Today was quite excellent. Everything seemed to go well today, and the weather was gorgeous: just a little cool with the breeze, but sunny. I had two classes this morning, both on strokes. They were taught by Dr. Vega and Dra. Santoro and were enjoyable. Of course the topic is not exactly light or overly happy, but I enjoyed the lessons. It was probably the hardest of the days for me, though, comprehension-wise. There was a lot of new vocabulary and even more abbreviations that I need to translate.
On the way home, I shared the subway ride with two other students who I had not talked too much with previously, but who were really very nice. They were heading to the Facultad (I felt happy knowing the place where they were heading) for another class later in the afternoon. When we entered the subway it was empty since that station is the end (and beginning) of the line, but there was this street dog just sprawled on one of the seats. It was the funniest/cutest thing. As more and more people poured into the train, with all the horns going off and everything, the dog was completely peaceful and unperturbed. It was still lying there in essentially the same position when I got off the subway, almost on the other end of the line.
I took the subway into the Recoleta area where I met up with Martin and Marcelo for lunch. They were heading off to Córdoba for the weekend, but we decided to meet up before the left today. We split two giant milanesas, which are thinly cut pieces of meat in a egg and bread crumb batter, with a fried egg on top and some french fries. Very Argentinean. Very filling. Very large portions. We hung out for a while more in Marcelo's hardware/electronics store before they left for the airport.
I returned home and rested for the afternoon. For dinner, Betty, Luke and I had some pasta with pesto sauce that tasted super good. Simple but delicious. We had a really nice conversation (of course it was in Spanish, never doubt my abilities). After clearing up, Luke went out to have some coffee with friends. Betty mentioned the idea of ice cream, and even though it was quite cold outside, I liked the sound of the idea. So, I jumped downstairs and bought a couple of little ice creams in cups. We had a great time talking over the desserts, on a huge range of topics. It was very comfortable, family-like. It will be weird not to be living with Betty when I leave.
There is a huge book fair in Buenos Aires that I really want to check out this weekend, as well as two parties with the group of people from the trip to Mendoza, so I will have to do some planning to figure what (and when) I can do everything.
Now, however, I am going to imitate that dog from the subway and go right to sleep. I will add a photo of the pooch tomorrow when the connection is stronger.
Chao.
22 April 2010
21 April 2010
Days 79-80: The End Is Nearing
The last two days have been very routine and ordinary without any changes or wild adventures. I think that I have become accustomed to living my life as a mock-Argentinean without finishing up my time as a tourist. I feel like because I have either had classes or hospital time, I have not toured throughout the country or the city for that matter in the same manner I would have if I had been here on a more simple schedule. I have no regrets for how I have organized and spent my time, on the contrary, I am incredibly happy with how everything has gone. I will just have to return again to see more of Argentina and the rest of South America.
Yesterday I did half a morning of observing Dr. Mazia with a patient consult, and then we both walked upstairs for the class that he was teaching on vertigo. Dr. Mazia started off the lecture with the film trailer for Hitchcock's Vertigo, which earned quite a few laughs from the group.
I felt oddly sleepy, as I have for a few days now, so I did not go to tango yesterday. I have been getting plenty of sleep, eating and drinking regularly and healthily, so I am not sure what the deal is, but Betty and a few of the other students have voiced similar opinions, so maybe it is a climactic thing. It has felt like it is going to rain for the past few days, although we have yet to see a drop.
I watched the program called Mujeres Asesinas again last night, it is about real stories of women who commit murder, and each episode is individual, unique, and the three I have seen have been very powerful. Good acting and the characters are close to unbelievable. Last night it was the husband who was the pain in the booty. He was so insufferable that Luke (who came and watched it with me) and I were sitting there just waiting for the wife to snap. Yes, so it is a morbid show concept, but it is entertaining and excellent Spanish practice. Plus I only have one more week to see it.
Today, there was a class and a half. Yes, I mean that. The first class we had was with a new doctor, called Dra. Losavio. She was very nice, quite personable, but she presented for ever and a day. She had a 57-slide presentation (compared to the formally 'long' presentations of Dr. Mazia that were mid 30s). She taught a lot, and it never got too boring, but the class was too long. We went right through our break and into part of the time slot for the second class. They still, very nicely, gave us a little break after the class (on neuron synapse diseases). I went out onto the terrace and chatted with a few of the students, enjoying the gentle (still morning by my standards) sunlight.
