I'm home, jet-lagged and recovering from the nastiest intestinal bug I've had since visiting Beijing 2 1/2 years ago. This time, I hadn't the foresight to bring antibiotics along, so I suffered the full effects for 2 days until one of my colleagues graciously gave me his emergency traveler's first-aid kit, which contained much needed electrolyte packets, anti-diarrheal medications, and most importantly, kick-ass antibiotics.

Nevertheless, I spent a grueling 20+ hours in the air with severe stomach cramps and frequent trips to the toilet. No human being should suffer that long in economy class when in full health, let alone with traveler's diarrhea. Why airlines haven't been forced by law to provide seating that can actually accomodate normal-sized human beings instead of pygmies, is beyond me. I'm smaller than average, and even I can't sit comfortably in coach for extended periods.

I'm pretty sure that I got sick at another Indian restaurant on Wednesday night. No rats were in evidence at this establishment, and the 2 colleagues who dined with me didn't get ill, so I must conclude that I am being punished for mocking elephant-headed Hindu gods and their rodent familiars.

Normal posting will resume shortly. Stay tuned.