I’m so glad I asked the downstairs neighbor to do my shopping today (my illness being such that I really don’t want to leave my apartment unless it’s for a medical facility). He was fast, and it wasn’t out of his way, which was nice, but most importantly: I got to learn the ultimate German home remedy for stomach problems.
There it is, my friends. This is the value of life overseas: learning that, whatever ails your digestive system, what you really need is pretzel sticks and coke. Two doctors did ask me if I was drinking coke and seemed a little surprised that I wasn’t. I look forward to trying the local folk remedy this afternoon.
My mom used to say that when she grew up that “cola syrup” was commonly used for kids (and grown-ups) that were sick — and I saw it in a drugstore in KY once not too long ago.
Ohh, ick. I hope you’re starting to feel better soon. It’s not swine flu, is it? (Sorry, had to ask. Ha.)
Also, on a totally unrelated note, I start journalism boot camp tomorrow. Look at me! In journalism school! Craziness!
Nope, pretty sure it’s not swine flu. Yay journalism!! Have fun!
I hope you asked whether this remedy is FDA-approved.
Darn it! Didn’t think to ask. But today I saw my third doctor and she straight-out recommended it, and who am I to go against medical advice?
I totally remember the pretzel thing for stomachs from when I was there in ’97! Not so much the Coke, but we may have just been drinking that anyway. Did it help?
My parents were always pretty big on bubbles for helping intestinal distress, but they preferred us to have non-caffeinated bubbles, like 7-Up.
It didn’t help at all. It made me kinda happy, though, so that’s good.