We had just begun the second class on headaches when we were interrupted by a herd of doctors all in white lab coats. Apparently, our classroom was the only remaining available room for their conference. So, after some momentary confusion, we were kicked out. We are either going to continue the lesson tomorrow or next week Tuesday.
I did not go to Tango either today. I would have, but I had made plans to meet up with Martin. Unfortunately, at the last minute the university called him needing his attendance for something or other. What ever it was, he could not make it around, so I was left Tango-less and friend-less. So, I just chilled on my own and did some more reading.
Alright, enough rambling for the last two days, I am just living these last few days as they come, trying to enjoy the moments I have left of this awesome experience.
Chao.
Yesterday I did half a morning of observing Dr. Mazia with a patient consult, and then we both walked upstairs for the class that he was teaching on vertigo. Dr. Mazia started off the lecture with the film trailer for Hitchcock's Vertigo, which earned quite a few laughs from the group.
I felt oddly sleepy, as I have for a few days now, so I did not go to tango yesterday. I have been getting plenty of sleep, eating and drinking regularly and healthily, so I am not sure what the deal is, but Betty and a few of the other students have voiced similar opinions, so maybe it is a climactic thing. It has felt like it is going to rain for the past few days, although we have yet to see a drop.
I watched the program called Mujeres Asesinas again last night, it is about real stories of women who commit murder, and each episode is individual, unique, and the three I have seen have been very powerful. Good acting and the characters are close to unbelievable. Last night it was the husband who was the pain in the booty. He was so insufferable that Luke (who came and watched it with me) and I were sitting there just waiting for the wife to snap. Yes, so it is a morbid show concept, but it is entertaining and excellent Spanish practice. Plus I only have one more week to see it.
Today, there was a class and a half. Yes, I mean that. The first class we had was with a new doctor, called Dra. Losavio. She was very nice, quite personable, but she presented for ever and a day. She had a 57-slide presentation (compared to the formally 'long' presentations of Dr. Mazia that were mid 30s). She taught a lot, and it never got too boring, but the class was too long. We went right through our break and into part of the time slot for the second class. They still, very nicely, gave us a little break after the class (on neuron synapse diseases). I went out onto the terrace and chatted with a few of the students, enjoying the gentle (still morning by my standards) sunlight.
We had just begun the second class on headaches when we were interrupted by a herd of doctors all in white lab coats. Apparently, our classroom was the only remaining available room for their conference. So, after some momentary confusion, we were kicked out. We are either going to continue the lesson tomorrow or next week Tuesday.
I did not go to Tango either today. I would have, but I had made plans to meet up with Martin. Unfortunately, at the last minute the university called him needing his attendance for something or other. What ever it was, he could not make it around, so I was left Tango-less and friend-less. So, I just chilled on my own and did some more reading.
Alright, enough rambling for the last two days, I am just living these last few days as they come, trying to enjoy the moments I have left of this awesome experience.
Chao.
19 April 2010
Day 78: The Facultad de Medicina
I arrived at the hospital at 08.10 per normal and met Dr. Mazia in the entry hall. He did not say much about his trip except that he was tired (from having arrived last night), and that he was not overly impressed with the city of Toronto in general. It turned out that he was teaching the classes today, so walked up to the room together.
He gave three lectures today, one more than has been the rhythm. They were pretty good, full of information, but he did not talk to loudly and with the open window (due to the desire for a nonexistent breeze on such a humid day) there was a lot of background noise. Still, I understood a fair amount from each lecture.
I was pretty burned out after the classes, and there was not practical today, but a fellow student asked me if I wanted to drop by the Facultad de Medicina, which is the central building for medical students in Buenos Aires. There are other private medical schools in Buenos Aires, but the Facultad as it is known, is the major public one.
The building is very large, over 15 stories tall, full of classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, and the biggest jewel of the building is a large lecture hall with operatic theater seating for hundreds of people. Above the lecture platform there is a large painting with a group of men standing in the same room. It was very rich, the seats all a deep red that matched the wooden trim well. I wanted to take a photo, but there was a cardiology lecture in process and I did not want to disrupt.
My 'guide' showed me the library and then I left when she went to the cafeteria to eat something before her class. There are 7 years of medical studies here in Buenos Aires. The first 3 are only in the Facultad building. The 4th through 6th are in different hospitals around the city, and the 7th is more specialized and the location depends more on the individual. Still, all 7 years are in general medical studies; after graduation they study further to specialize. As I think I mentioned before, the students with me are in their 5th year, and some still have other classes in the Facultad. My 'guide' had a Medical Law class this afternoon.
