Hello all! Am currently writing this out for the 2nd time as in typical Wewak style the power went out last time around. In mean time however i did manage to get in a quick run around the airport. First since i've been here and by gosh does the humidity get you! So the first week here is over already! Can't believe how fast the time is going. I must say that i've never spent so much time at a hospital! I'm really enjoying my elective here.. it's been great so far. With the surgical team currently and they have been lovely. Am getting as much hands on experience as i want and they make an effort to get you involved and doing something, not just standing in a distant corner somewhere like in sydney looking on from afar and wondering when you can leave! I've assisted in all the operations so far.. which have included circumcisions; ORIF's; skin grafts, debridements; and my fav the ruptured ectopic pregnancy..a medical emergency you would think.. but the poor lady had to wait hours because there was no blood! Great huh! Was an awesome operation though.. could not believe how much blood came out of this lady! Anyway so hospital has been a blast! Although the last few days there's been a bit of a disaster - been a bit of a problem with the blood and there's been a few wrong blood type transfusions been given. DISASTER! I've been made to go around the hospital chasing all transfusions in past week and re-taking blood & crossmatching it with the bags given etc.. has been a nightmare. If i never have to take blood again i will be very happy! On the social front we've been invited to many a friends place almost every evening.. has been quite nice. Visited the markets today and got given big crabs which thoroughly enjoyed for lunch! Yet to get my hands on a cocconut yet even though they are everywhere, and sold for about 4cents! And have yet to have a swim yet either! But all things to do. Suprised at how tired i am really! Had my first encounter with a rat the other night.. was not pleasant. Now sleep with the light on and one eye open! If you don't know already the thought of a rat in my room petrifies me. But generally speaking, the first week has been great. Everyone is so nice to me and i'm treated like a bit of celebrity! I'm not complaining. Everyone is happy to help out wherever they can. I lost the earpiece to my stethoscope the other day and the whole ward was up out of their beds and on the floor looking with me. Was great. The kiddies in the hospital are lovely and stroke my hair and touch my skin and one came up to me the other day as i was walking along and just grabbed hold of my hand. Very sweet. But sad also as you see heaps of awful ulcers and gangrene and it's pretty nasty stuff.. nothing like you would ever really see at home primarily due to the hygeine i suppose. Have included a variety of pics for your amazement &/or disgust! Enjoy. There's one of the highly equipped (yeah right) operating theatre, me and a dog..at margaret hayward's place, the high tech traction device, burn victim & amputation for diabetic foot. Nice. Ok best be off.. time for a cold shower! (not that i'm given a choice!) Ciao!