Memories in my Life

BEFORE MY DREAM CAME TRUE; JAPAN JOURNEY

2010-03-31T03:30:00.001-07:00

Japan, the fascinating country which a lot of people dream to visit including me.

For 2 years ago I had ever applied for exchanged student in Yamakuchi hospital, the scholarship program of faculty of medicine Siriraj Hospital. Though defeat of this competition give me a good chance to have memorable time in Tzu Chi University; Taiwan instead, I have still dreamt of Japan travelling all along.

My dream was far from coming true because Japan living expenses is too high. It is too difficult for me to make a decision to lay out almost all of my whole life savings for that, till something activated my hided aspire to alive again.

In November 2009 the scholarship for exchanged student in Tokyo University is announced. It was such a bad news of my closed friends to lose this selection. We discussed about ourselves Japan travelling half-seriously. I couldn’t believe that it became serious planning soon to go Japan in last vacation after graduation. I had made my decision so long time, considered between the benefit of travelling aboard that I realized it is such a valuable experience, memorable time and get one’s money worthwhile if you can effort, and the disadvantage of my financial problem.

Actually, my family is not well off, going aboard is too wasteful for asking any support. Absolutely, I will use my savings that most of them came from my part time job for example high school tutor, research assistant, health counselor of private clinic, and interpreter that is enough for this journey expense. However, I still felt guilty to be extravagant while my family have faced to financial problem occasionally.

While I was confused, my senior friends had recounted about their previous abroad journeys in Japan, Italy, etc. Those excellent experiences are valuable, many people appreciate journey to reward themselves after do hard-working even though all of their savings must be lost for that, it is worthwhile. And he does either. That seem God’s whisper to push on me to decide travelling to Japan in economical condition strictly.

Around 1 week before Japan VISA request, my grandmother got accident; falling in my home during walking to restroom in nighttime. She had left neck of femur fracture (Garden classification type IV). The first choice treatment is operation; left Hip Hemiarthroplasty. Medical treatment costs is more than 100,000 Bath. Absolutely, I decided not to go to Japan immediately and planed to pay for medical fee myself. But It may be too difficult for my mom to accept money from the young that had not earnings yet, she deny my support and accept my closed cousin's help instead. Fortunately, due to I am a medical student, Professor Kirati, one of the famous Orthologist, accepted to be possessed physician and permitted Emergency health insurance that lessened the expense from 100,000+ to around 50,000Bath. After operation my granny get better very soon and discharged from Siriraj Hospital.

Then I went to request Japan VISA with my friends while I was still hesitant whether I was really going to Japan. I faced obstacle again when my documents were not accepted due to I used my own statement instead of my parent’s one. Hence, I wrote long essay for VISA request and just waited for result. Whatever the outcome is, I supposed it was benefit, in case VISA was permitted, I had definitely decided to prove the reputation of charming country of Japan myself. Conversely, it was also good for me to save my money and not being a luxurious girl comparable with my family financial status if my VISA was not passed.

Eventually, I could not believe that my VISA was permitted. And because I planned to travel as prudently as possible, we had to reserved everything in advanced. Because of searching for the cheapest airplane tickets, cheapest JR tickets and reasonable price of accommodation, it made my kind companion feel uncomfortable however they still accepted my request, THANK YOU SO MUCH. Finally, we could accomplish, got the cheapest airplane tickets for this season 17,000 Bath, JR 10,150 Bath, and low-cost hostels.

INTRODUCTION:

2010-03-31T03:30:00.000-07:00

Japan is always one of the fascinating country. Other than excellent nature, appealing culture, color of hasty and comfortable lifestyle in the city that impress us, I had a chance to learn more and got memorable experiences.

Managing everything ourselves instead of readymade package of tourism was much more challenging and economical. Absolutely, some problems occurred and were resolved and conflict between closed companions could happen in long time journey. But everything in each of our pace is the worth lesson in real life that instruct the learner to be endured, generous, compromising. All of the hindrance could enlighten us to be matured and strength more. Particularly, the opposition and any troubles could cultivate our valuable friendship tightly.

By the way, back packing trip was not comfortable at all, not only airline tickets and accommodations must be reserved but also planning must be arranged. Moreover the luggage somewhat trouble us, they are roller suitcases instead of real backpacks that are the recommendation for the professional backpacker because I was just an amateur who couldn’t carry 15-20 kg. baggage on my back. So our roller suitcases must be dragged on bumpy ground distantly and carry up and down on ladder difficultly. Huhhhh… I was exhausted in transferring many times and couldn’t imagine how it was going if the roller was out of order.

Due to one of this trip members had ever been japan for 2 years ago, our plan was not perfect for the first time wanderer at all but it was created to be as fit as possible for all of our trip members. The 13-days trip was created, Ozaka, Kobe, Nara, Nicco, Yogohama that are the common sightseeing were skipped because Sunchai had ever gone before. We started this trip at Kyoshu; the south island of Japan: in Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Beppu for 4 days. After that, we travelled to Himeji and stayed in Ozaka then went to Hakone. The other days we stayed in Tokyo.

Before starting our journey, may I introduce our trip kind members that consist of 6 people including me. Let’s know them.

Lukmoo (me) I have no idea how to introduce myself. You can know me from this story

Sung: Sakura Princess of Japan and the supermodel of Thailand. She do love taking photos especially single poser.

Poom: The generous girl that crazy about photographing and attracted the boys of this trip because of her excellent camera. Her kindness impress me much.

Nat: His favorite is all kind of sweets. Though there are always debate between us, he is still the best friend of mine.

Pae: He is such a gentle man. His attractive character can generate delight from everyone around him.

Sunchai: If there was eating competition, he must be the Champion. (*^_^*) He is always my good companion and also the best Japan guide.

You know all of my trip members already… Let’s start our journey right now.

Day 1: ASAKUSA, TOKYO

2010-03-31T03:27:00.001-07:00

We departed from Suwannabhum; Bangkok at 5.35am by Delta Airline (Northwest). Omlette was served as my breakfast, then I slept deeply along the way and couldn’t finish New Moon movie as I intended because I got a wink of sleep all night before. The snack service (Ham cheese sandwich) had been kept in my bag and became my lunch soon. We arrived Narita airport; Tokyo around 1pm (Japan time that is faster than Thailand for 2 hours). Japan Rail Pass that we had bought from Bangkok were activated and 2-day Tokyo Metro pass were bought in advanced at Narita that are much cheaper than buying in the train station (2-day pass: 980 yen, normal price 1400 yen). We catch Keisei line from Narita to our hostel (around 1000 yen

The private 6beds bedroom of Sakura hostel Asakusa was nice. Everything was all right especially the restroom and shower room that we appreciated in. After luggage was kept we start our japan journey in Asakusa around Senjoji temple, one of the famous temple in Tokyo.

Though the temple was closed already, there were some of tourist took photos with large red lantern of Senjoji temple and shopping around there.

Senjoji temple Cast lots (Siam-Si) is well-known, we didn’t hesitate to shake lots tin, a piece of stick dropped easily. There are 4 levels of forecasting, if your horoscope is not good you can hold a paper with the provided place. Normally, it is crowded with numerous tourists on daytime, souvenir stores that line up orderly on the entrance path always bustle.

Day 2: FUKUOKA

2010-03-31T03:27:00.000-07:00

We woke up 5am, carried our suitcases, bought bento for our breakfast and caught Shinkansen to Fukuoka. As I told you in Introduction that one third of our trip was in Kyoshu and started in Fukuoka. We stayed in Fukuoka for 3 nights and in Bebpu for 1 night.

Comparing with other interesting town for instance Kyoto, Ozaka, Nara etc, Fukuoka is not remarkable at all except Dazaifu that is outside from Fukuoka downtown and you shouldn’t miss there if you have been in Fukuoka.

