Busy day on the horizon…

Soon, we’ll be heading to the little town of Komatipoort, a familiar outing for us these days, for a bit of shopping and, most importantly, for my appointment with Doc Theo. After nearly a week of outrageous itching, I’m more than ready to have some idea of what may have caused it. For six days, the relentless irritation kept me awake for hours each night, turning what are usually peaceful evenings into long stretches of discomfort and frustration.

Oddly, in the past 24 hours, it finally seems to have turned a corner. The itching has subsided significantly, although it hasn’t disappeared entirely. At this point, it feels like it may be too late for any meaningful treatment since the worst of it appears to be behind me. Still, I’d very much like to understand what caused it in the first place, if only to avoid going through something like this again.

Of course, as we often say, TIA, “This is Africa,” and that simple phrase can explain a lot. It could have been any number of things. Perhaps insect bites from something unseen, or a reaction to plants, pollen, or even something environmental that I came into contact with without realizing it. Living here in the bush, surrounded by nature in its purest form, always comes with a certain level of unpredictability.

What’s interesting is that the two prescriptions Theo gave me during my last visit have worked wonders for my other allergy symptoms. The itchy nose, watery eyes, and constant sneezing have completely disappeared, which has been a tremendous relief. However, those medications did nothing to alleviate the intense itching that appeared to be from bites or some external irritant.

Staying in the bush certainly isn’t without its challenges, especially for someone like me who has dealt with severe allergies for most of my life. Hay fever and asthma have always been part of my story, and they don’t take a holiday just because we’re living in such a beautiful and natural environment. In fact, conditions like allergies, diabetes, and heart disease all share one common thread: they are inflammatory in nature. In my case, heredity has played a significant role, something I’ve had to accept over the years.

That said, I’ve also spent a lifetime doing everything within my control to manage and minimize these risks. Eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and staying mindful of my overall well-being have always been priorities. I often find myself thinking that these choices may very well have made a difference, possibly even preventing more serious health issues, such as a heart attack, many years ago.

There’s a deep sense of gratitude that comes with that realization. At this stage in my life, I don’t take any of it for granted. The fact that I’m still able to enjoy this unusual and rewarding lifestyle, traveling the world with Tom and experiencing places like Marloth Park, means more to me than words can easily express.

Once my appointment is finished, we’ll take care of a few errands in town. A stop at the local pharmacy for refills is on the list, along with picking up a few groceries. It’s all part of our routine here, simple tasks that feel grounded and familiar in the midst of our otherwise unconventional life.

If all goes as planned, we should be back at the house by around 4:00 pm. That will give us just enough time to freshen up and get ready for the evening ahead. Tonight is Quiz Night at Giraffe Pub and Grill, something we always look forward to. We’ll have dinner there before the games begin at 6:30, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the camaraderie that comes with it.

No matter how the quiz turns out, it will surely be another fun and memorable evening, a perfect way to end a day that, despite its earlier discomforts, reminds me once again how fortunate we are to be right here, right now.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 28, 2016: