Thursday, August 2, 2012

In case you were worried...

Typhoon Damrey isn't much to talk about. We haven't heard any news about flooding or devastation, but then again, we don't understand Chinese so we wouldn't understand anyway. Here in Qingdao, it's been a little rainy and breezy; nothing to write home about (despite the fact we're writing home about it).

Brian's last IV stem cell infusion is today! The nurses were in bright and early to start his IV. The nurse that's been doing his IV's is excellent at it. One quick stick and she's got it. Sean had to try twice for Brian's IV before the plane ride, and the nurses in Beijing had to try four or five times. So kudos to her!

We leave Qindao on Monday for Beijing, where we'll spend the night at a hotel near the airport. Then Tuesday it's back to Ireland! China is strange, sometimes bizarre, but always interesting. We've barely picked up a word of Chinese besides "hello" (ni hao) and "thank you" (xi xia). We've always heard Chinese is the most difficult language to learn, and we do not doubt it. There are no common reference points. Even gesturing means nothing here in China. For example, if you were to show someone three fingers in the West, the other person would generally get the idea of "three." Not here. Even motioning "left" or "right" to the taxi drivers isn't always effective. It's a completely different mindset and view of the world that eludes us westerners for the most part. Being back home will be a most welcome experience.

Stay tuned for more! The adventure continues!

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