Unexpected Travel Health Tales

Germ-laden airports, upended sleep patterns, and unfamiliar local bugs are just a few of the health risks travelers face when exploring the world. However, these travel mishaps can result in memorable stories—whether it’s problem-solving with travel companions, discovering mysterious (and sometimes miraculous) local remedies, or receiving help from kind strangers.

Swept up in Venice

During a memorable summer trip traversing Europe by train, my friend developed a nasty bug bite. By the time we arrived in picturesque Venice, her thigh was swollen and painful.

With minimal Italian at our disposal, we sought assistance and were fortunate to encounter a friendly dustman. Noticing my friend’s struggle, he kindly taught us how to say ’emergency room’ while guiding us towards the right direction. We were soon ushered through the streets by successive dustmen, all repeating ‘pronto soccorso‘, until we reached an impressive marble-floored hospital.

Though the medical staff could not communicate in English, we managed to navigate the situation using our limited linguistic skills, which included some French.

A Russian Root Canal

While traveling in St Petersburg, I was advised by a friend that Russia is a suitable destination for dental work. Initially skeptical, I found myself facing severe tooth pain during a train ride to Smolensk.

The dental office staff communicated in English, but unfortunately, they were unable to identify the cause of my discomfort. After a few days of managing pain in the charming city of Oryol, I finally visited another dentist. Desperate to find a solution, I appealed for help in broken Russian.

With my friend assisting via phone translation, I learned I needed a root canal. The dentist kindly offered to drive me around during the procedure wait, which vastly improved my experience. My friend’s advice proved invaluable.

Flu Stricken in Singapore

With so much anticipation for our time in Singapore, my partner Stephanie and I were disappointed to fall ill with flu upon arrival. Consequently, we immediately traded our plans for a culinary adventure for a trip to a nearby medical clinic.

The doctor prescribed heavy antibiotics, eye drops, and insisted on at least 48 hours of rest before our next flight. Faced with the potential risk of flying congested, we returned to our hotel room, where I indulged in comforting takeout while Stephanie researched alternative solutions online.

Despite the consensus on chewing gum to alleviate ear pressure during flights, we discovered that its sale is prohibited in Singapore, instead opting for dried guava slices as a substitute.

Big Toe Remedy, Hong Kong-Style

After a week of snorkeling in Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, I accidentally dropped my laptop on my toe, resulting in significant pain. As I prepared to leave for Hong Kong, the swelling grew worse and required immediate attention.

Instead of visiting a clinic, I took a different approach. My children and I scavenged street markets for tools to address the issue ourselves. We procured a nail and a lighter, combining those with vodka from the hotel mini bar to create a makeshift antiseptic. After a little self-surgery, I felt instant relief and we resumed our exploration of the city.

The Curative Power of Kimchi

One morning in South Korea, I awoke with severe stomach pains. My boss took me to a local clinic where the doctor, holding X-rays and using a dictionary, informed me of potential appendicitis. To my relief, after some discussion, he clarified that I was simply suffering from constipation. His advice was simple yet effective: eat more kimchi.

That encounter revealed the health benefits of kimchi, as emphasized by my students. Subsequently, my appreciation for this traditional Korean dish deepened.