tea time...

I had a lot of tea today, like 5 tea breaks. They just kept happening. It was pretty neat and not a bad thing, but just bear with me as I write, because I am going to be going back and forth to the bathroom. My GI system is about as close to homeostasis as possible, but I drank a lot of tea.

Why so much tea? It is just the culture here. The first one was because I had a cup at brunch. I have been walking over to Boudhanath in between the morning knox county american classes. It is a pretty peaceful place and it is neat to find a quiet restaurant and take in the sights, watch the mix of people, and sit in peace for a bit.

Of course when I get back to the HSYWE for the second class the nice kitchen guy is going to bring me tea. So I play charades, draw pictures, and try to get the class involved by having them write words on the board while sipping tea. The tea is good (yeah I am different physically, but I like it and that is what matters to me). The traditional tea here is made with hot milk, tea (not sure exactly what species of tea yet, but it is tea), and sugar. Don't be offended or hateful when I am making Nepali tea in America.

I am such a fan of my mid-day break, the walk between the Himalayan Society and the Hospital. Everyday I see something new and everyday I get to observe a different way of living from a very close perspective (it may make one realize how good they have it...and consider all of the reasons why they have the lifestyle they do...and stop complaining...sorry that all slipped out).

I wish I could load a video of a walk on the street, but I can't. I can barely load these pictures.

Don't get jealous Lexus. It was taking a nap and I didn't talk to or pet it.

I told you I would find a card on the street ;)

Back to the story. Maybe I should have been vaccinated for attention deficit disorder...it must be in the water or air or food here. Nice walk to the hospital. Tea was ready upon arrival to the emergency department. Drank more tea. Worked for an hour helping out when possible in the emergency department and then...

Another class : / Ok, I am being dramatic. It really went well. There were about 20 people in the cardiac class and the scenery would make most of the other AHA instructors I know jealous (ha! Don't be jealous, find a way to outdo me...ready, set, go). The staff who attended were very interested, asked sound relevant questions, took notes, and I am pretty sure understood the basic concepts of the 2010 guidelines. I did not have a written test or anything to give, but I was constantly questioning them at the end and they were able to answer them correctly. My poor attempt at drawing the ACLS Algorithm Circle must have worked (picture saved for comical reference in the states). I was able to copy all of the 2010 documents I had to a disc so that the hospital could have them for reference. I think their plan is to print out the new ACLS guidelines and circle and post them in each department. All in all, a good class for the hospital, I tried my best to pass on what little knowledge I have. Oh, and of course there was tea in class.

The rest of the afternoon was spent back in the emergency department. It was slower than usual today, so we had some (more) tea and talked about everything (i.e. America, languages {apparently the best way to learn Nepali is to learn from a Nepali girlfriend...maybe I will give it a shot, ha!}, healthcare, my job, their job, weather, clothes, my hair : / and when/if I am coming back to Nepal). The most interesting topic was the question about coming back to Nepal. It is also interesting to me how one idea, one conversation can open the door to many more ideas and questions. The idea is set up a AHA group to do a cardiac class tour around the area visiting the hospitals. The ED staff really likes this idea. I think it is very interesting and I know the hospital I am at is very interested and open to any help they can receive. The other side of the story is I think I may have set myself up for a second job...like if anyone or any group wants to go to Kathmandu (hint), I could be the guide. It is an idea and a good one I think. Could it happen? Maybe. But life is a maybe, so I do not know what the outcome of this idea will, would, or could be. What I do know is the crew at the ED assigned me homework and I really need to go complete it before I fall asleep. I am tasked with writing my name, correctly of course, in Nepali : / I always try my best so I will go and and give it my best attempt.

don't blink and don't live in fear, you may miss your life changing opportunity and end up with something that is second best