We arrived Hakata station in Fukuoka around 1pm, one day Bus pass were bought (Family tickets 3people: 1400yen (467 yen/1person)) that could be used for all buses that drive in Fukuoka downtown. Our luggage were dragged to Khoasan Fukuoka hostel that informed in internet that 7min walking from Hakata station but we use around 15 minute Khoasan Hostel hadn’t be seen yet, Oh my god!! So far. On the way (~2pm) Sung occasionally saw the notice of 399 yen lunch of one restaurant, we didn’t hesitate to fill my gut there and go on walking to our destination.

Khoasan Fukuoka hostel is all right, 1st floor 3 beds bedroom was occupied by Sung, Poom and me but boy gang had to carry the luggage on steep ladder to the 2nd floor. It was too late (~3pm) when we departed from our hostel to travel Fukuoka so we couldn’t accomplish our plan to go to Dazaifu on that day (Dazaifu close 4pm) so we take the bus to wander Fukuoka downtown; Canal city ; ordinary department store that was built astride the canal, Tenjin; shopping area, Fukuoka tower and Robosquare.

The information in our book said that Robosquare closed 5pm, but it closed already when we arrived there at 4.15pm due to the closed time was changed to be 4pm… What a pity!!

Day 3: KUMAMOTO

2010-03-31T03:25:00.001-07:00

The third early morning started since 6am, it was raining lightly. We planned to go to Kumamoto, the Volcanic town, we was going to Mountain Aso and Nakadake, the famous Volcano of Kyoshu. Shinkansen to Kumamoto had to catch and arrived the station around 9am. Raining stopped already when we reached there. Due to going to Volcano, I had supposed the weather was warm from volcanic flame, conversely, my thinnest sweater couldn’t warm me enough.

At the information center of Aso Mt. there was notice that Mt. Aso, Nakadake was not permitted to be near and Roveway was temporary closed because of toxic volcanic gas as well as too clouded fog that was hazardous. What a pity !!!!! again…. Nevertheless, we got on a bus for the nearest area to Aso mountain.

On the way it was dull with too much fog, if the driver was not skilled enough, I supposed the bus might overshoot a curve or falled to high gorge, Opps!!. Finally, We reached the sightseeing place safely but we could not see anything other than gloomy fog. The wind was very strong and the weather was frigid, I could not stood outside anymore and walked to the building rapidly. We had to wait for 2 hour until the next bus came for pick us up went back to the station and had Bento there. Japanese people are always friendly and nice. During having a lunch, a group of old Japanese folks tried to make friend with us. Though they couldn’t speak English, they tried to use nonverbal language and distributed Japanese snack to us as well.

these are just the Aso pictures that we had not a chance to sightsee due to dull folk

In late evening we visited Kumamoto castle before had a dinner at Kumamoto station and came back my hostel in late night with lots of exhaustion.

everyone was excited in Sakura.

Pae and Poom pretended to be actress and actor of Korean series, haha ><

Day 4: NAGASAKI

2010-03-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

The historic town of 2nd world war; Nagasaki. Today trip started in early morning as everyday. 500 yen Nagasaki one day pass was bought.

We firstly went to Glover Garden, western and Japanese style garden.

Our tasks in this garden is searching for 2 heart shape stones that are the representative of fulfilled love. Almost everyone in my team were enthusiastic to find ones. Finally, Sunchai was the love stone discoverer (by catching the area that most crowded).

Heart stone; the representative of fulfilled love.

The famous Nagasaki souvenir; 3 large pieces of Kasutera (cake) were bought, sharing between us. We found out soon that it was not delicious at all, we had to try to finish them difficultly.

big imitating Kasutera Cake

The famous Nagasaki souvenir; 3 large pieces of Kasutera (cake) were bought, sharing between us. We found out soon that it was not delicious at all, we had to try to finish them difficultly.

After sightseeing Glover Garden we took for hours for searching for our lunch that was hardly presence of any food shop or reasonable price restaurant in Nagasaki. My friends denied bento in Minimart because they had them every day as their breakfast. Because of no restaurant here, finally, we couldn’t refuse Bento as our lunch in one of somewhat good bento shop. Actually, because of its low cost and delicious, I do love Bento and were able to get it almost every meal of this trip but my friends are bored Bento.

Then we walked on steep pathway harshly to Peach Park, that consist of Peach statue which was completed in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing. The raised arm points to the threat of nuclear weapons and the out stretched arm symbolized peace.

After that Nagasaki China Town was explored and headed to Sofukuji temple that is not as beautiful as in the picture and Spectacles Bridge that I love it!! Spectacles Bridge gets its name from the fact that the two arches and their reflection in the river look like a pair of eyeglasses. The Romantic view of evening scene of Spectacles bridge attracted many of couples to date and take photos here. If you come here especially with you sweetheart, this is one place of my recommendation.

We ended up our trip at western restaurant that is famous of stake and ice-cream. My friends seem happy with their own dinner however I did not get it at all because of high cost and I had my own prepared bento.

Day 5: BEPPU

2010-03-31T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hiding myself in warm blanket in cold weather is too comfortable to be defeated sleepiness and wake up in early morning. You may not imagine how fatigue we were, every single morning started very early, walked almost all day for miles and came back to our placed late night. Today we had tight planning as well, Dazaifu shrine in morning and take on the shinkansen to Bebpu. I still felt exhausted from our journey and also nightmare last night. I dreamt that I was the witness of murder accidentally and escape the murderer from killing. It was extremely stressed and excited. Hence, this morning, I wouldn’t like to awake up till my clock alarm.

“Knock knock” the door was knocked from outside. Poom climbed from her bed to open the door. Sunchai was in ready suit and informed that it was much late from appointed time; 8am. Oh my God!!! So sorry that my mobile phone was out of order, could not alarm, unfortunately, Sung and Poom hadn’t set alarming either. We were late too much for the tight schedule today Huh!!!!

On the train, Sunchai appreciated a handsome train conductor and couldn’t stand asking him to take photo together. Oops!! Hope the smart guy didn’t feel terrified all Thai tourist. Haha><
Dazaifu is interesting and beautiful. Other than Dazaifu shrine, there are lots of temples around there. What a pity!! We had limited time in Dazaifu (including transportation duration around 2+ hours for round trip as well as difficult communication with nonverbal language that was also our obstruction).

Moreover, it was raining so we visited there just ineffective short time. Eventhough there are lots of hindrance today, I still impress Dazaifu.

Then we went back to get our luggage and took on the train to Bebpu, the next destination. Although I had more sleeping time last night (because late waking up), I slept deeply on the train as usual.

The train ran in Bebpu, well-known Hot spring town that I had never thought it was such a beautiful suburb, nature and fume of Hot spring decorate this town to be pleasant and far from chaos and rush life style from the city. Absolutely, it was too late to go to famous hot spring (8 hells of Beppu) so after keeping our luggage in Khoasan Bebpu hostel, we headed to take a bath in public hot spring (onsen).

Onsen, Japanese hot spring that is the representative of social equality of Japanese people, we must be naked there in public bath. Due to I had ever gone Hot Spring in Taiwan, unclothed bath was not the terrible thing at all. But my friend, Poom got trouble, she shocked after facing completely undressed women in dressing room, and she absolutely refused to be naked in onsen.

Sung and I made an effort to convince her, finally she accept to bathe with her towel when not being in bathtub. I might be in onsen too long, I felt dizzy from vasodilation. But I still love hot shower, especially relaxing in hot bathtub of Onsen that make me feel good.

Beppu Tower was our next station after nice and reasonable price dinner. 300 yen was paid for it, there was nothing interesting there, you shouldn't visit , other than old folk meeting.

Day 6: BEPPU & HIMEJI & OZAKA

2010-03-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

8 Hells of Beppu (famous Hot Spring) were mentioned by us till now as the beautiful attraction. I had to retract my previous thought that Beppu is just suburb area and not interesting at all in my prior opinion. We agree unanimously that Beppu is one of Hi Light location of this trip.

