Leprosy I was aware of dengue from Singapore's stringent rules about not allowing standing waters that could breed mosquitoes, but I wasn't aware that leprosy was still much of an issue.
Years later I just now ran across this blog. I noticed Kevin posted a comment on it and I was there with him in 2000/2001. In fact, ironically as we later figured out, I was arrested in his pathfinder (that the federales had confiscated and that I know of, he never got it back). He is 100 percent right. What you saw was what they wanted you to see. It looks familial. It looks peaceful and kind. That's just not true. There is a hierarchy in the prisons in Mexico. James Willis Abel was, as Kevin said, beaten to death over a period of three days. They attempted to bribe another (American) inmate to take the blame for the man's murder. Eventually, three prison guards were arrested for the man's death. One was apparently being held in a front cell (comparable to our protective custody cells) and supposedly "escaped." We were told that the other two had been arrested as well, but as it turns out they were actually transferred to the Loma I (the other prison in Nuevo Laredo) and were working at that prison as guards. The US consulate was not informed and the man's mother didn't even know he had been murdered until he had been buried in a mass pauper's grave in Nuevo Laredo for three months. The man was from Texas and had been arrested for having a handful of Valium on his person. He died in that prison and no justice was ever served from his death.
Kevin, I don't know if you still read this blog or if you will get this message, but I'd love to know how you're doing and if you kept in contact with Brandy. I kept in contact with Lisa. She's doing well. Man, those were rough times, weren't they? I still fully intend to write a book about my time there. It's just hard to relive such a dark period in my past.
Just say no Better you than me. I hate rodents and don't find the idea tasty. You are brave...or foolish...the jury is out on that one. Nice photo. I imagine your brother is still laughing.
Sobering life experiences "15-20% of my childhood peers passing away before adulthood." A very sobering statistics. Sorry for the loss of your friend. Your experiences in Malawi will impact your perspective for the rest of your life and we suspect good things will come of it. Attending a wedding to balance the loss was probably a good thing. They tolerate these losses because they don't have a choice. They don't have the tools, medicine or life expectations as some other nations.
Sobering and Ironic I read this blog twice, very thought provoking and heartfelt writing - beautiful. I guess that the not being aware of the death rates in other parts of the world makes it all so much easier to forget about. Losing three children within a year would be indescribable, shows the resigned resilience of these people to just keep going on. Thanks :)
Life changing experiences We end up where we need to be. New friends around the world and experience we never could have planned....that is the life of a world traveler. Great blog. Thanks for sharing.
Really looking forward to reading more about whether you decide to go into medicine based on your experience with PIH. Great flash mob in previous blog, btw. Safe travels! :)
Supply chain success? I really enjoyed reading your PIH Malawi blog, especially your insight about supply chain and accurate pharmacy inventory being a huge piece of the puzzle. So I am disappointed that the blog seems to end here. How did it go? Were you able to stay long enough despite the challenges you describe (heat, big bugs &no roads ) to make a dent?
Love your description of the weather. As nurses we found this blog fascinating. When we travel we always try to learn about the health care system in each country. Thanks for sharing.
Really enjoying your blogs. Thanks for sharing. It's interesting to read about the Japanese man's perspective on not climbing Mt. Fuji, but I'm glad you continued on to experience it's profound vastness (adding it to my list of places to visit). Also read your Kyoto blog -- hilarious!
$100 or $300, it sucks! My, that really burns a big hole in the pocket. And for what? That must have been so frustrating.
But I had a good laugh, reading how you pretended to be gay. :))
Implications for the US population This actually makes me more concerned about the likely inability of American population centers to handle similar events, such as a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault line or a tsunami hitting the US East Coast. Not only are the Japanese highly organized to respond appropriately to these conditions but, more important, they are emotionally prepared to deal with it an orderly manner. I wish I could say the same about our own cities here in the US.
Keep it coming Hi...
Your blog definitely gave me a better feel for what you are seeing, doing, and experiencing. Some great comments like your horror at realizing the subway system shut down at midnight so the tremors you were feeling weren't coming from any subway! Good stuff.
Just curious...is it possible to put video clips on your blog?
Stay safe and in touch...love you,
Dad
You are a 2011 TravelBlog favourite blogger! Check this out, and feel free to add some 2011 TravelBlog favourite anythings of your own. :)
http://www.travelblog.org/Topics/30521-1.html
Hello! My name is Mark and I am an American medical student, filmmaker, and global health advocate currently working for Health Frontiers in Vientiane, Laos. Please feel free to get in touch with me to discuss prisons, global health, whale sharks, or anything else that comes to mind :)... full info
Kuan Yin
Karen Johnson
Leprosy
I was aware of dengue from Singapore's stringent rules about not allowing standing waters that could breed mosquitoes, but I wasn't aware that leprosy was still much of an issue.