Travel Doctor

Shots. Shots and more shots!

Last week we combined a fun Union Soccer Camp in Philadelphia with an appointment to the University of Pennsylvania Travel Clinic in Radnor, PA.  This is the same location we visited almost six years ago before traveling to Ethiopia to meet and bring Mabret home.  At 2.10 years old Roman was the first to jump up on the table and say "give me the shots","I'm ready to go get my brother."

This time most of us were able to skip some shots as we had them already but with more countries on the itinerary, more shots were necessary. And when in doubt, we always opted for more vaccinations (taking into consideration any potential side effects) and didn't worry about the cost. Better safe than sorry is our motto!

In total we all received vaccinations for the following:

Yellow Fever (only Mabret, ours from 2007 are good for 10 yrs)

Typhoid

Rabies ( total of three shots for Mabret, but only boosters for us due to a bat in the house when Roman was an infant)

Meningitis 

Tetanus 

Japanese Encephalitis (2 shots for each)

Flu shot

We also discussed extensively which malaria prevention drug to use and decided on Doxycycline as a family to keep it simple and for the slight benefit it brings to killing some other bad stuff as well.  Katie traveling with us will be on Malarone (the more widely prescribed drug). If one person does not tolerate Doxy she can always switch. 

We also got prescriptions for two different antibiotics which will work best depending on location specifically for Travelers Diarrhea.

My sister Judy (an ID Doctor herself) also kindly put together a great medical kit including all kinds of goodies!!!

VOLUNTEER

A major component of our trip is to give back.  But what does that really mean? For me it is to experience the people rather than just see the sights.  India has long been an infatuation of mine. Really since reading my favorite book A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, and then many of his other writings. 

We, of course, will be doing some extending "volunteering" in Ethiopia however if it is family, is it really volunteering or just doing the right thing.  We plan on helping out Mabret's family village in any way possible. Thankfully the translator Bob first used when visiting our Ethiopian Family at the time of Mabret's adoption is still available, readily accessible and currently working for an NGO.  Our plan is to help with kids clothing, shoes, and simple education supplies. We have also offered to buy the family a cow. This seems to be a wonderful option to supply not only nutrients but a source of income as well.

I have spent an inordinate amount of time researching a Volunteer-Tour option in India. Of course this will end up costing more than if we simply traveled India ourselves. However, Volunteering does cost money. But it will be worth it!  Going the volunteer/tour route actually makes planning this leg of the trip easier on me and guarantees us a guide, driver and less risky lodging. Many may say I am wimping out and I agree, however with two young boys.... So be it.  

If traveling sans kids we would definitely start in Mumbai and include an non-voyeuristic slum tour, a la Slum Dog Millionaire. But the kids are not ready for that as they will be seeing enough sadness along the way. Maybe next time.

I have been impressed with the options in India for volunteering. We have corresponded with three companies, all of which are accommodating and encouraging to volunteer with 2 kids. They also have tried to be flexible with our travel dates. We will be making a decision soon but the Magical 14 day Rajasthan volunteering and Touring with ALWAYS OUTBOUND may just be the perfect fit. Seeing all the Northern Indian highlights, five  days of volunteer with kids and Women's empowerment AND an overnight camel safari in a desert tent! Perfect for us and the boys.

I will update with the final decision.

ITNERARY

THE BEST LAID PLANS ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN

   

South Africa

 

   Cape Town SA

   Drive Cape Town through Garden Route to Johannesburg 

Zambia

    Livingstone, Zambia  -Victoria Falls

Side trip???

     Dubai, United Arab Emirates?

     Lake Malawi, Malawi Mumbo Island

Arusha, Tanzania

     

     Tanzania Family Safari. 12 days 

Ethiopia

    

      Addis Ababa

      Awassa 

 

      Mabret's family village -Sidoma area.      

     Afar Triangle

     Axum (Aksum) , Lalibela

 

Cairo, Egypt (political unrest to determine)

India

  VolunTour - Northern India

Thailand

   Bangkok

   Chiang Mai 

   Beaches

Cambodia

Vietnam