We could visit only 6 hells because of limited time. Each of them has different distinctive point for instance “Shiraike Jigoku” was my first visiting Hot spring that has odd fish, “Oniyama Jigoku” is notable in numerous Crocodiles, “Onlishibouzu Jigoku” is boiled mud, “Yama Jigoku” was also a mini zoo, “Kamado Jigoku” is prominent in Foot Onsen and eat boiled egg synchronously that I love much, “Umi Jigoku” is outstanding in excellent natural scene that captivate all of sightseer.

“Shiraike Jigoku” was my first visiting Hot spring that has odd fish

“Onlishibouzu Jigoku” is boiled mud

“Umi Jigoku” is outstanding in excellent natural scene that captivate all of sightseer.

“Oniyama Jigoku” is notable in numerous Crocodiles

“Kamado Jigoku” is prominent in Foot Onsen and eat boiled egg synchronously that I love much

We hurried up to got on the train to Himeji castle in the afternoon, but Beppu attracted us to be late. According to Thai guide book, Himeji castle was closed at 5pm. We almost ran to Himeji immediately reached station and kept our luggage in lockers.

We disappointed again when found out that this season it was closed at 4 pm….

Oh! My God… miss Himeji castle again. Huh… hence, just taking photos around castle that we could do our best.

The special evening in Gligo of Ozaka is nice. The train station in Ozaka is as crowded as in Tokyo.

Gligo was colorful in night time. Sunchai brought us to the famous restaurant of Gligo. Large dishes of hot and good savor pasta were served. And everyone was happy with special dinner except me that was still happy with my prudent bento and avoid high price meal (~1200 yen).

We stayed in 6 single bedrooms of Toyo hostel that is the nearest hostel to JR station I had ever stayed in Japan . The most economic hostel of this trip, however the restrooms are unsatisfied; smelly and not cleaned. Anyway, I didn’t mind at all because we stayed here only 1 night and the bedroom with facility is nice.

Day 7: HAKONE

2010-03-31T03:14:00.000-07:00

Huh!!! My large suitcase had to be transferred again in the morning… I hate it!! Because my suitcase was the heaviest one, conversely I am the smallest body of this trip. I was more intelligent than in the first day to search for elevator first in case there was not any electric stairway available instead of carrying my large suitcase up and down by ladder.

Today trip was Hakone for sightseeing Mountain Fuji, the most renowned and elegant mountain of Japan. The earliest Japan rail to Odawara station was caught at 8.15am and taking 1hr 30min. Our baggage were kept in the locker at Odawara station.

2-days Hakone pass 3900 yen was recommended for travelling in Hakone that there was a souvenir bag for everyone who stamp the press in each station more that 4 stamps. We started by Hakone rail way to Hakone Yumoto station and transferred by bus to Moto-Hakone. Firstly, we intended to walk through Ancient Cedar Avenue that is winding road lined with old Japanese cryptomerias runs between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, picnic around there with prepared Bento and board cruise at Hakone-machi. But it was too far and steep, our plan was abolished. We just take some photos at the entrance of Ancient Cedar Avenue that could not see the termination. And our lunch (Bento) were settled at lake side beside cruise habour. Though the sunshine was quite strong, the weather is cool due to Hakone is 800m. above sea level.

On the cruise, it was such a nice scene that consist of large quiet lake surrounding by green mountain. Nevertheless, it was an excellent landscape, we could not see any sign of Mountain Fuji yet. The gloomy fog cover Fuji area completely… we felt disappointed.

Then we got on the ropeway at Sounzan, the last chance to sightsee Mt Fuji and expect just the shadow of Fuji was seen. It was really only the shadow of Mt Fuji that we imagine ourselves. Everyone discussed which shadow was the real one, it was funny.

This was Mt. Fuji in the picture that could not be seen today.

Before the conclusion of our debate would be confirmed, we dropped in Owakudani; greater boiling Valley. The entire gorge reeks of sulfurous fumes. Clouds of steam rise from crevassed, hot springs bubble out. Black eggs, the remarkable thing of Owakudani, were tried by almost all traveler including our group. We found out that their tastes were same as ordinary eggs. After exploring and taking photos enough we went on our journey by ropeway. At our last ropeway station that might be the first one of somebody on the opposite way, there was a notice that “We can’t see Mt.Fuji” the painful truth that we discovered ourselves.

The next station had to reach by tram, Gora Park, the largest rock park in the Orient. The main attraction is a gigantic fountain pond.

tram for Gora station

Absolutely, we could get the souvenir bag, it was no doubt that more than 4 stamps could be collected. After that we headed to Asakusa Fukudaya Hotel in Tokyo before had a dinner around 9.30pm.

Day 8: KYOTO

2010-03-31T03:13:00.000-07:00

Twin room was occupied by three girls. I accepted that it was too small for 3 people (around 150 cm in width) but we could sleep together warmly.

Today Sunchai refused to participated in our trip because he had already traveled there and intended to go to Nikko that he had never gone. Taking Sinkansen from Tokyo station to Kyoto around 3 hours but only 1 hour from Ozaka to Kyoto. Because of some condition, we had to stayein Tokyo and wasted long time in the train.

Firstly, we went to Kinkakuji temple, Golden building that was surrounding by quiet lake. Passport ticket is 500 yen.

Kinkakuji temple is such a beautiful place that was Cho-kun’s temple in Icque Sung cartoon. Souvenir here was nice and reasonable price so I got one postcard for my friend (80 yen) and Kinkakuji key rings for my friends

The second place was Ginkakufi temple or Silvery temple. The passport ticket is 400 yen. Full of elegant nature, Japanese style garden around the building attracted me to stand still and keep the front scene in my memory.

The last notable temple that we travelled was Kiyomizudera, one of the largest temple of Kyoto that was constructed on the cliff. Passport ticket is 300 yen. Unfortunately, it rained in the afternoon so traveling Kiyomizu was difficultly.

The remarkableness of this temple is three stream of water fall from the roof that are implied Healthy, Fondness and Wealthy. There is long line for drinking this significant water.

Another area is love place that two Love stones was placed. The notice explained that who walk from the first stone to the second one blindly (closed eye), he would succeed in affection. WoW!! but it was raining, I hadn't tried yet.

After wandering around the great temple, we had a lunch in the restaurant near there before going to the next station.

It was so late when we arrived Gion and just found out that there was a festival in Gion Shrine, we didn’t hesitate to visit. The festival in the temple consisted of lots of booth that was not different from temple fair in Thailand at all. And at the large field behind the Shrine, Art Exhibition were displayed and also a small show in the garden. We used some time for taking photos before went back hurriedly to Kyoto train station to catch Shinkansen Tokyo. Our dinner was Bento on the train again.

Day 10: AKIHABARA & GINZA & SHINJUKU & TOKYO TOWER

2010-03-31T03:12:00.001-07:00

The really first day in Tokyo started so late because of our exhaustion that heaped for 9 days. We used 2-day Tokyo Metro Pass (980 yen) that we bought from Narita Airport. Our first station was brunch at Ueno (around 11am) before visiting Imperial Palace/Nijubashi that is opened for the public only East Park that consists of the famous Nijubashi bridge in front of the main entrance.

Nijubashi bridge

Imperial Palace

Then we went shopping (actually just looking) at famous Electric city of Tokyo; Akihabara then just a moment visiting Ginza; the high cost and tasteful shopping area.

Ginza

In the afternoon Sunchai brought us to Tokyo Metropolitan Government; One of Tokyo’s landmarks with an observatory on the 45th floor.

Before going to Tokyo tower in early night, we dropped at Krispy Kream; the famous American Doughnut fanshine. Though a purchasing line was very long, we waited just a moment with service of free one piece of Doughtnut during in line.

Tokyo tower was excellent, I had just known from Sunchai that there was 2 features of Tokyo Tower illumination which were changed every 2 hours. Hence, we could take picture both of them. We had a dinner at Chinese Restaurant at Ueno.

