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Surviving food poisoning in the Philippines
During my time in the Philippines, I had an experience that tested my resilience. I needed to extend my visa and headed to the immigration office. To go there, I was heading into Valenzuela, a somewhat neglected area in Makati. It was a crowded day, and the streets were filled with the aroma of local street food. Feeling adventurous and wanting to immerse myself in the local culture, I decided to try Pancit from a street vendor.
The noodles looked delicious and inviting, and I couldn’t resist. Unfortunately, that decision led to ten days of severe food poisoning. Within one day, I started feeling nauseous, and soon after, I was bedridden with a high fever and stomach cramps. The following days were a blur of pain and discomfort. I lost 4 kilograms, had to call in sick to work, and experienced a level of panic I’d never felt before. Being so ill in a country far from my home in the Netherlands was overwhelming and made me feel powerless.
As the days passed, I realized the importance of staying hydrated and sought medical advice from a local pharmacy. The employers were kind and supportive, providing me with the necessary medication and advice to help me recover. Friends and…
