thermometers....

I haven't been feeling well the past few days - sore throat, headache, body aches. I'm sure it's just from doing so much, and getting used to the air pollution - not that DC is any better though! I've been laying in bed resting and drinking lots of tea and water. Anyway, today one of the housemothers said my head felt hot and I should take my temperature. She went to a drawer, pulled a thermometer out, and walked away. I put it under my tongue and waited, but nothing happened, no change in the color. I walked to other room and asked why the thermometer wasn't working - everyone burst into fits of laughter. They said it was because I had a rectal thermometer in my mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was crying from laughing so hard!!! I was led into the medicine room and given another thermometer. Again, I put it under my tongue and there was no change. So, I went back and asked if I was using the right one this time. Again, more laughter! Come to find out that Nepalese don't put thermometers in their mouths, but in their armpits. I nearly vomited thinking about all the germs I had put into my mouth in a matter of minutes, but was grateful to not have a fever :)