Day 9: TOKYO DISNEY SEA

2010-03-31T03:11:00.000-07:00

Tokyo Disney resort was one of the essentiality of this trip that we couldn’t overlook. Anyway several discuss about it couldn’t be concluded between Disney Land and Disney Sea till a few day before going there. Disney Sea was selected due to it was settled only in Japan whereas Disney Land could be visit in other countries later. Moreover Disney Land is more beautiful and elegant, on the contrary Disney Land is more pretty and childlike.

Disney Sea planning was arranged by Nat and I. I forgot to tell you before that each of our daily trip had to be assigned somebody in our group for preparing thoroughly.

Because we had not any chances for buying Disney Sea ticket in advanced. Though Disney Sea was opened at 9am but we had to queue in such a long line in early morning. Due to Sung’s spectacles were out of order accidently, she had to waste much time for contact lens wearing attempt so we couldn’t depart from our hostel in early morning as first plan.

We took on JR Keiyo line to Maihama station and got on Disney train to Disney Sea. On the way we had seen ticket booth of Disney Land, it was extremely crowded. I had supposed that fortunately we choose Disney Sea which might be less amount of tourists.

But I was wrong!!!

I couldn’t believe that what abundant people it was!!! There are much more traveler in many long lines at only North Entrance (there are 2 entrance South and North). Actually, today was weekday (Friday), the next days are holiday, this Monday was Japanese holiday as well and this Tuesday was our last day in Japan that we had to depart from here in the evening. So it was no doubt that today was our last choice.

There are 7 lands in Disney Sea. Each of them consists of Attraction, Restaurant and souvenir shops. All of parts in Disney were congested by people even Popcorn stall that had such a long line so what numerous traveler in queue it was, you may not be able imagine.

Mediteranean Harbour and American waterfront were passed rapidly with little taking photos because we focused on Attraction playing first.

“Tower of Terror” was our first station. But what a pity! there are too much people in line and Fastpass was either too long time (playing duration 6-7pm (that time was 10am)). Hence we passed our first station. And went ahead to next Land, Port Discovery

“Storm Rider” and “Aquatopia”, two interesting attractions of Port Discovery were passed again because of too long line and Nat planed to use Fastpass for the more important one. [Fastpass: You can cut the wait time at attractions with the Fastpass ticket that get from Fastpass ticketing machines near the attraction entrance. Fastpass cannot be used for another attraction till the period of time for using the former one has passed ]

Port Discovery

Storm Rider
Mysterious Island, the next Land that consists of 2 attraction, we headed to use Fastpass at “Journey to the Center of the Earth” that get fastpass duration: 3.30-4.30pm. Then use single rider for “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”

[Single Riders: it’s generally a lot quicker to ride the following attractions when they follow the designated single rider route for “Indiana Jones Adventure”, “Raging Spirits”, “20,000 Leaguea Under the Sea”]

Our group members separated and pretended to travel alone temporary. Instead of waiting for queue for 3 hours, we could walk pass such a long line to play immediately by riding alone with other groups that need somebody to fill the last seat on their plaything. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”: Explore the depths of the ocean aboard research submarines and discover a fantastic undersea world. It was so much beautiful but not exciting at all. Finally, we could play the first plaything after passed several ones.

Mysterious Island

The next Land was Lost River Delta: there were 2 interesting Attractions that could be use Single Rider: “Indiana Jones Adventure” and “Raging Spirits”.

Because of officer’s mistake, we had to line on the ordinary queue for 1 ½ hours (normally for 3 hours) then got Single Rider privilege to play “Indiana Jones Adventure”: search for the Fountain of Youth in a harrowing life-or-death journey to escape the supernatural and vengeful Crystal skull. It was more exciting than “20,000 leagues” and nice scene as well.

The second plaything finished around 12.30pm that was the end time of first Fasspass so Nat and I ran to Fasspass machine of “Storm Rider” before coming back to Lost River Deltal for “Raging Spirits”.

“Raging Spirits” Dare the wrath of two ancient gods as you speed through an archaeological excavation site aboard this roller coaster with a 360-degree loop! This was the most exciting of all playthings that we ever passed in Disney.
Mermaid Lagoon, the sixth Land of Disney Sea that is pretty and most childlike. Moreover, all of attractions here are more suitable for little children. We went ahead to “Mermaid Lagoon Theater”, the live musical production, under the sea, featuring Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Although we could not understand Japanese language, the splendid performance fastened my concentration and impress me much.

During waiting for the next exciting attraction, first Fasspass of “Journey to the Center of the Earth” we played a cute plaything, “The Whirlpool” Board a twirling kelp cup and go for a spin.

Arabian Coast, the last Land of Disney Sea we had visited.

“Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage” set sail for adventure with Sinbad! Follow the compass of your heart to find the greatest treasure. One of my impression in pretty scene along the way of my sailing on the boat.

Now it was time for “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (our first Fasspass) in Myterious Island, travel through mysterious caverns to the earth’s core as a scientist aboard fantastic vehicles designed by Captain Nemo. It was a beautiful scene again.

Before reaching the time of the second firstpass of Storm Rider: 5pm. We had a lunch at 4pm around there and went to American Waterfront for Tower of Terror Fastpass. But Fastpass of Tower of Terror was closed already, Huh what a pity!! “Storm Rider”: descend into the eye of a storm aboard an advanced flying weather laboratory and experience the wild turbulence of powerful winds. I didn’t feel excited at all.

“Aquatopia”: Board a watercraft for a wild, spinning, twirling ride through a maze of fountains rock formations and whirlpools. The line in the evening was not too long, only 10minutes waiting we could played Aquatopia.

Arabian Coast was visited again for “The Magic Lamp Theater”: Discover illusion and laughter in a theatrical experience combining live actors, magic, and Genie from Disney’s Aladin. The 3 dimension performance was funny and cute. We could hear laugh from audiences frequently.

Then we went back to American Waterfront for Tower of Terror, the line was still as long as in the morning even it was late (7.30pm). maybe if we waited for queue, we would finish it at the closed time of Disney; 10pm. Because of our exhaustion all day, we chose to take photos with beautiful buildings in American Waterfront and watch an excellent show and firework at Mediterranean Harbor instead.

The colorful night show in the water was perfect. Flamboyant fountain was combined with rousing flames harmoniously. Many thousands of tourists occupied all of area around gigantic Mediterranean Harbor following by resounding applause after the perfect show ending.

We finished this memorable night with lots of impression and fatigue.
Good Bye Disney Sea…

Day 11: SHIBUYA & HARAJUKU & ROPPONGI

2010-03-31T03:10:00.000-07:00

My first time in Japan, I had such an expensive meal. Sunchai brought us to have brunch at Sweet Paradise; famous cake buffet restaurant in Shibuya. Several kinds of Spaketti and colorful cakes, sweets and ice-cream lined at the side of large restaurant that was very crowded. If we was late merely 15 minutes, there weren’t any dining tables left. We had 90mins for buffet time, this brunch was nice but I felt extremely full, uncomfortable and got flatulence.

The statue of grateful Japanese dog was settled in front of Shibuya Rail way station. They told that this dog had came to meet his master everyday even though the master had passed away, he still do for years. Wow! Such a lovely dog, I luv him. Lots of traveler take photo with the famous dog.

Shibuya Center Town is one of the busiest part of Tokyo especially on holidays. Along the main street and the center alleys are lined up a number of shops popular among young people such as foreigh-affiliated music stores, fashion goods shops, variety stores, and fast-food stores. Oh! My God… so many people.

Then we went to Harajuku that is not far from Shibuya. Takeshita Dori was congested on weekend as well, stores containing miscellaneous character and idol goods popular among teens are lined up along the street. A lot of Cos play were at the entrance of Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Meiji Shrine

Wedding Ceremony in Meiji Shrine

In the evening we went to sightsee Tokyo perspective at Roppongi Hills; passport ticket: 1000 yen for students (we are students, aren’t we?? Yessssss l…a). Tokyo tower view from Roppongi was splendid, the emblazoned buildings and the colorful night of sleepless city as Tokyo was cool.

