Phew -- finally got my visa from the PNG embassy. They suddenly decide to add $50 to the visa fee. When I asked why, the guy said he doesn't know. He only knew that when the documents came back, there is an additional fee of $50. I mean -- how does an embassy go back on its word? Not only does it take ages for the visa to come, it costs more too. I went by the book and got an "occupational trainee" visa, whereas my travelling buddy got a tourist visa for less, and quicker. I was almost worried that the visa will not come, and I will be stranded and have to cancel my flights. When I asked the embassy guy what currency I should bring, he seemed to falter! "Er.... American $ should be safe." Should!?
Booked some inland flights in Australia -- I asked Qantas whether the roudn the world ticket I have can give me freebie tickets. maybe I'm too used to freebies from drug reps, I think the rest of the world probably worked differently. :P Anyway, checked out STA in singapore too, which doesn't give me and my buddy any new ideas. So we decide to skip one spot, and take the cheap inland flights. (Okay they're not THAT cheap, but compared to the ridiculous flight paths from Qantas, they're cheap)
Qantas supplied flights that are WAY expensive, and have to fly down to Brisbane and then UP again to certain spots, as they don't have direct flight paths. That's simply ridiculous. can't believe they are not competing against smaller airlines like jetstar.
Anyway, my buddy started taking Mefloquine today - apparently one of the side-effects is depression. (hence I went for the more expensive veresion malarone = Atovaquone + proguanil) My doc said if I take Mefloquine, I might get tearful and depressed. (Hmmm she did appear grumpy when we were arguing over flights - s/e?) malarone is relatively free of S/E, but a LOT more expensive from GSK. Maybe the real gateway to cash is pharmacy - not medicine.......... Anyway the other common prophylaxis is doxycycline, and the S/E is photosensitivity. MAN! I'm going for the beach and sunshine, no way I'm gonna take doxycycline!
My buddy's doing a 2 week elective in Singapore in neurology while I'm rotting away in the comforts of my home -- Bit worried that when I reach sydney, my knowledge will be zilch. Well not that there is much now, but afte 2 weeks of holiday and sunshine, probably the last thing on my mind will be neurology.
Hmm think some people speak English in PNG. Oh well, I'll just mumble something to the kids adn *smile*
Counting down - bit apprehensive.
