Nick’s Spinal AVM Blog

Trip to Downtown Qingdao

February 24th, 2008

Yesterday (Saturday) Nicholas, Wendy (rep from Beike, who is absolutely wonderful!), Al (husband of Denmark patient) and I went to downtown Qingdao.  It’s about 45 minutes from the hospital.  We began with lunch at a Japenese restaurant with sushi bar…….food was good.  We were advised to go to toilet before we ventured out into downtown shops.  What a shock……..Wendy had warned that there were no seats…..porcelain hole in floor.  Oh all clean, just had to hold on, take aim and fire.  We then headed to the many shops along the streets which were “packed” with people coming and going in all directions.  We thought there was some type of festival going on, but Wendy assured us that this is a typical day in downtown Qingdao. We were all pretty tired after walking much, especially Nicholas. In one shop, Nicholas was offered a “seat” and took it. We saw a McDonald’s and a WalMart while there, as matter of fact, Nicholas ordered (McDonald’s) a double cheeseburger, fries and coke to go and off we went as our driver arrived to take us out of the crowd.  We drove by the waterfront where we saw a temple, various structures, housing and the brewery.  We understand their “Beer Festival” is in August.  We continued along the waterfront looking and taking pictures then on to the Bank of China for additional money.  I was surprised at how easy their ATM’s are to use……..just like ours.  Guess I was a little apprehensive being in another Country.  While we were in the bank, Nicholas inhaled his McDonald’s burger……he was tired and yep, hungry again.  Today (Sunday) I went to RT Mart with Al to pick up a few things. Nicholas stayed in room recuperating as he wants to be his best for tomorrow’s 2nd spinal injection.  I have gotten used to the stares I get in the market as people refer to me as “foreigner”.  Some say, “Hello” I think to hear me say hello back.  The people are all very friendly and curious. 

We have had problems with getting access to the internet, but will definitely keep you all updated as connection permits.

Mona, I inadvertedly deleted your email address.  If you or your mother want to contact me when we return to Navarre, please email again and I will give you my home email address.  Thank you for your very encouraging words. Nicholas just said that he would like to thank you and everyone for all your encouraging comments.

Vicki

Entry Filed under: spinal avm,Uncategorized