Looking forward to the diaries…I haven’t had much chance to watch them because my internet’s been playing up a little.

“Alright, that’s all the preventable stuff; here’s a book listing all the various unpreventable and uncurable [sic] diseases you will most likely contract while overseas. Enjoy your trip!”

…pretty much sums it up, yes. I’ll have more to say in my next video diary.

The word you’re looking for is “incurable”.

@Nicky Jurd and @Desertgirl: Thanks for the advice! All much appreciated!

@Sean the Blogonaut: I’m weird. I can cope with the reality of dealing with a first-aid emergency, myself or anothers’, but just can’t stand needles and need a little lie-down. As you’ll see when the video goes online.

@Fi Bendall: Sore arm. No sore bum — that wasn’t a target zone. Feel shit.

But I am sure you will be fine.

Dengue? That’s the least of your troubles, there’s so much you COULD catch over there… I’d go with the “don’t go barefoot in rivers/muddy creeks” advice. Never could stand the insecticide on my skin so put up with the covering up with long sleeves and long pants. A trip to your local bushwalking/outdoor/travel store will kit you out with some lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. I like Icebreaker’s gear (www.icebreaker.co.nz), their superfine merino stuff is bearable in high heat and humidity (I wear it here in the desert in summer, worn it in high-humidity Brissy too). Trousers? Any of the reputable trekking brands will be fine and keep you protected from nasty, buzzy biting creatures of the insect variety.

My travel doctor recommended a ‘tropical strength’ insect repellent called Bushman which is made in North Queensland. I’m not sure if you can get it in your area but I found it online, just Google it.

I walked among large clouds of mosquitos in humid rainforest, and this stuff was awesome!