I went home to rest a bit, have a little something to eat, and I wanted to go to the class of Tango at 6.00p, but there was a problem. The subway, only my line (linea B), was closed. No explanation, no indication of when it might reopen. I tried to take the number 24 bus that goes right along the route of the subway that I normally use to go to the classes, but I waited for 20 minutes and the two buses that passed the stop were full of people. So, I returned to the apartment. There was a class at 8.00p as well, so I figured I would attend that one. I left with ample time to make the 10 block walk to the other subway line that runs east-west to the south of the apartment.
The A line is the original, oldest, line. The trains were so quaint, with wooden interiors, real lights with bulbs, and manual doors. The seats were fashioned out of strips of wood and faced each other in groups of four seats (bench style) like actual trains. I got a kick out of the experience. The A line actually dropped me closer to the studio than the B line normally does, so I arrived with time to spare.
The teachers arrived a little bit late, and there was only one other older gentleman there so it was almost a private lesson. I really like these instructors, they are both so friendly, and happy. We laugh a lot, which makes a difference to me.
Anyway, I returned home quite tired from the walk in the humidity and ate dinner with Luke and Betty, some rice and a cheese and apple omelette. Luke had arrived last night late from his weekend trip to Uruguay. There was such a storm last night. Hail pieces the size of softballs came pelting down in some areas. The girl who took me to the Facultad told me that in her house they came in through the roof! There was one 14 year old boy killed by a falling billboard. It was quite a dramatic night. The weather here really changes moment to moment. Today it was humid, but sunny and only partly cloudy.
It is already late, although I am not feeling it having only eaten a little while ago (in true Argentinean fashion), but I am going to start getting ready for bed.
Chao.
He gave three lectures today, one more than has been the rhythm. They were pretty good, full of information, but he did not talk to loudly and with the open window (due to the desire for a nonexistent breeze on such a humid day) there was a lot of background noise. Still, I understood a fair amount from each lecture.
La Facultad de Medicina
The building is very large, over 15 stories tall, full of classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, and the biggest jewel of the building is a large lecture hall with operatic theater seating for hundreds of people. Above the lecture platform there is a large painting with a group of men standing in the same room. It was very rich, the seats all a deep red that matched the wooden trim well. I wanted to take a photo, but there was a cardiology lecture in process and I did not want to disrupt.
My 'guide' showed me the library and then I left when she went to the cafeteria to eat something before her class. There are 7 years of medical studies here in Buenos Aires. The first 3 are only in the Facultad building. The 4th through 6th are in different hospitals around the city, and the 7th is more specialized and the location depends more on the individual. Still, all 7 years are in general medical studies; after graduation they study further to specialize. As I think I mentioned before, the students with me are in their 5th year, and some still have other classes in the Facultad. My 'guide' had a Medical Law class this afternoon.
I went home to rest a bit, have a little something to eat, and I wanted to go to the class of Tango at 6.00p, but there was a problem. The subway, only my line (linea B), was closed. No explanation, no indication of when it might reopen. I tried to take the number 24 bus that goes right along the route of the subway that I normally use to go to the classes, but I waited for 20 minutes and the two buses that passed the stop were full of people. So, I returned to the apartment. There was a class at 8.00p as well, so I figured I would attend that one. I left with ample time to make the 10 block walk to the other subway line that runs east-west to the south of the apartment.
The A line is the original, oldest, line. The trains were so quaint, with wooden interiors, real lights with bulbs, and manual doors. The seats were fashioned out of strips of wood and faced each other in groups of four seats (bench style) like actual trains. I got a kick out of the experience. The A line actually dropped me closer to the studio than the B line normally does, so I arrived with time to spare.
The teachers arrived a little bit late, and there was only one other older gentleman there so it was almost a private lesson. I really like these instructors, they are both so friendly, and happy. We laugh a lot, which makes a difference to me.
Anyway, I returned home quite tired from the walk in the humidity and ate dinner with Luke and Betty, some rice and a cheese and apple omelette. Luke had arrived last night late from his weekend trip to Uruguay. There was such a storm last night. Hail pieces the size of softballs came pelting down in some areas. The girl who took me to the Facultad told me that in her house they came in through the roof! There was one 14 year old boy killed by a falling billboard. It was quite a dramatic night. The weather here really changes moment to moment. Today it was humid, but sunny and only partly cloudy.
It is already late, although I am not feeling it having only eaten a little while ago (in true Argentinean fashion), but I am going to start getting ready for bed.
Chao.
18 April 2010
Days 75-77: The Penultimate Weekend (!!)
