I have just read a National Geographic article on how the pandemic has changed our lives. Before COVID closed the world earlier this year, some 1.5 billion folk were travelling through international borders.

The closing of national borders globally has totally halted travel and with that happening, the world has become a sadder place; the concept of being able to travel when one wanted to seemed to be the highest form of personal freedom that one could aspire to.

With the reduction in travellers and tourists, many countries are now seeing their own previously tourist-impacted country in a different light. No pollution, clear air into a sparkling skyline. Locals are now seeing their country in an altogether different and energising light.  A new perspective on a region normally packed with tourists.

Mass tourism has troubled many popular tourist destinations that have emerged varyingly since the end of the Second World War, when economic existence superseded concerns for the welfare of locals and any faint consideration of conservation of a region’s ecosystem.

Locals have now learned their lesson as they have sacrificed culture for finance and they are now looking for more sustainable paths. As strict lockdowns are being lifted global, albeit in stages, residents are emerging to find views and a tranquillity not seen in eons, sometimes for the first time in memory.

So, it is a balance – money or the magic of a new experience. The only realistic solution lies in our hands; us, as travellers. We need to change our motivation for travel from the self-centred focus that most travellers have had up to this time to one of travelling thoughtfully, and respectfully.

Thus, I put the question … Is change possible for us, as humanity, AND for us as individuals? Does the pandemic help to shift our focus onto ourselves in respect of our world and our need to reconsider how we live our lives, OR is it just too easy to go back to being ‘like we were’. Shifting our filter-for-focus can change our perspective in a wonderful way. It just takes will power, and it also takes time to readjust. The result, however, can be the most beautiful image that our mind can behold.

(Reflection back to 2004)

Late last year I went to a World Vision sponsored village in Zambia. After spending five days in Livingstone, Victoria Falls, I was glad to get out of the tourist ‘thing’ and get into some honesty. Seems hard to say now, as I look back at the occasion, but reflection gives a broader meaning to life and a chance to look into a mirror; get a look at one’s self.

This photo meant much to me, still does actually. I was with my hosts doing the rounds of a village called Siachitema in the south west of the country, at day’s end. Tiring yet stimulating day, and I had spent it with rather wonderful folk who had taken us to see the things we were supposed to see; you know, buildings dedicated by some charitable organisation, stuff like that. Villagers were very proud of this, but it’s the sort of stuff that we hear about all the time, ‘cos we have TV and other forms of media! Mind goes blank in those situations, not through the honesty of the occasion but because western culture is saturated with outcries of ‘you better eat this; remember the starving kids in Africa’! Wrenches one’s heart, but what can you do? So I paused and carved out a bit of space in my mind to enjoy the scenery and drink in the colours and images as we drove home in our air-conditioned 4×4. We humped and bumped along the roads and through the trees and then there was this marvellous vision of a cluster of buildings covered in the lights of a setting sun.

It was the home of the local policeman. Stop the truck, say hello, ask to take photos and walk around. Joseph looked at me as I approached him, his elder sister and his much older brother darted off in laughter, keen to get away from the ‘old man with the white beard’. Joseph just looked. He held his position. He didn’t smile even though I tried to get him so to do. He just rubbed his left foot over his right and moved his fingers gently, each between the others, without purpose. His eyes held mine and he held a charm for me; his baggy raggedy pants and dust covered face beguiling me. I looked around his home with the pots and the stools and I wondered if I could live as he did. Well, we all wonder that when we travel to such situations, I know, but I just wondered if I could. What would it take to live there, remote and away from the comforts of my familiars; loudness, electronics that I simply couldn’t do without, and a glass of wine that lures me into thinking ‘sophistication’.

When I got too close Joseph darted away to hide amongst mother’s dress, only to peak out of it when he was secure. What did he have to look forward to that night; some rice or perhaps some manioc, maybe a little protein or even some fruit, cup of water; that’s it. Not much really, yet he grows up on this day after day as tourists pass by his village and don’t even know he’s there; this bundle of human energy.

When such tourists go into new locations how often do they think of their effect upon the local populace I wonder. I fear not often for too many are trying to adjust to their own demons as they travel; the rubbish on the streets, the footprint loos, the stress of group travel. They don’t have time to delve into the truth of the country they travel in, they’re usually not there much longer than a series of photo shots, a beer after a hard day’s sightseeing and a couple of souvenirs or postcards.

The modern lifestyle that we live in demands quick travel and a package tour, and there is now huge growth in this travel trade. There is a ‘been there, seen that’ mentality that has been fed to those that just want to ‘skim the surface’ of a new country, without putting too much effort into it; no need, not there long enough! Occasionally however, tourists have time to stop, pause, look around and be travellers. They get to smell the smells, hear the laughs and watch the passions; in some very small way an understanding and communication is implied and inferred.

In their journeys to places new, old, familiar and strange, travellers are best appreciated when they care for each separate environment they experience. They may be passing through, yet others live there all their lives; they drink the water, they eat the food and they live, love and die there. Travellers in their flash gear, fashion clothes and ‘novel marked’ tattoos are best appreciated in a region new to them when they approach it with softness and humility. When they talk in tones less than those of the locals and when they don’t overindulge in anything; sex, alcohol, drugs or overstaying their welcome.