Tokyo Tower in the evening from Roppongi Hills

Tokyo night scene from Roppongi Hills

Day 12: UENO & ASAKUSA & ODAIBA

2010-03-31T03:09:00.000-07:00

Due to we woke up very late we could not go to Ueno Zoo as our plan. Today we travelled separately, Nat and I, Poom and Sung, Pae and Sunchai due to it was almost the last day in Japan whereas each of us desired to travel different places. Nat and I planned to go to Ueno Zoo, the famous zoo of Tokyo but it was too late to visit zoo, searching for souvenir and meeting our companion at 5.30pm for Odaiba trip.

So instead of Zoo, we wandered around Ueno Park that was full of not bloomed Sakura tree. A few days after this, Sakura was going to bloom, absolutely I couldn’t see them (Hanami).

Not-bloom sakura tree line in Ueno park

acrobatics show in Ueno Park

temples and Shrine are settled nearly and we visited them for a little while. After that, we cycled the boat at the lake before went shopping in Ueno.

cycling the boat in Ueno lake with my friend, Nat

only one Bloomed Sakura tree in Ueno Park, Wow so beautiful...

Good souvenir in Ueno couldn’t be found, there were lots of fashioned stores and restaurant. So many people came for shopping here. It was late , the appointed time was coming, we decided to go to Asakusa and we got satisfied souvenirs there.

Odaiba in night time was excellent as hearsay expecially Rainbow Bridge that connecting Odaiba and Shibaura in 918m long. Tokyo Metro Subway pass did not include transportation to Odaiba, we had to take on Yurikamone line (round trip 720 yen). It was such a beautiful scene.

Day 13: UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO HOSPITAL (TODAI)

2010-03-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

As my former plan, I would like to meet Guay at University of Tokyo Hospital but I couldn’t contact her. So Nat and I went there ourselves. Nothing special this morning, we just walk around Ueno again and wait for departure time this evening.

University of Tokyo Hospital is cool, let's see pictures...

We departed from Japan at 6pm. At the airport, there are many kinds of souvenir including Japanese snack that were reasonable price. But I had got enough souvenirs already so I didn’t bought anything other than one postcard for my Taiwanese friend.

Japan is nice. I was going to say Good bye to Japan really?? Hope I can come here again soon and I will memorize it in my memory forever. Good bye….

CONCLUSION

2010-03-31T03:07:00.000-07:00

It was unbelievable for me that I would have a chance to visit Japan finally. It was such a memorable experience and excellent time of mine in Japan.

Undoubtedly, Japan is one of fascinating country that always attracts lots of traveler. I impress Japan as the beautiful natured places, attractive culture, on the contrary it was developed and permeated with high technology either.

Other than appealingness of Japan, our friendship was memorized. I always felt thankful my companions, they were always kind.

Thanks Sunchai, he always helped me solving all problems, trying to contact Hostel manager for twin room that I had to be with Nat, searching for the reasonable price of everything for me to follow my economical condition in Japan.

Thanks Pae, he always the ideal gentle man in my opinion, generous to others and always forgave for my nonsense matters. Moreover, thanks for usually initiating laugh of us.

Thanks Sung and Poom that let me sleep together in such a cramped twin bedroom, and always be really compassionate friend of mine. I realized that woman is more considered, observant and care others’ feeling than man is. Absolutely, you were either.

Thanks Nat that is still besides me even though I was such a silly girl. Thanks for always listening and understanding me.

And SO SORRY to you guys that I was not your good companion at all. My friend has asked me whether I was happy while I was economical too much. Because of me primarily, everyone had to long walking for finding the special price restaurant almost everyday. Moreover, I made everybody feel uncomfortable when they had a meal in elegant restaurant happily whereas I was eating my prudent bento. And many times, I made troubles.

People always have several answers for the same question and they usually debate for others’ acceptance. Actually, no solutions are absolutely right or wrong, each of people has their own backgrounds, experiences and purposes variously. Definitely, we could not understand others’ thought so long as we were them.

Maybe my friend was right I was not happy. I carried everything on my shoulder that couldn’t be put down. I always felt guilty to my family that I was happy in Japan after my granny had an ill. I was extravagant, travelling aboard whereas my mom was hard-working for saving money for me all along. Though all of budget was my savings, I was still ashamed that I should use this expense for my granny’s medical fee instead. I was the bad girl, wasn’t I?

Expenses

2010-03-31T02:41:00.000-07:00

yen baht

Expense in Thailand for transportation

- Airline ticket 17,000Bt
- JR 7 days 28,300yen, 10,150Bt

Expense in Japan

-transportation: Bus, local train 10,297Yen 3,794 Bt

-travelling passport 16,420Yen 6,050Bt

-Accommodation 25,072Yen 9,239Bt

-Food 11,399Yen 4,200Bt

-souvenir 9,076Yen 3,344Bt

-Miscellaneous 736Yen 271Bt

Expense in Japan 73,000Yen 26,900Bt

Conclusive Expense for 13 days Japan trip 147,433Yen 55,050Bt

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

2009-10-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

“Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted”
David Blye

Almost all successful people always have big dreams; John F Kennedy dreamt to send a man to the moon finally his dream came true, Writhe brothers dreamt to fly on the sky as freedom birds finally there is the first airplane, Beethoven dreamt to be musician despite deafness finally he came to be one of the greatest musicians of the world. By the way, only dreaming is not enough, we must also have the strong will to realize those dreams. I am only a little girl that has her own dream to be a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist as well, and these are the reasons of my will.

Throughout my several years of my life since I was grown enough to read books especially after Buddhist meditation program when I was in high school, I found out that I was interested in religious matter, philosophy, the books about positive thinking and self-improvement. Because of my character, there is no doubt why psychology becomes my favored aspect.

As a medical student, I realize that not only the patients’ symptoms and medication must be considered by the doctors but also psycho-social as well as understanding we must concern about. Hence, I always approach in mental aspects even though I was not on Psychiatry. Reflecting patients’ feeling, counseling, touching, being silent and active listening; these are techniques from my Psychiatric Professors that I normally apply to all of my assigned patients. Even though I am the youngest doctor of the care team, the patients and their relatives usually trust me and express their feeling to me .That is my motivation to do my best on taking care of patients.

Due to loving psychiatry and also children, I decided to be enrolled in elective program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in order to clarify the roles of physician in this field and also explore myself. The responsibility of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is divided into 2 parts which are firstly being physician in hospital that serve not only the patients but also their parents and family. I realize that it is not easy to endure with long term management and repetitious advice for this group of mental disorders, however I am certain that I can stand.

The second important duty is the health promotion and the prevention. I have a good chance to follow my Professors for school mental health. The group process is arranged that is leaded by child psychiatrist. I like this style of work; teamwork that psychiatrists have to work together with psychologists, social workers, teahers, etc. In my view, group process has a lot of benefits, for instance, learning how to work together with others, face the conflict, solve any facing problems, create new benefits by lots of idea, improving the responsibility, think maturely and perform in several role in teamwork. Because throughout my academic time, I always do activities including the position of team leader, member and staff of several works, I am supposed to do well in the leadership role of teamwork certainly.

In conclusion, I think Child and Adolescent psychiatry is not only my favorite subject but also the most perfect job for my character. Therefore I definitely decide to be trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

By the way, I realize that application of this position of internship is not definitely meant to be Siriraj staff. However I wish to be one of the staff of medical school because of these following reasons.

Firstly, I love teaching since I was a young student in the primary school. My teacher usually assigned me to tutor my classmate that got poor scores. When I was in high school and medical school, I had several chances to be a volunteer in Academic Camp for poor students in rural areas of Thailand and be a volunteered tutor of Blind School. I always feel proud and valuable when my teaching and speaking attempt can simplify and clarify lesson to those children.