Friday was a long day. I went to my last day of medical classes, or what I think was my last class since Dr. Mazia is returning Monday, and we had two lectures on Epilepsy. During the second class that was more focused on treating epileptic attacks and the urgency of rapid treatment, Dra. Santoro digressed slightly and talked a little bit about how important it is to educate the family (not only the patient) on whatever condition the patient has because it never effects the patient alone. During the pause between classes I talked with one of my classmates about the US. It is always interesting to hear peoples' perceptions of my home country, especially the things that come first to mind. With this girl it was not a celebrity, or a president that she spoke of first, but of some obscure video she saw on the website YouTube about a circus act on a California beach involving large rings or hoops. She seemed a little disappointed when I told her that I had never heard of that specific event, and I tried to explain how there is so much that happens in the US of which every citizen is not aware.
That evening I did not have a Tango class, since I had finished off my hours for the week on Thursday, and so I went around to Paula's house at about 11p. There were a bunch of other people there, Flor and 6 others. And save one they were all a lot older than me. Now, really, they were only in their early to mid thirties, but that gap spans quite a lot further for a conversation than is immediately obvious. We had made plans to go out and meet up with Andrés and Martin, but Flor wanted to just stay at Paula's house and hang out with her friends since she works a lot and does not have a chance to see them casually as often. I just felt a little out of the loop in that company, so I called a taxi and went out to meet up with Andres and Martin. I think it ended up working out well, I had a really great night out and I think the folks at Paula's house did too. Saturday I slept in, but not as much as I had planned. I went out and bought another big salad (I cannot write those two words without thinking of Seinfeld) with a slice of pizza. I also caved into my sweet tooth and bought two little pastries for dessert from the bakery that is (un?)conveniently placed between the pizza restaurant and the apartment.
That evening I met up with Paula again and after eating some pizza with two friends we met some more friends at a club. Now, I just want to give a little description of the club because it was quite unique. The building itself was very sleek and modern, but they were featuring a sort of mini circus act with jugglers and other performers. I was quite surprised, and amused, and impressed. They were really good. I took a short video clip that I want to share, but it is taking a while to upload with the connection here. The only downside to the night was that I was tired. There was a lot of dancing, everyone in Argentina dances, but the music was only reggaeton and cumbia so after a few hours I started to reach my limit. Still, I had a great time. I am continually asked why I do not drink a lot when I am at a club here, but although I will taste a new drink or have a little beer with pizza, I am actually glad I am not as interested in alcohol because the mornings afterwards would be even harder. I already struggle just from sleep deprivation. I guess I am not fully Argentinean yet, their lives are active essentially 24 hours.
Today was the ultimate chill day. It was rainy outside, with spattered thunderstorms. While I was eating dinner there was a bout of lightening that was lighting up the whole city horizon. I had made no plans and I did not feel the obligation to be anywhere in particular, so I lounged around reading the multiple books in Spanish that I have started. The only problem is that each time I received a new one I started it immediately, so now I am in the middle of a few at once. I guess that is not too bad a predicament, really.
Well, hospital tomorrow morning, I do not know what to expect. I hope everything went well with Dr. Mazia in Canada and that his flights had no problems.
Oh, one final happy thought to leave you all with is that I finally had an experience I had been wanting to have for some time. I bumped into an acquaintance out and about. Now, that might sound pretty lame, but since there are so many people in Buenos Aires (says the suburban boy) that I had been hoping to just meet someone that I new on the street or somewhere where I was not expecting to see anyone I knew. Well, when I was out at the circus-y club (called "Fiesta Clandestine") I bumped into a friend from the Mendoza trip! It was very strange to see this woman away from the tour group, but it made me really happy.
Chao.
That evening I did not have a Tango class, since I had finished off my hours for the week on Thursday, and so I went around to Paula's house at about 11p. There were a bunch of other people there, Flor and 6 others. And save one they were all a lot older than me. Now, really, they were only in their early to mid thirties, but that gap spans quite a lot further for a conversation than is immediately obvious. We had made plans to go out and meet up with Andrés and Martin, but Flor wanted to just stay at Paula's house and hang out with her friends since she works a lot and does not have a chance to see them casually as often. I just felt a little out of the loop in that company, so I called a taxi and went out to meet up with Andres and Martin. I think it ended up working out well, I had a really great night out and I think the folks at Paula's house did too. Saturday I slept in, but not as much as I had planned. I went out and bought another big salad (I cannot write those two words without thinking of Seinfeld) with a slice of pizza. I also caved into my sweet tooth and bought two little pastries for dessert from the bakery that is (un?)conveniently placed between the pizza restaurant and the apartment.
