Well, I didn't say it's like a lottery. Maybe Ted feels that way, but I don't. I believe I get to stack the odds in my favor in various ways, and to the extent that it doesn't interfere with my trip I'm definitely going to do so.

And while you may believe that the proverbial "someone" won't face fake, adulterated or mis-handled medicines, I've had exactly that experience--counterfeit or expired anti parasitic meds purchased in India when I was dangerously weak from giardia. Neglect to bring your nice, European or American metronidazole to south Asia or Africa and you might have that experience, too.

Or maybe not; maybe you'll go into a Melanesian pharmacy looking for antibiotics because you see red streaks running up your legs following a minor foot wound....and notice that the antibiotics are stored in a giant, dusty, bulk bottle with a long-faded label, on a top shelf in a humid, non-airconditioned room where the ambient temps approach 100F/40C degrees. That's what happened to me in Papua long ago, and I've carried fresh antibiotics ever since.

Or you'll visit a friend in the malaria ward in a West African hospital and see the nurses re-using needles--Grand Bassam, December 2000. Or.....(insert your worst-case healthcare nightmare here).

I'm not telling you what you should bring on whatever your style of preferred adventure. I *am* telling you I've got good reasons for carrying exactly the kit I carry. You might be in a position to learn from me, and I from you.

best,

Mark