I realize that the teacher as well as doctor is such a sacrificed profession. It is an honor for those ones who perform this obligation. One good doctor can save a lot of people,additionally, one doctor and teacher can make much more benefit to the mankind. With no doubts I would like to get that opportunity as well.

Secondly, I wish to study abroad in order to open my view and apply update medical knowledge to Thailand. In my opinion, the purposes of studying abroad consist of, firstly, achievement and lots of salary that is advantageous and secondly, being staff in medical school for making a benefit to society. I have desired to go abroad since my fourth year, absolutely, not for the former reason but the later. Therefore this is one of my reasons to apply for this position.

Thirdly, research is one of the beneficial works. We can improve ourselves and sharpen our brains by creating new question or hypothesis and seek for the way to prove and answer those questions. Unquestionably, technology and knowledge can be developed by the researches, reasonable study can create the great benefit to the mankind. In order to get more experience, practice and also learn how to do the research. I have already asked Professor Nuntawach to assign me as an assistant in his pilot study. I realize that as the position of staff of medical school, research is one of compulsory duty and I believe that I can do it.

Eventually, with my strong determination to accomplish my purpose, I decide to apply for this position. I realize that working in my beloved aspect can create the most effective outcome and also my everlasting happiness. Without hesitation, I will sacrifice myself for making benefit to the mankind and society and cultivate my blessing for the needy people. Last but not least I have never forgotten as a doctor, I must continue this valuable profession, and hopefully my skills will bring good health to the people of my mother land

“Life is happiest when you are needed by others and can do things for others”
Master Cheng Yen

Making a decision

2009-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

Do you have “Dream”.

Absolutely, everyone has their own dream and make an effort to catch up their destination.

Life seem boring without challenging. Motivation and inspiration drive one’s breath to go on.

And my own dream is being child and adolescent psychiatrist…

By the way, any ways aren’t covered with carpet, the rough and difficult route color life colourful.

I found out myself 2 years ago when my rotation rotated to psychiatry department. I do love the way to approach the patients in mental aspect that rarely be met in other department. Most of doctors search for organic or medical condition and manage by medication and surgery perfectly but few of them search for the real cause of bio-psycho-social. Most of doctors try to advise the patients based on theory but few of them try to support and understand their patients’ feeling seriously.

Actually I realize that mental problems are the most common trouble of one’s life. No one never face suffering but how many of them can fix the trouble with matured coping. Mental problem vary from normal variant to mental disorder that closed relate to science and neurotransmitter which some of theory are proved already but most of them are questionable. I think it is such an interesting field and suitable with my character.

Once I dream to be the staff in medical school, have USMLE exam and train in residency and fellowship in USA…

The day of psychiatry training application is coming, this position is special due to the chosen one is internship only 1 year and start residency course immediately as well as get a special opportunity to be considered as a staff of Siriraj hospital, comparing with the common compulsory line to be intern 1 year follow by 2 years in suburb before coming for training. However only 1position is required.

Anyway this time I’m confused and still cannot make my decision.

Between applying in position of child and adolescent psychiatry resident that is my dream and being a doctor in suburb that no progression and waste my time 2 years … nothing must be confused, doesn’t it??

I desire acquisition of knowledge but lesson doesn’t appear only in school. I love teaching and being a teacher as well as doctor but class not only in a square room and in medical school, I can teach my patients, my junior doctor or my crews anywhere.

Progress can make my life flourishing, but I also yearn for experience of being real human.
I would like to going abroad to be an excellent physician, on the other hand I can be a good doctor that can take care of many patients after graduate in Thailand as well.

I’d like to go to rural district to get more experience…. It’s such an odd idea comparing with many of my friends who scramble for the way to be as close as downtown and facility for instance applying for fixing ward in large hospital or being in preclinic in medical school.

But I would like to make some benefit as a general practitioner as much as I can before I’ll take the rest of my whole life for psychiatrist. I do love to learn more in other aspect other than medical viewpoint for instance being in the position of community hospital administrator, being leader of hospital staff for health care, health promotion and health prevention, creating new project that is beneficial for my folk.

I have ever been suburb for 2 months when I was the 4th and 5th year for community research and family folder… I found out that I love this lifestyle. I can learn more from there for example lifestyle of folks, how to get along with nurses or other hospital staffs smoothly without conflict, how to be not only a good doctor but also perfect leader in community. I would like to be a little candle in dark place that much more valuable than being a common light in luminous area although merely short time of my life.

I realize that I’m too young including my though, my vision and my experience. hope to be much more matured and understand life better…

Am I a stupid girl if I will leave behind my best opportunity to apply as a staff of Siriraj hospital and go on being such a common doctor in rural area before coming training psychiatry.
Or apply as a staff of medical school to fulfill my dream to be a doctor as well as a teacher and I can make a benefit to society as well…

How can I do???

Ethic camp

2009-08-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

On my weekend after new year celebration, I had an opportunity to participate in ethic camp at Chon La Preug resort, Nakonnayok.

The camp consist of workshop, buzz group and scenario that activate us to consider about physician morality, conflict between doctors and other health care occupation who must work together, and also relationship between doctors and patients.

The patients that were broadcasted in mass media as the plaintiffs to sue doctors, were invited to clarified their information in media in their views and expressed opinion about current physician. Absolutely we could not change their negative thinking to doctors. However instead of quarrel and being enemy, we took this chance to understand our patients’ feelings more, their view reflected us what most of patients need from their doctors that not only medication but also compassion and good communication to clarify patients’ status.

Actually in my view, because of media, people misunderstand the truth and criticize doctors as the offenders. On the other hand, we, doctors portray a complainant as a devil to destroy us either.

Everyone usually need understanding, empathy and supporting especially from their doctors that they trust and salute to. Just open our hearts, we will find out that compassion and communication skill can protect ourselves perfectly. No one is offender or devil at all in many cases, but misunderstanding caused from bad communication, I suppose. We cannot treat them only medication, but also treat their feeling as well, love and care our patients as our beloved person, advice and educate them as well as patients’ relatives clearly, frequently and sincerely.

I believe that virtue is the strongest shield, though mistake occur, forgiveness will always follow for the good doctors absolutely.

Volunteered doctor in Ranong, Thailand

2009-08-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is another activity that is my memorable time. My friends and I went to rural area in Ranong as volunteered doctors last year.

This was my first time as a 5th year medical student to take care and also prescribe for lots of patients without consulting and signing of my professor… OH MY GOD!! The patients will still be all right after visitting us??? ><

In order to be perfect in being a real doctor (without professor) first time, we must do homework much; reviewed common problems that anticipate to meet and also dose of medication as much as we could.

After finishing our class around 4-5pm friday, we hurried up to catch the bus that would depart from Bangkok around 6-7pm and take a whole night in non air conditioner bus about 8-9 hrs… Opps!! I could not deep sleep on the seat that could not lean down, so chatted with my partner and counted the stars until my friend feel sleepy. However due to lots of fatigue, finally I was unconscious and slept on uncomfortable seat. We arrived our destination around 4am and pave mats on the floor as line of troops without discriminating gender due to not enough area.

The morning started at 6am after we took a bath and had an excellent breakfast that was prepared by folks for us. Then we began our duty immediately by history taking, physical exam and prescribe for our patients.

And everything finished around 5pm with about 900 patients (10 doctors). Wow!!! It’s impossible… almost 100 people per one of us anyway I must be the most clumsy and service slowest of us, I supposed.

We ended up my exhausted day by traveling to view waterfall that is not far from our place, had another excellent meal (from people around there as well) and catch the bus going back siriraj to start our work on Sunday….

