I was in the middle of Gothic, splendid, superb Prague with an extreme sinus infection and the start of an earache after spending a few days hiking around the countryside. Thankfully, I was able to get some antibiotics, but unfortunately, my symptoms didn't subside until 2 days after returning home. Post castle exploration, post cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, post hidden gardens, and after enduring 24 hours of cough-ridden travel, and 1 day spent at mom's with a humidifier, down comforter and some Vick's- I finally started to feel better.
Don't think I didn't try while in Europe though- oh I tried! Without a chance to rest until Prague, I spent a whole day resting at cafes and tea-houses. Granted, it was definitely a far cry from torture- I sipped a cappuccino in the center of Wenceslas Square while people-watching and catching up on some reading. I endured 3 long hours with my fellow sick comrades at a tea house sipping "A Scent of Cashmere" and nibbling at a hummus platter. I must say, Prague was still quite lovely through the lens of my watery, allergenic eyes, but I still feel sorry for myself for missing out on a group hike to a hidden castle and a chance to peruse all the quaint little shops. 
As a perk, I learned a few Czech home remedies while being a sick-person during my stay- physicians, no worries, they will not put you out of business. The Czechs were very proud of a Czech plum brandy called Slivovice, which they recommended to all of us who were experiencing colds (a cold is too friendly of a term for what I had- I would call it a freeze, yes, cold just isn't sufficient). Although I wimped out and ommited, a friend of mine "experienced the burn" with a shot, and another enjoyed a splash in some hot tea with honey. Both reported great results- granted neither are physicians or conducted a long term study with constants and such. However, the Czech's seemed to fully back the reliability of the elixer.
We encountered the next remedy during a group trip to some mineral springs. With fountains disbursed throughout the park with purified water containing all the natural minerals, I can honestly say, my throat did feel a little better that day. I will tell you that it tasted like a penny and I'm not quite sure how the many who came to satisfy jugs and bottles actually consumed the sum of their collections. I reversed most of what I attempted quaff for the sake of my health. "Blickety blah!" would be an accurate verbal description.
The last and most uncertain of these home-remedies was a plant called the "stinging nettle" in English. I won't write much about this except it left a bad taste in my mouth and seemed ineffective...I'm not sure if this one was an actual remedy or our Czech friends were being funny. Hmmmm.
Although I would still choose perfect health on a vacation abroad as an alternative, I decided, home-sweet-home, wherever that is, is the best place to be when you feel icky.
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