That evening I met up with Paula again and after eating some pizza with two friends we met some more friends at a club. Now, I just want to give a little description of the club because it was quite unique. The building itself was very sleek and modern, but they were featuring a sort of mini circus act with jugglers and other performers. I was quite surprised, and amused, and impressed. They were really good. I took a short video clip that I want to share, but it is taking a while to upload with the connection here. The only downside to the night was that I was tired. There was a lot of dancing, everyone in Argentina dances, but the music was only reggaeton and cumbia so after a few hours I started to reach my limit. Still, I had a great time. I am continually asked why I do not drink a lot when I am at a club here, but although I will taste a new drink or have a little beer with pizza, I am actually glad I am not as interested in alcohol because the mornings afterwards would be even harder. I already struggle just from sleep deprivation. I guess I am not fully Argentinean yet, their lives are active essentially 24 hours.
Today was the ultimate chill day. It was rainy outside, with spattered thunderstorms. While I was eating dinner there was a bout of lightening that was lighting up the whole city horizon. I had made no plans and I did not feel the obligation to be anywhere in particular, so I lounged around reading the multiple books in Spanish that I have started. The only problem is that each time I received a new one I started it immediately, so now I am in the middle of a few at once. I guess that is not too bad a predicament, really.
Well, hospital tomorrow morning, I do not know what to expect. I hope everything went well with Dr. Mazia in Canada and that his flights had no problems.
Oh, one final happy thought to leave you all with is that I finally had an experience I had been wanting to have for some time. I bumped into an acquaintance out and about. Now, that might sound pretty lame, but since there are so many people in Buenos Aires (says the suburban boy) that I had been hoping to just meet someone that I new on the street or somewhere where I was not expecting to see anyone I knew. Well, when I was out at the circus-y club (called "Fiesta Clandestine") I bumped into a friend from the Mendoza trip! It was very strange to see this woman away from the tour group, but it made me really happy.
Chao.
15 April 2010
Day 74: The Good Day
The rain lifted slightly today, which was the first sign of a good day to come. It was only misting lightly when I dragged myself out of bed and to the hospital. I only got up half an hour later when I went to the Spanish school, and yet my body reacts as though it is four hours difference.
The first class was on Parkinsonismo which in English is Parkinsonism, which in understandable terms refers to the condition where nerves are degenerating and present the following four symptoms: tremors, rigidity, postural instability and decreased bodily movement. It was a difficult class for me because the teacher was Dr. Vega, who today was a little tired and spoke with a very closed mouth, quickly (as always) and quietly. Plus the topic was hard for me to follow since there are multiple subcategories of conditions that the umbrella of Parkinsonism covers.
The second class was on Demensia, focusing on Alzheimer's Disease as it is the most prevalent from that group. This class was with Dra. Santoro. I think that I had known more about Alzheimer's than a good portion of the rest of this course, but the lecture was still (or possible therefore) very interesting. Dra. Santoro also connected the statistics and diagnostic criteria with personal experience and commentary that really made the topic not just a condition that others have or work with, but a condition that is current, that exists and affects individuals and more importantly families all the time.
After our break, just enough time for a coffee and a pastry for those suger-driven Argentineans, we split up again for another short practical period. I was a little more lost in today's observational section because I find it harder to jump along in conversations than the native speakers and so the conversations started to escape me. Therefore I can provide less detail about that part of the day, but we looked at MRI scans of a patient's head before visiting her in the room. They tested her using several tests we had talked about in class previously, so it was nice to see the tests in action and view real results with patients that actually have a neurological condition. Unfortunately, again, there was only one patient for us to visit, so we were dismissed around noon. I rode the subway back with one of the students who gets off the station next to mine and we talked about the classes and I asked her a couple of questions I had about abbreviations and definitions.
Tango today was possibly the best lesson so far. I had a new couple as teachers, and there was only one other woman who showed up after 30 minutes to join the lesson, so it was essentially private. Both of the teachers were young, friendly, supportive and very instructive. We worked on individual steps, and progressed adding more and more together until we had a little sequence. It is very satisfying to think back on the lesson and see what I learned. It was challenging, but still fun. And that is what I am here for: the challenge, and a good time. Unfortunately, the two of them will not be teaching at the studio any more, but they gave me the address of a different studio where they have an open house on Saturday for free dancing, so I might check that out.