It’s such an impressed experience, I’m proud to make a little benefit to society though it’s not a big deal… but hopefully I’ll have some chance for this job again

Personality Development

2009-08-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world, If you compare you’re insulting yourself

No one manufacture a lock without a key

Life laugh at you when you are unhappy, smile at you when you are happy and salute with you when you make others are happy

Every successful person has a painful story, every painful story has a successful ending, Accept the pain and get ready for success.

It is easy to judge the mistakes of others but difficult to recognize our own mistakes.

It is easier to protect your feet with slippers other than cover the earth with carpet.

No one can go back and change the beginning but anyone can start now and create a successful ending.

If a problem can be solved, no need to worry about it

If a problem cannot be solved what is the use of worrying.

If you miss an opportunities don’t fill your eyes with tears. It will hide another better opportunity in front of you.

“Changing the face” can change nothing but “facing the change” can change everything.

Don’t complain with others, change yourself if you want peace.

Mistakes are painful when they happen but year’s later collection of mistake is called experience which leads to success.

Be bold when you loose and be calm when you win, heaten gold become ornament, beaten copper become wires, depleted stone become stature so the more pain you get in life you become valuable.

Teenage pregnancy

2009-08-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

This is my experience in 4th year to make a research in community hospital. Absolutely, this is one of compulsory programme for the 4th year to create 1 community research per 1 group. And I had a chance to go to Koa Yoi Hospital, 30 beds hospital in Pechburee.

The first day of us start at antepartum clinic, because we had never passed Obstetrics department before (5th year curriculum), we looked clumsy to approach patients and just followed the instruction of generous nurses.

After finishing the morning antepartum clinic, we met the administrator of the hospital and found out that he is specialized in Obstetrics. Wow! it’s no doubt that this small 30 beds community hospital is capable of ceasarean section including complication cases and there are lots of antepartum cases in ANC

In ANC we realized that most of pregnant are teenage, the data was inspected and we found out 46% of ANC pregnant is lower than 20 years old.

That is not a trouble?? Or they disregard . Almost of folk here haven’t thought teenage pregnancy is a trouble at all because it is too easy to find teenage pregnant in this society. In addition their mothers as well as their granny were teenage mother as well.

So we start and use this problem as my community research

The activity that impressed me much was workshop for elementary students; Prathom 5-6 about sex education. Due to the children are cooperative and the topic is interesting, everything was all right

The other subplan is visiting and approach night-working teenage girls. Their family problems and their background were not different from the character in soap opera. These life story teach me to open my eyes, be broad-minded and understand others more. However their lifestyle and vision could not be changed after 2 visits absolutely but hopefully my advice can give them more advantages, Give up smoking, have safe sex and return to have a school life again if it is possible.

Absolutely, I got such a memorable time for creating my first own research, managing intervention. Though it just a simple research that take only 1 month, I am very proud and got much advantage for this.

Bye Nior' si115

2009-07-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Graduation come again.... my close seniors just graduate

and these are pics of Bye 'Nior party

let's see

Bueng Cha-Warg trip

2009-04-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

This was in community medicine duration several months ago (I just have some more time for posting).

After finishing our task, we didn't hesitate to have a nice trip in Supanburee

and these are our pictures of the trip

Community medicine

2009-04-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

It is the compulsory programme for the fifth year to make a project in community hospital. Absolutely, I got a memorable time again at Bang Pla Ma, Supanburee. Firstly, I got a good chance to make a satisfied thing for my patient. Secondly, I found out that being in a community hospital is not too bad at all, I learn more from there especially the way to work happily with others… such as nurse, etc and how to manage the health care system in a small hospital that only 3 doctors are on responsibility. Lastly, nice trip with my nice companions.

Ok… I will start my story … hope you can follow my proud matter till end.><

As I told you already, every fifth year students must go to a community hospital.. 5-6 students a group for our project of family folder. We must search for the most interesting family, make family folder, and approach the patient in aspect of bio-psycho-social. 2 family folder must be completed.

Our patient is a 72-year-old woman that got stroke for 5 years. The problems are environment and care giver’s health. Once the patient could move; stand, walk, sit by device and herself. Due to she lie on the floor so long and has not got appropriate rehabitation, hemiplegia from stroke is worse gradually,she can just lie still on the floor. Her daughter,52 year-old carer, must carry her from the floor to toilet and take a bath many times a day. Absolutely myofascial pain and osteoarthritis of care giver progress rapidly.

We consult a physiotherapist of Bang Pla Ma Hospital and we found out that being on bed is more beneficial for rehabilitating. She can use another site of extremities for sitting by herself when they are strong enough, touching floor of her feet can develop motor, sensory and power of muscle, besides being on bed safe the carer’s energy to carry and move the patient.

Because of these advantages of bed, we ask for donation from Bang Pla Ma Hospital. Luckily, the authority of the hospital agree and support our idea. Moreover in order to fix care giver’s health problem, myofascial pain and osteoarthritis, wheel chair which was useful only when go outside and lay down silently with lots of dust at the corner, is adviced to be used for transfer the patient instead of carrying.

The special exercise device that we created ourselves was set up on the ceiling over the position of donated bed. I proudly present that the device consist of just simple and economical component such as rope, PVC, rubber tube.. thanks the Bang Pla Ma technician for gratuitous material. The goal of this device is rehabilitate paralyzed upper extremity, prevent the bad one from further joint stiffness, on the other hand, maintain the power of another site. I suppose that the patient pretty like it (you can see from pic) she look happy to exercise with her new toy.

In addition, to prevent bed sore, we create a clock for recall care giver to turn the patient every 2 hours and advice her to use bed pan instead of carrying the patient to excrete (lie down position) on the floor

change from the floor to the bed

set up device

ok... get a new toy ><

the clock for remind care giver to turn the patient every 2 hours
advice

change from lie down excretion on the floor to bed pan

training rehabilitation

demonstration transfering

Absolutely, everyone is happy, the patient has better quality of life as well as her daughter, the care giver, especially my friend and me.
This memorable experience tell us….

“One of the most fulfilling feelings you can experience is
when you do your best at this moment to do good for others”
-Master Cheng Yen-

Koh Larn trip

2009-04-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

After finishing the third week of being Extern in Anes. department... my friends and I arrange a summer trip

Wow!! its unbelievable ... there is such a beautiful beach not far from bangkok

Let see... pictures can clarify my impression more than any words

my friend on Parachute

Fon: pretend to be korean actress ><

my friends in my glasses

me with 2 handsome guys??

LOVE... hey! can u read it

wow!! 2 models from Paris .. haha

it's really such a nice trip... maybe it is also the last one before my graduation

take fresh breath can give us liveliness and power to fight again

TV channel

2009-02-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

this is another task of mine.... promotion for donation in TV channel

let's see the picture

depart from Siriraj hospital

on the way

oh!!! our destination

receive the telephone and answer the question about donation and also about health

TV program in broadcasting

my friends pretend to be MC

take photo with real MC

Please DONATION in MAHIDOL day

2008-09-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Prince Mahidol Adulyadej

statue of Prince Mahidol at Siriraj Hospital

“I don’t want you to be only a doctor but I also want you to be a MAN”

the quote of Prince Mahidol, the father of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand. He was also regarded as the father of modern medicine and public health of Thailand.

In order to appreciate his virtue and be grateful to him, 24th Sep (the dead day of Price) of every year is settled to be Mahidol day.

And this is a good opportunity for Mahidol students, especially Siriraj medical students, to be volunteers. All of the outcome of donation is determined thoroughly for only buying medical devices and using for a numerous poor patients in Siriraj hosptal, absolutely not including academic affair or research matter.

We, volunteers, are seperated to almost 30 lines in Bangkok and other provinces around Bangkok for asking donation (totally about 80 outgoing times). We must ask for donating house by house. It may be exhausting, some of people that didn’t know sometimes look down on us…. however we are always proud to be a part of this charity.
This volunteering work is not compulsory course however almost of all students participate in this job. Absolutely, I am a volunteer every year, used to be head of Bang-ka-pi line and this year I’m a medical student committee for Mahidol's day donation.

