Wow I haven’t posted here in a while. Life hasn’t been too busy, I just haven’t felt like I’ve had anything spectacular to write about. Since I last wrote, I went to Japan with my bf and it was a roller- coaster of a week. Both trying and awesome at the same time. We had both just finished an intense rotation with a huge bang of an exam the day before we were to leave for Tokyo. There was no time to celebrate, just packing and organising things. Then with barely any sleep, we dragged our bodies to the airport for the 12 hour flight. It was exciting but terrible at the same time.
Things weren’t all gloom though. The trip was fantastic, really - we saw so much culture, and as we’re both extremely observant and love people watching, there was sensory overload every single minute and it was fascinating! However, the combination of extreme heat and humidity, a raging typhoon that stopped public transport and barely any planning (in between studying medicine) made for a pretty stressful time. We forgot to bring the tickets we preordered for with us (for a place that we had both Dreamed of going to), but luckily, they were nice enough to re-distribute them to 2 forgetful foreigners. Getting around and orientating ourselves was not too bad actually, as we are both quite on the ball for those types of things. I read the kanji that I semi-understand, and he has a sixth sense for the right direction. I had to be fed every 3 hours (especially being on my feet all day under the sun) and he eats like a camel (big meal, don’t need to feed for another 3 days) so there were a lot of little arguments (mostly on my end) as I became cranky easily.We ended up having huge rows towards the end, occasionally with ‘let’s end it here’ thrown in. It was pretty horrible.
But all in all, it was a great experience. I love being able to understand who I love better and what way to do so than an intense 24/7 week of being in a foreign country where we don’t speak the language.
And now I’m back at school, trying to get through my last rotation (mental health, urgh) without feeling too connected and too empathic towards every patient I interview. It’s hard to dissociate, especially when you’re taught to be empathetic to everyone you meet. I’ve diagnosed myself with 3 different diagnoses already and it’s only the 4th week in.
October, be gentle. I’m already getting those nostalgic pangs that come with the end of another year.
