For years, all of the antibodies, lympho-hoohas and other various doodads that keep my cytoplasm warm and my mitochodria bustling have worked in relative harmony to keep me in the game as much as possible. Yet, it seems that when I came to Taiwan there was such a barrage of microbes that wanted to dine on fine, American cyto-stews and golgi-burgers that my stalwart soldiers were forced to lay down their weapons and watch as my viruses took shelter in the chambers of my alveoli.

The first of the enemies to break the ranks settled in my bronchi, where they have rested quite comfortably for the last two months, save for the periodic wave of coughs brought about by la resistance -- the last ragtag group of antibodies I have trying to flush this malady from it's corporeal abode.

Then, there was the herpes. Yes, I'm not joking, but it's not the kind you're thinking of (if you're laughing). I got a cold sore for the first time, that subsequently spread through my gums, onto my tongue, and down my throat. This lasted for two weeks. Two miserable weeks. It was a great way to diet, since eating anything was excrutiating. I didn't really want to diet though.

Now, I still have bronchitis, but some of the foreign occupiers have moved to my sinuses and at times they tend to cram into them to enjoy the cool breezes of my breathe. The right side of my face feels like it's going to explode. You can imagine how it feels when I cough.

Since Christmas, I've been to the hospital five times. Each time, I convince myself that the drugs are going to work, but they don't. There are good days, and there are bad days.

Today's a bad day.

In short, people say that when you come to Taiwan, you'll probably be sick on and off during the first six months or so.

I second that. I just hope it ends soon.