Surviving Swine '09

One of my favorite parts of China so far has been living off less than a dollar a day buying from local food carts. I was in heaven for the first week. It turns out that one of my cheap meals, however, was accompanied by cheap Salmonellae. So after getting really sick, I had to follow TIP policy requires any associated students or faculty with a fever to check in at the hospital. And so the adventure begins.

We (me, and Sky, an amazing friend and translator) approach Beijing Haitain hospital, a pepto bismol pink (how appropriate for the day). We spend 3 hours at Haitan hospital, and 6 hours of questioning, testing, waiting in the hall. Blood tests, throat swabs, temperature monitoring for 10 hours. It was the most inefficient, inconvenient and exhausting procedure, but it was really interesting to see how the hospital was run.

I found out there are many things I love about Beijing Haitain hospital. Like doctors wearing flip flops. The best part, though, was our fourth interview conducted by two petite men clad in Tyvek bunny suits who after questioning us get sprayed down with what looks like the weed sprayer my dad used to use on the front lawn. In fact, I think that made it all worth it.

As always, Sky brightens the day :)