Snow Comes Early to Moldova

On the subject of Moldovan hospitality, I would like to discuss the two beautiful and intelligent ladies who serve as the Peace Corps Medical Officers in Moldova. Their "generosity" when it comes to treating ailments of all types astounds me.

Just a few weeks ago, I had a minor, minor cold. More of a stuffy nose and intermittent dry cough really. Nothing that I would have ever gone to the doctor for back in the U.S. But it was my first week at work and apparently my partners were concerned that Americans are fragile and this cold could lead to my eventual death, so they informed me that I would go see the PCMO while they went to the Romanian Consulate (they are right down the street from each other).

I fully expected that the PCMO would be appalled that I would come see her for such a minor medical issue (after all, my mom is a nurse whom I am fairly certain went to to "Walk it Off" School of Nursing). This could't have been further from the case. After a 45 minute examination, I left with: Nyquil, Mucinex, cough drops, nasal decongestant, and an inhaler all for my cold-ish symptoms. But that was not all, I also received a Benadryll Anti-Itch Stick and mass quantities of bug spray for what I thought were Mosquito bites all over my legs, but were re-diagnosed as either spider bites or ant bites. Great!!! In addition, I also received multi-vitamins and Selsun Blue Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. In short, I left the PCMO's office that day with quite a generous bounty.

In my opinion, the only one of these items that I really needed was the anti-dandruff shampoo (yes ladies and gentlemen, I have a dandruff issue). However, Selsun Blue SUCKS!!! Before I began using it, my dandruff kindly remained mostly attached to my scalp. Yes, a flake fell here or there, but I casually brushed it off and moved on with my life. Since, I began using Selsun Blue, my dandruff has become almost debilitating. The most minor movement of my head causes a snow storm of dandruff to fall coating whatever lovely outfit I have carefully selected to wear that day. It has gotten so bad that even my Moldovan partners have started brushing this endless coating of dandruff of my back and shoulders.

On this note, I welcome and all dandruff suggestions and again thank the PCMOs for their "generosity." I would also like to say at time, my cold and insect bites are healed, but my dandruff continues with a vengeance!