Had some pasta tonight for dinner with Betty, Luke went out to meet a friend. I had a moment at the dinner table when I realized that I was understanding everything that Betty was saying, even the little "ums," "I means," and those little parts of conversation. When I first arrived, I understood sentences by identifying a verb or a noun and filling in the blanks. I felt like I would never be able to hold my own in a conversation, but now I can, even making jokes on the subject. It makes me incredibly happy and so glad that I took this opportunity to immerse myself in another language.
I am sleepy and I am looking forward to a busy weekend so I would like to finish off the week without a sleep deficit if possible, so will end my commentary here.
Chao.
The first class was on Parkinsonismo which in English is Parkinsonism, which in understandable terms refers to the condition where nerves are degenerating and present the following four symptoms: tremors, rigidity, postural instability and decreased bodily movement. It was a difficult class for me because the teacher was Dr. Vega, who today was a little tired and spoke with a very closed mouth, quickly (as always) and quietly. Plus the topic was hard for me to follow since there are multiple subcategories of conditions that the umbrella of Parkinsonism covers.
The second class was on Demensia, focusing on Alzheimer's Disease as it is the most prevalent from that group. This class was with Dra. Santoro. I think that I had known more about Alzheimer's than a good portion of the rest of this course, but the lecture was still (or possible therefore) very interesting. Dra. Santoro also connected the statistics and diagnostic criteria with personal experience and commentary that really made the topic not just a condition that others have or work with, but a condition that is current, that exists and affects individuals and more importantly families all the time.
After our break, just enough time for a coffee and a pastry for those suger-driven Argentineans, we split up again for another short practical period. I was a little more lost in today's observational section because I find it harder to jump along in conversations than the native speakers and so the conversations started to escape me. Therefore I can provide less detail about that part of the day, but we looked at MRI scans of a patient's head before visiting her in the room. They tested her using several tests we had talked about in class previously, so it was nice to see the tests in action and view real results with patients that actually have a neurological condition. Unfortunately, again, there was only one patient for us to visit, so we were dismissed around noon. I rode the subway back with one of the students who gets off the station next to mine and we talked about the classes and I asked her a couple of questions I had about abbreviations and definitions.
Tango today was possibly the best lesson so far. I had a new couple as teachers, and there was only one other woman who showed up after 30 minutes to join the lesson, so it was essentially private. Both of the teachers were young, friendly, supportive and very instructive. We worked on individual steps, and progressed adding more and more together until we had a little sequence. It is very satisfying to think back on the lesson and see what I learned. It was challenging, but still fun. And that is what I am here for: the challenge, and a good time. Unfortunately, the two of them will not be teaching at the studio any more, but they gave me the address of a different studio where they have an open house on Saturday for free dancing, so I might check that out.
Had some pasta tonight for dinner with Betty, Luke went out to meet a friend. I had a moment at the dinner table when I realized that I was understanding everything that Betty was saying, even the little "ums," "I means," and those little parts of conversation. When I first arrived, I understood sentences by identifying a verb or a noun and filling in the blanks. I felt like I would never be able to hold my own in a conversation, but now I can, even making jokes on the subject. It makes me incredibly happy and so glad that I took this opportunity to immerse myself in another language.
I am sleepy and I am looking forward to a busy weekend so I would like to finish off the week without a sleep deficit if possible, so will end my commentary here.
Chao.
Day 73: The Stranded Subway Experience
Today the cool weather persisted, along with the rain. So I bundled up in the warmest clothes that I brought with me (which are not that warm).
There was only one class today, on Parkinson's, with the doctor that I followed yesterday in the ER, Dr. Vega. After the class, during our little break, I went down to the bottom floor (underground) where there was the hospital cafeteria that essentially had coffee, tea, pastries, candies, and yogurt. Oh, and water. But if you were looking for anything substantial, you were out of luck. But there is where the other students in the class hang out, so I got to know a few of them, and I also got the opportunity to forget a lot more Spanish names. There was a Pablo, a Brenda (!!), a Ferdando, a Malina (I think). Anyway, it was nice to talk to them, even though it is hard to relate completely to their situation; they are all 5th year medical students (5 out of 7 total), and so are in their mid- to late-twenties. Still, they were curious about my situation and all, and it was good practice trying to understand them since they all talked super quickly.
After our break, that was only about 15 minutes long, we had a short practical observation where we split up and followed one of the neurological doctors, I followed Dra. Santoro. We went into the ER again (I was wearing pants today) and all huddled around the foot of one of the patient's bed. The patient had a pretty complicated and serious condition, that involved facial paralysis and brain issues, atrophy was visible on a scan, but that stuff is not as interesting for a blog. Two other students went into a different room and saw the same electromyogram machine that I saw before. There were no more neuro-patients today, so they dismissed us just a bit before 11.00 and so I went home.
