Shots.

Yesterday, Lucas and I went to get our immunizations for the trip. Your family doctor probably doesn't do this and the only places that are reliable for them are state-run clinics. Honestly, getting this done was almost as harrowing as trying to figure out where the damned consulate is, so if you're in Arizona (Phx Met area):

1. Call (602)-506-6909. Hopefully you won't get a dummy like we did and have to call back.
2. Getting the shots for foreign travel is APPOINTMENT ONLY.
3. The Maricopa County State Health Office is on 1645 E. Roosevelt St., PHX, 85006. It's Ste. 3.
4. BRING YOUR ITINERARY. The doctor will discuss with you all the immunizations that might be useful for your destination. Most of them are just precautionary and therefore recommended, not required.
5. If you do decide to get shots, be prepared to PAY MONEY. Between the two of us, we got two Hepatitis B and two Typhoid vaccinations, and then I was behind on my Tetanus shot. Altogether, that was US$530. Seriously. We will be submitting these to our respective insurance companies shortly for reimbursement (hopefully). We'll let you know what happens.

It went pretty smoothly, except that I (and I can't speak for Lucas) felt kind of slighted when we waited a half-hour to get in but some random Spanish-speaking woman came in and got through within ten minutes of being there. If you need help from someone, it really greases the wheels if you can speak their language. Oh. I forgot. We're still in America.

I had to get shots in both arms and they are finally feeling better. The shots knocked us both out as soon as we got home and we both felt a little bit ill after. They inject you with dead or half-alive specimens of whatever you're trying to avoid, so if you pass out, it's totally normal.

Thursday or Fly-day (I dunno, ask Lucas) we're off again to California to pick up our visas. Wish us luck.

-K.