For their part the travellers that pre-plan a journey and care for themselves without local burden or fuss, gain respect and usually a valuable experience. There is ‘something’ about a ‘footprints toilet’ that is physiological comfortable, for that is why locals may use it. There is something about hot and spicy food as a diet, for it aids in the cleansing of food about to be eaten. Finally, there is definitely something about drinking bottled water, for boiling it may take much of the available energy away.

The tourist that can honestly appreciate these rules in travelling become worthy travellers. I also hope that one day I may truthfully say that I fully understand and live by them when I travel; I fully haven’t yet… but that is my wish, for then I will feel an inner comfort in the life that Joseph leads, and better still I shall probably understand it.

I rather like this quote from The Mathematics Teacher, Volume 20 (1927) that is being bandied around to foster hope and energy in these days of troubling personal resolve:  “Do you know Algebra?” Said the Rabbit. “Yes, I liked it in High School,” said Alice. “What is one of the axioms of Algebra?” “Equal multiples of equals are equal,” said Alice, selecting the first she remembered. “Indeed!” said the Rabbit. “You will admit that a bottle half-full is a bottle half-empty.” “Yes,” said Alice, wondering what was coming now. “Well, multiply both sides by two, and a bottle full is a bottle empty,” said the Rabbit. “Well, it is that way in the United States anyhow,” said Alice, a little impudently.

The message, for me, is clear then. ‘Give up’ or ‘go forward’ and delve into new opportunities. I have been working and living traveller’s health issues for 24 years and to suddenly have no business, as a result of COVID19, is a huge shock for both me and my wonderful team. What to do? Hang in or say ‘buggar it, I’m done’. Can’t do the latter. Just can’t. ‘One day at a time’, I hear my body say when it used to be saying ‘a week, a month, a year ahead’. Now it is time to listen to my body, to focus my mind, and to appreciate my human-ness to work with those I love to re-emerge stronger and more resilient for the experiences that I have just undergone.

It’s tempting to ignore ethics when you travel. In fact, it’s very easy to do so. When you don’t speak the language, when you don’t understand the cultural nuances, when you’re a stranger in a strange land it’s pretty simple to ignore any nagging doubts about whether you should actually be doing certain things. After all, the rules don’t always count when you’re away from home. You can do whatever you like when no one’s watching.

But the big question is: should you? Should you ignore cultural sensitivities because they’re not your own? Should you stomp all over the planet in the name of having a nice holiday? Some of the following activities are no-brainers: travellers should not being doing these things. Others are harder to argue; there are ethical grey areas that will always attract differing opinions. Some, meanwhile, are a lot of fun. But still, you probably shouldn’t be doing them.

Riding elephants:

Five years ago this was a standard activity on any tour of South-East Asia. Now, however, word is beginning to spread that riding elephants is not exactly the best idea. See, for any wild animal to be ridden by humans it has to be “broken”, which is not a process many people would be comfortable if they actually saw it taking place. Elephants in captivity are also poorly treated, and travellers are far better off not taking part in the industry that has been created around them.

Clambering all over temples and ruins:

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The temples of Angkor in Cambodia are a case in point: visitors are currently allowed to walk pretty much wherever they want, trampling all over these centuries old ruins. That’s fine if it’s one or two people. But we’re talking millions of visitors a year now, all leaving their mark. Same goes in many other locations, too – castles, temples and ruins around the world. It has to stop, and it might be up to individual travellers to make that happen.

Voluntourism:

There have been a few great articles around recently about the rise of “voluntourism” – using your holiday to help build a school, or teach kids, or look after animals – and whether it’s actually beneficial. Two excellent things to consider before you sign up for any volunteer work overseas is whether you’d still be doing it if there was no such thing as Facebook and Instagram, and whether you actually possess skills that suit the project (are you qualified as a builder or teacher?). If the answer is no to either of those, and you haven’t thoroughly researched the organisation you’re planning to give your money to for this experience, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

Giving to child beggars:

It’s understandably heart-breaking to say no to a child in need, to refuse to give even a few cents to a kid who looks like he or she hasn’t been fed in days. But travellers who give to child beggars are supporting an industry, encouraging the idea that parents would be better off sending their kids out to guilt tourists into giving them money than to, say, go to school. Poverty is an extremely complex problem, but handing money to children isn’t the solution.

Climbing Uluru:

This is such an obvious one that it makes your head hurt just thinking about why some people still insist on clambering all over the big red rock even after they’ve been politely asked by the traditional owners not to. What’s the point? Travel is about respect for the people you’re coming to visit. If you can’t just enjoy the Uluru experience from ground level, maybe you shouldn’t go.

Getting really drunk:

This isn’t a holier-than-thou sermon. At some point, however, and in some countries, you as a visitor probably should consider that drinking to excess is either culturally insensitive, or just plain annoying for the locals to have to put up with. It’s not just a party venue you’re hanging out in – it’s someone’s home.

