite impressed with the Dutch medical system. Apparently I have had a good experience. I've always been able to get a timely appointment with the doctor, if I need medication it is sent directly to the pharmacy via computer and ready by the time I arrive, and even at the hospital when I did not have my insurance papers with me the receptionist told me just to bring it by next time and I did not have to pay a cent. Also, I have very good friends who have been taking care of me. They have made sure that I have been fed and watered and given some fresh air.