Clinics + A Lot of Fun

7/20/23

Day 3 of CESSA, baby! If you don't remember, this is the general practice/maternal health clinic that we are on rotation with this week. The sense of comradery in this clinic is truly something else. The nurses, especially the charge nurse, are so lively and the doctor really was looking out for us the entire time. I was worried they really wouldn't want us there or would rather us be as far away as possible, but the doctor was really good at making sure we could see and understand everything. Today we saw a pregnant 18-year-old who unfortunately had a vaginal infection, and it really got me thinking about the history lesson we had yesterday after clinic. Apparently gender roles and indigenous status play a huge part in the level of education you can reach and the age at which you have kids here in Mexico, and I can't help but think of myself. What would I have done in her shoes when I was 18?

7/21/23

Today was the funniest day I've had yet. Went back to CESSA for the last day of our rotation, and we were surprised to find new doctors and nurses we hadn't met yet. I was worried about having to start from square 1 in introducing myself and getting to know the staff, but they were all so funny. We saw a lot of patients today. A couple of older ladies, a pregnant woman, and an ambulance with 2 boys that had gotten in a motorcycle accident. It gave us another chance to see an ultrasound, which did show a slower heartbeat for the baby, so the doctors advised the mom to go eat something sweet before coming back to take a different test. I know those boys were in a state of shock coming out of that ambulance, but nothing was broken which means they were very lucky! I spoke a lot with the doctor today about medical school and found out it's a little shorter here than in the US. I also got some recommendations for types of mezcal to try but was warned that some of them are muy fuerte (like 70% alcohol???). The doctor did in fact ask if I had Instagram and I of course said yes. We were then talking about going to la tentacion, which is a good place here to get a drink and dance some salsa, so he told me to send him a message if we go there so he could meet up with us. Don't really know if that's still happening yet because it doesn't open until pretty late, but I guess I'll update on that later.

7/22/23

This morning we went to Monte Alban, which reminded me a lot of Chichen Itza. I think it's incredible how we can see how the times have changed through the way the buildings are made and through the stories that the people had carved on the rock. Unfortunately, I did get carsick on the ride there and had to take a Tylenol once we made it, but that didn't stop me from climbing some gigantic stairs to get to the top of the ruins. We came back to the homestay afterwards and I took some nausea medicine, but I believe it's an antihistamine that makes you sleepy, so I apologize if anything I've written today seems incoherent. I had half a beer last night at a bar but did not go to la tentacion with the rest of the group just because I didn't want to walk back too late. The group wants to go back again tonight, but I don't think I can drink while on this nausea medicine so we'll see what happens. I think I'm going to take a nap now...maybe do an Anki deck.

7/23/23

Took it slow this morning since I feel like my body is still adjusting to a new environment. I slept in, and then we went out to the markets to shop and take a peak at the small stores around town. I ended up buying the cutest wrap skirt and I'm so excited to wear it to business casual events back home. In the afternoon, our whole group went to la feria de mezcal, which is basically this giant fair where vendors are lined up to give you tastes of mezcal, a staple drink of Oaxaca. The crema ones were so good. I had a couple tastes of straight mezcal but they were really strong. Like burning in the back of my throat strong. I was really debating buying a bottle of mezcal de crema but I don't want to go through Atlanta customs with that in my backpack ;0. We then walked to Roy's tacos while it was raining, which is the 2nd time we've gone and it was SO GOOD. They have the best salsa combos to pair with the tacos. Absolutely life changing. And worth getting soaked. We then walked over to Pitico, which is a grocery store here to refill on some snacks. Now it's 11:00pm, I'm in bed, and will probably post this is in the morning because I'm too lazy to do it now.

Closing

We are one week down! Two more rotations and a lot of mezcal to go. Until my next update.