Hey friends!
These past two weeks have been fantastic. I have had the chance to see a plethora surgeries including a histerecomy, an inaugural hernia repair, a tubal ligation, a natural birth (with an ipisiotomy), an appendectomy and more!! There were a few moments that gave me the willies, but I have powered through the blood, the bodily fluids and the poor sanitation techniques...and frankly I am mystified! Surgery is awesome, the neonates are breath taking and my head is full of knowledge.
I have also had some time to explore the country:) Two weekends ago, I visited Mahabeshwar's many mountains, the Mapro Garden, strawberry fields, strawbetry winery, and many temples. This past weekend I visited the buddist temples of the Ajanta and the Ellora caves. On Tuesday I bought my first authentic saree for a formal dinner with all of my new doctor friends!
The most challenging portion of this journey so far has by far been the language barrier. Their primary language is Marathi, but educated Indians speak some English. Unfortunately, their English pronunciation is very poor and my hearing is very bad :( The conversations usually consist of mostly of "huh? what?"....and they respond, "do you not speak English?"
I didn't take any English courses at UVM, so perhaps I don't.
It has also been surprising how many people ask for pictures of you! There are rarely tourists in India, especially white tourists ....so whenever I'm in public people stare, ask to take a photo with you and/or take pictures of you.
And to end this post on a great note...the ladies and I went to see Superwoman. We had excellent reclining seats, popcorn and a surprising intermission with the Indian national anthem!
Below is a quick mesh of different photos from the trip thus far...
There are also a few hundred more available on Facebook, under the album "India 2017"
These past two weeks have been fantastic. I have had the chance to see a plethora surgeries including a histerecomy, an inaugural hernia repair, a tubal ligation, a natural birth (with an ipisiotomy), an appendectomy and more!! There were a few moments that gave me the willies, but I have powered through the blood, the bodily fluids and the poor sanitation techniques...and frankly I am mystified! Surgery is awesome, the neonates are breath taking and my head is full of knowledge.
I have also had some time to explore the country:) Two weekends ago, I visited Mahabeshwar's many mountains, the Mapro Garden, strawberry fields, strawbetry winery, and many temples. This past weekend I visited the buddist temples of the Ajanta and the Ellora caves. On Tuesday I bought my first authentic saree for a formal dinner with all of my new doctor friends!
The most challenging portion of this journey so far has by far been the language barrier. Their primary language is Marathi, but educated Indians speak some English. Unfortunately, their English pronunciation is very poor and my hearing is very bad :( The conversations usually consist of mostly of "huh? what?"....and they respond, "do you not speak English?"
I didn't take any English courses at UVM, so perhaps I don't.
It has also been surprising how many people ask for pictures of you! There are rarely tourists in India, especially white tourists ....so whenever I'm in public people stare, ask to take a photo with you and/or take pictures of you.
And to end this post on a great note...the ladies and I went to see Superwoman. We had excellent reclining seats, popcorn and a surprising intermission with the Indian national anthem!
Below is a quick mesh of different photos from the trip thus far...
There are also a few hundred more available on Facebook, under the album "India 2017"
Photo from the Ajanta Caves
Photo from the Taj of Deccan, pronounced abibi-Ka-Maqbata
A statue of Buddha at the Ajanta Caves (there were so many)
Photo of my program clan!!
Photo of my pre-Superwoman giddiness
Photo of my saree pre-dinner party
Can't say I'd like to see all the operation stuff; I'd faint in a split second. But all the places you've visited sound great. Glad you are enjoy it all. .. and thanks a bunch for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have adjusted and are enjoying your time in Pune. The Pics are awesome as well as you posts. I have to admit I was very worried about this trip but you seem to be managing quite well. You never cease to amaze me. So proud.
ReplyDeleteLove Dad
I'm beyond flattered. Love you.
DeleteAgree with your dad. Super proud of you, Sami! This was a brave excursion pretty far out of your comfort zone and you are rocking it! <3 Thanks for updating us on your trip, you seem like you are having an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteThanks cuz <3 I'm having a fabulous time!
DeleteSam, I am speechless. Not only are you a full grown person, you are so full of grace, insight and intelligence as you report your experiences. I'm blown away.
ReplyDeleteThank you Auntie Dana :)
DeleteHi Sam. Going to try one more time to reply to one of your posts. Can't believe it just one more week and you will be home. Your blog is great and love your descriptions. Can't be more proud of you. Can't wait to hear more. Love you.
ReplyDelete