I stayed in my room, not wanting to do a lot for the rain that was constant, yet not very strong all day today. In the afternoon, at about 4.00p I met up with a fairly new friend called Martin and a friend of his called Marcelo. After eating a bit we went to where Marcelo works, which is a hardware supply store, and sat in the staff area and talked for a while. Later we went out for a bite to eat again. It was kind of nice just to hang out with a couple of Argentinean guys, and I have made mostly female friends so it was nice to just talk with other guys. The conversation topics are different. Not better or worse, but definitely different.
We were up in the Recoleta neighborhood which is north and a bit east of where I am staying and Martin was going to take the subway with me since he needed to go in the same direction initially as me, but we were talking and accidentally got on the wrong direction and when we got off at a stop that had a platform in the middle (so we could change directions without paying again) the last train for the night had passed. The city-bound trains stop promptly at 10.30p whereas the outwards-bound trains continue a little bit longer. It was not too bad for me, because a taxi could go fairly directly to my house, so we split a cab fair to my house where Martin was able to catch a bus to the microcenter from which he is now taking a van out to his house in the suburbs.
Now I am very excited to go to bed (however oxymoronic that seems) because I love being warm in bed when it is cold outside. It is only bad when I have to get up in the morning...
Chao.
There was only one class today, on Parkinson's, with the doctor that I followed yesterday in the ER, Dr. Vega. After the class, during our little break, I went down to the bottom floor (underground) where there was the hospital cafeteria that essentially had coffee, tea, pastries, candies, and yogurt. Oh, and water. But if you were looking for anything substantial, you were out of luck. But there is where the other students in the class hang out, so I got to know a few of them, and I also got the opportunity to forget a lot more Spanish names. There was a Pablo, a Brenda (!!), a Ferdando, a Malina (I think). Anyway, it was nice to talk to them, even though it is hard to relate completely to their situation; they are all 5th year medical students (5 out of 7 total), and so are in their mid- to late-twenties. Still, they were curious about my situation and all, and it was good practice trying to understand them since they all talked super quickly.
After our break, that was only about 15 minutes long, we had a short practical observation where we split up and followed one of the neurological doctors, I followed Dra. Santoro. We went into the ER again (I was wearing pants today) and all huddled around the foot of one of the patient's bed. The patient had a pretty complicated and serious condition, that involved facial paralysis and brain issues, atrophy was visible on a scan, but that stuff is not as interesting for a blog. Two other students went into a different room and saw the same electromyogram machine that I saw before. There were no more neuro-patients today, so they dismissed us just a bit before 11.00 and so I went home.
I stayed in my room, not wanting to do a lot for the rain that was constant, yet not very strong all day today. In the afternoon, at about 4.00p I met up with a fairly new friend called Martin and a friend of his called Marcelo. After eating a bit we went to where Marcelo works, which is a hardware supply store, and sat in the staff area and talked for a while. Later we went out for a bite to eat again. It was kind of nice just to hang out with a couple of Argentinean guys, and I have made mostly female friends so it was nice to just talk with other guys. The conversation topics are different. Not better or worse, but definitely different.
We were up in the Recoleta neighborhood which is north and a bit east of where I am staying and Martin was going to take the subway with me since he needed to go in the same direction initially as me, but we were talking and accidentally got on the wrong direction and when we got off at a stop that had a platform in the middle (so we could change directions without paying again) the last train for the night had passed. The city-bound trains stop promptly at 10.30p whereas the outwards-bound trains continue a little bit longer. It was not too bad for me, because a taxi could go fairly directly to my house, so we split a cab fair to my house where Martin was able to catch a bus to the microcenter from which he is now taking a van out to his house in the suburbs.
Now I am very excited to go to bed (however oxymoronic that seems) because I love being warm in bed when it is cold outside. It is only bad when I have to get up in the morning...
Chao.
13 April 2010
Day 72: The Dress Code Violation
Rain. That is what formed the day for me. I woke up and it was sprinkling. I went to school via subway as usual and got to class with a couple of minutes to spare. Today the first class was hereditary ataxia, the second on the group of diseases that all involve demyelination. The sky was very overcast, and with the constant dripping everyone was slightly more sleepy today. For the second class I had a different doctor; now I have had Doctora Salutto and Doctora Santoro, tomorrow there will be a third who I think I know but I am not positive. The second class, for me, was more interesting, Dra. Santoro was a very good presenter, involving the students with questions and examples. She really talked using her own words and did not use the slides as the only information given during the class.
