Leaving Hangzhou
These last couple of days has been packed. Tuesday, we visited two different CDC (Center for Disease Control) facilities where Bill and Janet gave a presentation on the US Heath Care System at both locations. Our friend Yosef, came along and worked as the interpreter with the presentations and the round table discussions that followed.
Our hosts treated us to both lunch and dinner. Let me try to describe the meal and setting. First we are seated at a BIG round table (there were us eight and six or so officials) with a large “lazy-susan” in the middle. The meal started with eight or more appetizer dishes that included bamboo shoots, boiled peanuts, fish tails, and roasted duck tongue to name a few. This was followed with an endless parade of dishes that represented the Hangzhou style of cooking. I cannot begin to describe it all, but there was not one thing I did not try and all was good. Note - we had two meals of this quantity in the same day!
Wednesday we went to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. Hospitals in China operate as clinics as well as acute care facilities. So upon entering the lobby, there is a mass of people. The procedure is you pay first for the service you need (long wall of cashiers) then you move on to the floor or hall and wait for your examination. The pharmacy is also there, both Chinese traditional and Western style. China’s health care system, like the US is also looking at reform.
Today, Thursday, we leave for Beijing. We will pack this morning and then we have a farewell luncheon. We will head for the train station this afternoon where we will take the overnight Z-train. Assuming I’ll have Internet connects I’ll keep posting – Kathy.