The above cocktail of happy pills is what you can look forward to consuming if you get malaria, like I did. There’s a widespread outbreak of it in Mumbai this monsoon season, due to the incessant heavy rain.
Funnily enough, in this case, cure is easier than prevention. The white packet of six tablets was all that was required to kill off the malaria. The tablets in the three brown packets are what’s necessary to stop it from coming back (it lies dormant in the liver for a while). The tablets in the silver packets prevent nausea/reflux from the tablets in the brown packets.
Although I was fortunate enough to only get mild and uncomplicated malaria (low grade fever, chills, and body ache), which was treated early, it was still a scary experience. I hated not knowing what would happen to me.
Having malaria had its benefits though. I was pampered by my husband to the point that I felt guilty. And he cooked and cleaned so much that I feared he would no longer need my services. (Quite frankly, I was amazed by his new found ability, since he couldn’t even boil an egg when I met him!). He also had malaria just a little earlier than me, so there was a very reassuring feeling of unity in going through it together. Plus, it forced me to take well needed time off from writing 12 hours a day.
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After all the talk about corruption and the Commonwealth Games, and what should be done about it, I’m extremely impressed with this unique initiative recently set up by Bangalore-based not-for-profit organisation Janaagraha. Called I Paid a Bribe, it’s a website where anyone who has experienced corruption can go to report the details. If you’ve encountered an honest officer, or effective system, you’re encouraged to submit those details too.
The information will provide a snapshot of corruption across cities in India. The organisation intends to analyse the results to determine ways in which governance, law enforcement, and regulation can be improved.
The I Paid a Bribe website is attractive, very well laid out, and user friendly. But the best thing is how informative it is about bribery. Don’t miss checking out the Bribe Reports. The details of rampant corruption are fascinating, and even hair raising! Some include:
- Standard bribes of at least 10,000 rupees per transaction at the Bangalore Registration Department, for registration of sale of property.
- Bribe of 1,500 rupees to the Bangalore Motor Vehicles Department, for issue of a license.
- Bribe of 2,500 rupees to the Bangalore Customs Department, as a “gift”.
If you have questions or concerns about corruption, you can also submit them and get answers. The website has only been active for five days, and is still growing. By the looks of it, it will be really popular. You can also join the I Paid a Bribe Facebook Page.
Oh, and speaking of corruption and customs (when don’t these two “c” words go together?), here’s my tale of corruption in the Mumbai customs office.
Photo Credit: I Paid A Bribe website.
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I was leisurely scanning the matrimonials in the Hindustan Times this morning, when I came across this rather unusual ad. It was highlighted in the Divorcee/Widower column, sandwiched in between Engineers and NRIs.
Of course, getting divorced can be a traumatic thing. But most people, including professional counsellers, will advise getting over your issues before remarrying. God knows what happened to this poor guy to cause his sexual problem. However, if it’s curable, why not get it cured first before advertising for a wife? Why advertise that you’re sexually unfit?
Perhaps I’m not reading between the lines though. Perhaps this guy’s problem isn’t curable at all?
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I’ve written quite a bit about how my relationship is perceived by Indians, and the so called Indian inferiority complex. So, let’s take a look at the extreme other side of the fence. Yes, those whites who DO think that they are the superior race.
Lately, I’ve been receiving a number of emails from white people who are concerned that I’m — shock, horror — not doing my bit to preserve the white race. I had started to think that the same person was writing to me over and over again, because the arguements were all the same. Particularly:
- Race is more than mere skin color. Ethnic races are less evolved, have less intelligence, and behave in a lesser manner. “Positive traits are usually attributed to the “white race” which culminates in orderly civilizations”.
- I will have to deal with having a child that doesn’t look like me, will not be accepted by other children, and have biracial issues. “Imagine yourself holding a baby that has darker features (bye-bye blue eyes), a different complexion, and a new temperament.”
- I am compromising on my Western culture, and needlessly subjecting myself to a lower standard of living.
My latest correspondent ended with the following paragraph:
“The white race is in decline around the world. We are going extinct and I cannot bear to see another woman denying a white male a mate. Remember that children are a continuation of yourself. Ask yourself truthfully: is this the best mate I can find? Are these the traits I wish my children to have?… Consider also that had your ancestors not stuck to their own, you would not exist.”
What can I say? To all my fellow white people out there who have this view, I’m sorry that I’m failing you. But in all honestly, I’m glad I won’t be breeding another person like you.
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This monsoon has been the wettest in five years in Mumbai. Last month, it rained constantly and heavily most days. And it’s pouring rain as I write this. The weather has been perfect for the spread of a whole range of nasty illnesses. There’s an outbreak of malaria across the city, with many hospitals stretched beyond capacity. Other people are suffering from fever, swine flu, and even jaundice.
My husband has been sick with fever three times in the last couple of months. The second time, I was really concerned as he also had body shakes and head pain. I rushed him to the hospital for a blood test to see if it was malaria. However, the tests only revealed an unidentified virus. The troublesome thing about most of these illnesses is that they all have the same symptoms.
Looking back, I’m convinced I had a mild case of dengue fever two years ago. It started with a terrible fever. After it went away, the joints of my fingers and toes swelled up and started hurting. Foolish me was concerned I might be getting arthritis! Then, my body broke out in a rash. I was really perplexed about that, but still clueless as to what it could be (we don’t have these types of illnesses where I come from). I felt weak and dizzy, so finally went to the doctor. However, she didn’t identify anything specific wrong with me. She simply gave me the usual assortment of brightly coloured pills, and sent me home.
The interesting thing, which shows how differently each body functions, is that I haven’t had fever once this year. Instead I’ve fought off three colds, and often feel lethargic with a blocked nose and sore throat. It doesn’t help that I’m allergic to mould. During the monsoon, it grows plentifully on wood, cane and leather items — including furniture, shoes, belts, and floor mats.
But I can’t hate the monsoon. The air is so delightfully cool and fresh!
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“ That is not always true 
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