Wooooow, I always thought I loved flying but then I will go on these 15 hours grueling marathons of flights which eventually change my mind. Wasn't too bad though...had cute little row mates who only spoke Korean but were very polite about handing me my drinks and not complaining when I had to wake them up to go to the bathroom. For some reason, I was really warm on that plane...actually got sweaty. Made me realize how I have become acclimated to SF weather when a temp controlled plane at 75 degrees felt really hot.
ANYWAY, that was some rambling up there but so far having a relaxing trip. Didn't get upset by jet lag, met some of the research staff and TB hospital's director (who is very motherly), and then went to a very feasty Japanese lunch (sushi, shabu shabu, tempura, and sooooo mucccch more) with the pediatric hospital's director, nursery staff, and my old PI Colin. Also met up with some old friends and gonna hop back on a plane tomorrow to head to beautiful Da Nang and visit old buddy Van T. Nguyen. Just my first little afternoon here and I am once again having one of the cool expereinces that makes me enjoy being here so much...feeling the support of the community I have developed here. The doctors and nurses of the National Pediatric Hospital treat me as their own even though I am not doing anything connected to their institution this year. It was lots of hugs, smiles, and high fives today during my reuniication with old friends. Looking forward to the next few months and all the big and small experiences it is bound to entail.
One interesting realization is how being from the US automatically makes me a bigger deal over here. I have yet to meet the UCSF Chancellor but have already become acquainted with two hospital directors over here...even having gone to their homes and hanging out with their family in my free time. I was assumed to be people's supervisor because I was from the US even though I am the medical student and they are doctors with at least 10+ more years experience than me and I am looking to them for some guidance and mentorship too. Interesting about the pedestal they put us on though they have plenty that they bring to the table as well.
