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Complete the weary explorer's dramatic jungle diary entry.
_________________________ we had packed plenty of industrial-strength bug spray, the local mosquitoes treated us like an all-you-can-eat buffet. We somehow survived the first night; _________________________, I am seriously reconsidering my career choices. We finally found the golden idol this morning. I'm definitely not touching it, _________________________, because it looks heavily booby-trapped.
Even though we had packed plenty of industrial-strength bug spray... ...survived the first night; however, I am seriously reconsidering... ...definitely not touching it, though, because it looks...
Even though is a stronger version of "although" and is followed by a full clause (subject + verb). "Despite" is incorrect here because it must be followed by a noun phrase, not a clause.
However is the correct transition between two independent clauses separated by a semicolon.
Though can be tucked at the end of a clause (right before the comma and the "because" clause) to add a conversational note of contrast.