Today started off as one of those ho-hum days that we all have had. For whatever reason skype had major issues this morning. That was not good. Skype is the chance I get to see and talk to everyone without it costing anything. Let’s hope that this isn’t a trend. The commute was different. No Mark, no Jesse. The van that we have been using was very empty. Trace and Paula both weren’t feeling 100%. Not a whole lot of conversation, and what little there was were spoken with quiet words. We all were also feeling a bit drained. A day off would be great right about now.
Upon arrival at the 120 center, Paula and I took our places on the side of the class and hunkered down for the morning lecture by Dave. It was long, but very good. Best airway lecture both Paula and I had heard. Dave is quite an instructor, and proved it once again. At the conclusion of his first lecture he received an ovation. The doctors loved it. Dude can teach!
Lunch was the normal Chinese fast food box. Nothing spectacular. I think we are getting really used to the food here, at least this fast food business. After the food we walked outside on our way back to the classroom, and everyone was on the little lawn area taking pictures. Of course they pulled us into it. There ended up being a couple hands on my butt during this. I doubt on purpose, but a couple of the women in the class are just that short and it happens to be where there hands rested. For the first time since we have been here we saw BLUE SKY! Third straight day of having sunshine, and this time with blue sky. I think in a way it rejuvenated at least me. The things you take for granted when you have it all the time. Those things become apparent when you are so far from home.
The afternoon consisted of lectures, one on intraosseous (in the bone) by me. There were some power point presentations to go along with it. I had never seen these, but was able to pull it all off. After that we broke into groups and had them practice intubation and the aforementioned intraosseous. It went well, but some of them had trouble handling the laryngoscope. No worries, in the end they all seemed to get it. Before heading back to the hotel we hit up a drugstore. Both Paula and Trace needed to get some stuff. I wanted candy, but wasn’t sure if what I saw was actually candy. Not being able to communicate really sucks sometimes! Come back quick Jesse!!
The drive back to the hotel was nothing spectacular, but I really wanted to try to capture the essence of the driving habits, and was able to snap a picture while we were on the freeway of a car that was passing us. The shot was taken out my window, and no I did not zoom in on this car. That is how close they get to each other. The other driver only gave a little honk to warn us of his close proximity, sort of a ‘hey, I’m here so don’t veer to the right’ kind of honk. It worked flawlessly.
Since there was no Jesse or Mark and Trace did not take part in dinner with us, we decided to finally do something with just the 3 of us. Paula had been wanting to try the Japanese restaurant, so that was fine for Dave and I. When inside we were asked if we wanted the buffet or a la carte. We were told the buffet actually was made fresh, and there were multiple things we wanted, so buffet it was. Oh, yeah, it also includes all you can drink beer AND sake. Sign us up! But only a couple beers and one sake shot each. Easy going, only to relax. Plus this was our first meal as just the three of us, kind of a celebration, but not really. It was great as we were able to learn a lot more about each other. Going into this I knew Paula well, but Dave was an unknown. Now, he is one of us, and I can foresee a lifelong friendship despite the distance. Plus, he is super smart so we can always learn from him! If I had to be stuck with two people for a month, I am grateful it is those two. The food was good, not great, but as usual we never had to wait for anything. Service out here is outstanding. Yet another thing we as Americans can learn from. One thing that was superb was the tempura anything. And the broiled eel was pretty tasty as well. They both had a bevy of raw fish, and enjoyed it, but had also had better. I would definitely eat there again.
We have also all noticed that the Chinese women dress very nicely, and seem to have a great sense of style. Always in some really nice high-heeled boots to go along with skirts, dresses and nice shirts and jackets, it is interesting that this is across the board, not just limited to the young crowd. When we made mention of this they were the typical extremely gracious and fired back compliments to us. I was given a ‘handsome man’ talk by both men and women, Dave was told he isn’t THAT handsome but smart (by a heartily laughing Dr. Ho!) and I heard the Chinese word for beautiful woman tossed into Paula’s direction. Dr. Ho can certainly tease to no end! You can’t say anything nice without reciprocation here. If anyone has self-esteem issues, come to China and they will be a distant memory.
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