After the classes were over, Dr. Santoro asked me if I would like to shadow one of her subordinate doctors in la guardia, the emergency room. Whenever a patient comes into the emergency room (which is not as much of an 'emergency' room in this hospital since it is an investigational institution) and the patient has an already identified neurological condition, they call a doctor from that department to attend that patient. I saw a woman who had a long-standing history with the hospital, and who currently had the left half of her face paralyzed. Her current complaint, though, was that a week ago she had experienced pain in the paralyzed area as well as in her left ear, accompanied by hearing loss.
The doctor who I followed was a little younger, he was very friendly and down to earth. The only issue with my experience there was that I had not anticipated staying after the classes, and I had worn shorts to the hospital. That is a taboo in any circumstance for a hospital visit, but I figured that if I was just in the classes I could do a load of laundry... Just my luck. I did not want to say "no" to the chance of visiting another part of the hospital, so I donned the customary white coat and withstood the several 'tut-tut's that came my way from a couple of doctors and the head of the emergency room. Needless to say, I picked up my laundry, and I will be wearing jeans tomorrow.
I had a private lesson in Tango today, it was a little less structured, and I am feeling the difficulties of grasping this style of dance. It is hard for me to explain my problem, but I will give it a stab: the dances I have learned previously (ie Salsa, Cha Cha etc.) all have a cyclic pattern in the choreography that is obvious at least at a beginner level. The Tango is much more of a linear dance, not in a rigid sense, but in that the dance is more independant (while not more distant) from the melody/music. There is much more room for creativity and for errors on my part. The instructor gave me a list of 30s and 40s Tango groups (those decades are considered the classic times, some hold the opinion that the music from that time is superior to any other) as well as some modern groups. I am excited to look up the names and hear more of the music; hopefully that will help my process of grasping the Tango.
I can still hear the drizzle outside, and the hiss that the cars make while driving through the wet streets. And although I am tired, I plan to make the trip out to see Paula tonight and watch Mujeres Asesinas a television program that is excellent. It is an Argentinean program about real stories of female murderesses. Quite exciting.
Also exciting is that tomorrow there is only one class before a three-way split into groups for some practical observation.
Chao.
After the classes were over, Dr. Santoro asked me if I would like to shadow one of her subordinate doctors in la guardia, the emergency room. Whenever a patient comes into the emergency room (which is not as much of an 'emergency' room in this hospital since it is an investigational institution) and the patient has an already identified neurological condition, they call a doctor from that department to attend that patient. I saw a woman who had a long-standing history with the hospital, and who currently had the left half of her face paralyzed. Her current complaint, though, was that a week ago she had experienced pain in the paralyzed area as well as in her left ear, accompanied by hearing loss.
The doctor who I followed was a little younger, he was very friendly and down to earth. The only issue with my experience there was that I had not anticipated staying after the classes, and I had worn shorts to the hospital. That is a taboo in any circumstance for a hospital visit, but I figured that if I was just in the classes I could do a load of laundry... Just my luck. I did not want to say "no" to the chance of visiting another part of the hospital, so I donned the customary white coat and withstood the several 'tut-tut's that came my way from a couple of doctors and the head of the emergency room. Needless to say, I picked up my laundry, and I will be wearing jeans tomorrow.
I had a private lesson in Tango today, it was a little less structured, and I am feeling the difficulties of grasping this style of dance. It is hard for me to explain my problem, but I will give it a stab: the dances I have learned previously (ie Salsa, Cha Cha etc.) all have a cyclic pattern in the choreography that is obvious at least at a beginner level. The Tango is much more of a linear dance, not in a rigid sense, but in that the dance is more independant (while not more distant) from the melody/music. There is much more room for creativity and for errors on my part. The instructor gave me a list of 30s and 40s Tango groups (those decades are considered the classic times, some hold the opinion that the music from that time is superior to any other) as well as some modern groups. I am excited to look up the names and hear more of the music; hopefully that will help my process of grasping the Tango.
I can still hear the drizzle outside, and the hiss that the cars make while driving through the wet streets. And although I am tired, I plan to make the trip out to see Paula tonight and watch Mujeres Asesinas a television program that is excellent. It is an Argentinean program about real stories of female murderesses. Quite exciting.
Also exciting is that tomorrow there is only one class before a three-way split into groups for some practical observation.
Chao.
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