On time-lag and the downsides thereof

Clinic Schedule
My schedule for school is pretty busy even in China.  We have to be on the bus to go to the hospital at 7:40.  The hospital is pretty busy and each day we are assigned to a different doctor to follow.  It is pretty interesting to see the patients and how the doctors prescribe herbs here.  In general, dosages are much higher and formulas are also much larger then what we would use in the States.  Currently, I am observing a dermatology shift.  I have seen more on that shift then I have my whole time at Bastyr.  The doctor that I have followed for the past two days is a specialist in Uticaria (allergic rashes).  I am surprised how common it is here, however that could have to do with the doctor's specialty and the time of year.  After the clinic shift, we all have a lecture together.  It has been valuable, but by the end of the day we are all pretty tired.  Early afternoon is also about when jet lag gets to be pretty difficult.  Although, I have noticed that it has been better for me lately.

Torrential downpour
It rained so hard here last Wednesday when I went to get Mike.  I guess there was some kind of typhoon nearby and that resulted in pouring rain.  There were two large cloud breaks.  The first caught me totally off guard soaking my shoes and pants.  Luckily I was able to huddle under Y Lan's umbrella and kept somewhat dry.  I thought that we had rainstorms in Seattle, but that is nothing compared to what happens in China.  It was pretty intense.  When I went to pick up Mike it had started again and rain was falling so hard that the steps to the subway looked like a waterfall.  There was loud thunder and you could see lightning everywhere.  The streets were also flooding, but luckily this time I had sandals, umbrella and a rain jacket.  I was prepared.

Picking up Mike
Getting Mike from the airport went pretty smoothly.  The subway system here is really clean, nice and easy to use.  It did take a lot longer then I had planned, but luckily Mike's flight was delayed.  It worked out pretty well.  Unfortunately, the subway stops running at 9:00 so we had to take a cab home. Overall, it went pretty well.

Airing of the belly (Dr Cao, Mike thinks it's great, Old Men, Ann thinks it's not great)
Mike typed up these paragraph headings for me.  There is a strange, inexplicable habit that Shanghai men seem to have.  It strikes those above thirty most often, but I have seen examples of it in men in their twenties as well.  I know that it is hot out.  I am also hot.  But it isn't that, more a way to show off....?....that  results in grown men walking down the streets with their shirts pulled up to display their bellies.  Today, I saw a guy who was in his early twenties who had pulled up his shirt all the way to his chest.  I don't understand.  Why not just take it off?

Dinner with Mike's Uncle + Aunt in Lujiazui (pudong, with the big buildings, looking across the river at the brightly lit Bund)
Was delicious.  Probably the best meal that I have had in China so far.  Every thing was fresh and amazing and the view was of the bund and beautiful.

Swim
Our hotel (new place) has a pool!  It is great!  I went for a swim after clinic today and it was so refreshing.  I feel spoiled staying in such a nice place.  I guess we lucked out!

Sleepy.  Well, I am going to attach a single picture.  I wish I could send more, but have to wait for a better internet connection.  Also, I can't actually navigate to my blog so I can't see comments or respond to anything.  Please!  Email me!  I miss you guys and although I might be slow in replying, it would be fun to hear how things are going in Seattle.

By the way, the have black Pabst here.  I haven't been brave enough to drink it.

Ann