Haggling too hard:

Maybe you’re a total badass who can haggle a Bangkok tuk-tuk driver out of almost every baht. But you should ask yourself: is that really a good thing? It’s easy to get swept up in the game of the haggle and forget that you’re arguing over what equates to just a few cents. A few cents you probably don’t need.

Boycotting countries:

There are plenty of people who believe that ethical travel means refusing to visit countries whose politics and system of government and human rights records they disagree with, and that’s fine. But to me, that’s punishing the wrong people. When you travel you not only put money into the hands of locals who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to earn it, but, purely by visiting, you also open up those countries to the rest of the world. That is surely important.

Visiting orphanages:

Here’s the deal: if you visit an orphanage, or even a school, in a developing country and you bring along presents for the kids, you play games with them, you sing a few songs, you pay your money to someone for the experience, and then you disappear forever, you’re not doing those children any long-term good. You’re pleasing yourself, sure. But you’re also creating an industry that encourages parents to put their kids into orphanages for the gifts, and the long-term effect on the children of these brief brushes with visitors is not positive. If you want to give, by all means do – but research the facility thoroughly, and don’t feel you have to visit in person.

1. When booking your appointment at the travel clinic, tell us that the appointment is for children. That way we can ensure we allow plenty of time for discussion, distraction and preparation.
2. If they are old enough to understand, it is important to tell your child that they’re going to have an injection. Not too far in advance so that they worry, don’t wait until you get to the clinic to do it, or leave it to the doctor or nurse to break the news.
3. Don’t lie – injections can hurt, but only a little and only for a very short time, and much less than grazing knee. We often say it feels similar to a small pinch.
4. When it comes to injection time, the doctor or nurse will explain how to hold smaller children in your lap. Don’t squeeze too hard as this can make children anxious. Keep calm and cool, even if you don’t feel it inside – children will look to you for reassurance.
5. Distraction techniques can work well. Blowing bubbles is good, or watching a favourite cartoon on a smartphone or tablet.
6. Afterwards a reward will soon make children forget what just happened. So bring a small treat or a new toy. (We keep a stash of lollies at the clinic for these occasions – sometimes adults need them too!)
7. Praise your child for being so good!

We hope these tips help prepare your children for vaccines, but do contact us at Worldwise if you have any questions relating to overseas travel.

Travel vaccines, just like childhood vaccines are generally very safe and are worth considering before travel. So do talk to a travel health specialist before planning any overseas trip with your children.

TYPHOID FEVER

Typhoid fever, so-called enteric fever, has been reported more and more recently to be in ‘our Pacific neck of the woods’: Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella enterica (serotype Typhi), has a totally different presentation from that of the more common kinds of salmonellosis that we have in New Zealand. Epidemiologically, usually spread by contaminated food or water, typhoid is not a zoonosis ( A disease of a non-human animal that is capable of being transmitted, infecting and replicating within humans) like the more commonly seen types of salmonellosis.

THE SYMPTOMS OF CLASSICAL TYPHOID FEVER typically include fever, anorexia, lethargy, malaise, dull continuous headache, non-productive cough, vague abdominal pain, and constipation. Despite the often-high fever, the pulse is often only slightly elevated. During the 2nd week of the illness, there is protracted fever and mental dullness, classically called coma vigil.

Clinically, vomiting and diarrhoea are typically absent; indeed, constipation is frequently reported. As it is a systemic illness (affecting the whole body) , blood cultures are at least as likely to be positive as stool in enteric fever, particularly early in the course of the infection, and bone marrow cultures may be the most sensitive.

Diarrhoea may develop but usually does not. Many patients develop hepatosplenomegaly [both liver and spleen enlarged]. After the 1st week or so, many cases develop a fine (maculopapular) rash on the upper abdomen. These lesions (“rose spots”) are about 2 cm in diameter and blanch on pressure. They persist for 2-4 days and may come and go. Mild and atypical infections are common.

PREVENTION:

How can I avoid Typhoid Fever?

The disease is spread by the oral and anal route. Two basic actions can protect you from typhoid fever:

1. Avoid risky foods and drinks.
2. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever.

Avoiding risky foods will also help protect you from other illnesses, including travellers’ diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A.

“COOK IT, PEEL IT, BOIL IT or AVOID IT”

• If you drink water, buy it bottled or bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute before you drink it.
• Bottled carbonated water is safer than uncarbonated water.
• Ask for drinks without ice unless the ice is made from bottled or boiled water.
• Avoid ice blocks and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
• Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot and steaming.
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.
• Vegetables like lettuce are easily contaminated and are very hard to wash well.
• When you eat raw fruit or vegetables that can be peeled, peel them yourself.          (Wash your hands with soap first) Do not eat the peelings.
• Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors. It is generally quite difficult for food to be kept clean on the street, and many travellers get sick from food bought from street vendors.

TYPHOID OR TYPHUS? The word typhoid (as in typhus-like) reflects the similarity of the louse-borne rickettsial disease epidemic typhus and that of typhoid fever; in fact, in some areas, typhoid fever is still referred to as abdominal typhus.