I suppose You can realize that this way is extremely beneficial not only for the poor patients but also Mahidol students. I think This is a brilliant method to instill student a good attitude of altruism, compassion and follow Prince mahidol’s teaching “the patients’ advantage must be considered first”

Moreover, as a volunteer, I got lots of valuable experience, the kindness of people impress me. Though some of them are very poor such as a beggar, pity elder man,..ect. are willing to sacrifice a little of their scant money for this charity because they trust in Siriraj Hospital and hope these little donation will be more advantage for someone….. it’s extremely impressing, isn’t it….,

And these are example photos

this's a special occasion to ask for donation by BOAT (normally, travelling the by bus to destination and by foot for asking donate house by house) by medical student committee for Mahidol's day Donaiton .... it's such a nice experience!!

let see

wow!! 2 romantic guys haha><

how to donate???

in the market

i''m promoting to folks for donation

"Hello, sir. we come from Siriraj foundation. Please donaite in Mahidol day. absolutely, All of your money will be used for Siriraj poor patients and also buy medical devices...."

Mahidol flag.... souvenir for donor

the crews

Ahhhh!!!! finish this day chariry... Be so proud and happy to do a good job..

these are just sample photos...

As I told you above there are almost 30 lines and about 80 times totally to ask for donation... whenever you, the readers meet us, student volunteers in our uniform with donation box and flag... please don't hesitate to donate for the poor patients l...a...

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your kindness ^^

PS... you can do a charity and help other people all the time, not only for any special occasion,

Be Happy with your good job.... Good Luck

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

2008-09-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

It seemed not any portent that I would be a doctor untill I had attended “wish been DOCTER”, the camp for high school students of Siriraj medical school, before entrance examination….

Likewise that time, I’ve just found out that I’m falling in love with enchanted PSYCHIATRY…. There is not any omen as well…

The 4th year medical student must pass department of psychiatry for 3 weeks, due to this department was my last one of my 4th year, this field has never been in my choices and I had somewhat disliked psychi because…..
- I wouldn’t like to work with insane patients,
- human thought was too complicated to understand
- my 3rd year score was very poor.

But in the 4th year, After studying psychiatry, I realized that it is one of interesting subjects. Moreover communication skill is important for therapists, you can realize that speech is only one confident and proud talent of mine… I love talking with the patients as well as my friends (when they face any problems and ask me for my advice). I am always happy if ones’ suffering are lessened after our conversation.

In order to explore myself… I applied for child and adolescent psychiatry, elective course in my last 2weeks vacation of my student life.
1 week pass rapidly… I suppose I’m falling in love psychiatry sincerely…

The way that professor approach the patients is different from other kind of specialists. They notice thoroughly verbal and non-verbal language, behavior, communication, social skill, cloth, the reaction of patient and patient’s family members, etc… , predict one’s personality and thinking. Specially they care of ones’ feeling, each speech sentence is produced careful and reasonable. Absolutely, I can apply this subject matter in my life to be a good mental health person as well as good communication skill.

In aspect of child psychiatrists, it’s no doubt that they must be excellent parents that bring up their children perfectly.
Dr. Wanpen, I can touch her warmth and think of my own mom and my granny when studied with her... she is my respected model and such a nice woman..
Dr. Suporn, another one of my model of child psychiatrist said that she had applied the theory for her own child and found out that though these methods are too difficult to continue all along (in thailand) but if parents are steady, these ways are very effective for child rearing… moreover she supposed she might not be able be a good child psychiatrist if she had never tried by herself (with her child).

Absolutely, I have never known what the right method of child rearing is… so do most of parents, I suppose. Child psychiatry department arrange weekly “Parent Training program”, and I had a chance to attend this activity last week, I realize that it’s extremely useful for everyone (not only for parents). The lesson consist of how to use “I” message to present one’s feeling directly that is better than “U” message or BLAMING which discourage listener’s feeling and useless way for behavior improving, including emotional reflection practice, the method to cease bad mood expression that result in arguing, etc.
In conclusion, this class was beneficial and I realize that I’m the one must practice these lesson as well.

By the way, Psychiatrists are extremely deficient; 400 general psychiatrists and only 100 child and adolescent psychiatrists in Thailand, on the other hand, I suppose you cannot imagine what a numerous psychiatric cases there are; including the admitted patient and psychiatric problems that are anticipated to solve.

Hopefully, I can be a good and excellent one same as my respected Professor in the future…
Wish my dream come true..

Maproa collection

2008-08-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

this is a cute child that my friend crazy about... he is a young star.
Let see how cute he is and you'll fall in love with him...

"MAPROA"

Pediatrics

2008-08-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Pediatrics is one of the busy and exhausting department for siriraj medical student...
Due to lots of task and my laziness, I’m far from writing any mail or updating my blog. However I still think of this classic way, writing blog can give me a chance to revise my daily story. ok i'll try to write my story as much as i can...

I’ve been in Anan building 4th floor for 5days ago, just today I have known n’ dance(TeamB, I’m in Team A), the well-known chronic disease girl that my friend usually told me about her behaviror, she is just a common girl that usually prefer to play with any male doctor other than female ones obviously... and i just got that experience today, she deny to play with me and call out keng, my wardmate to talk and play with her… I cannot believe what a 5-year-old flirtatious girl she is…. Hahaha

now I have 5 cases in my responsibility... arriving ward to progress them around 6.30am before morning ward round with resident and progress them again after my class in the afternoon before eveing ward round....
the new case just admitted yesterday and I hurried up to finish my pneumonia report last night(1.30am) … the case presentations are usually prepared so i'm quite busy and exhausted every now and then
moreover In pediatrics we, the medical students must be on overnight duty, that's the first time in my life

Being in Pediatrics department is somewhat exhausting however I usually proud to be a part of team and take care of my patient myself... that is such a nice feeling....

Graduate SI111

2008-07-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

These are the photos of graduate party ;Siriraj generation 111; this was also my first time to attend the graduate night party (when i was in the third year)

and these are my lovely siriraj family ID169-208

Graduate SI112

2008-07-28T02:09:00.000-07:00

These are the photos of the graduate night last year; for siriraj generation 112
you can recognize that my hair style is not different from this year (the former post)... haha i couldn'd create the new one l...a help me please for next year ><

I took a photo myself after coming back my dorm

my close friend: Nat

another one of my best friend: Tee

Graduate SI113

2008-07-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

2weeks ago before my ortho examination, there is a Graduate party...

On wednesday 16th july, class finishing around 1pm... about 1 hour i used for sleeping and started preparing for the party around 2.15pm at my friend's room; Simmy... she asked me to roll her hair then managed myself 1 hour after that
our appointment around 4.30pm to depart from dormitory but everything was not ready in time. We departed from here at 5.30pm.... the taxi was very difficult to find out and we met the traffic jam problem....
Chauffer left us (me, Oh and Toon) at the train station...
oh! my God... it's not and easy and comfortable party night at all.

I cannot explain how embarrassing to travel by train in this kind of cloth but we have no better choice.....
finally we arrived the destination; Sofitel hotel, safely around 7pm (fortunately, buffet dinner left for us ><

Oh and Toon at the train station

Oh and me on the train

Oh, Toon and I on the train.... It's embarring, isn't it? but we didn't forget to record this situation as my memory by take pics .... haha
Me.... (making up myself) in Kae's dress (thanks to her to lend me her suit l...a)

my Siriraj family: Siriraj ID 208 , cherry (2nd year), me (5th year), Hiang (the graduate), Prae(3rd year), Benz (post graduate 2years, sergery residence)
My Siriraj family: only girlsmy freshman(1st year)

And these are the pictures of my friends and me

Krajib (ID209), me(ID208), Jill (ID210), we are partner lab

Fon and Gade; my Ex roommate

the night party finished with my exhaustion, sleepy and foot pain(because of my shoes) around midnight.... went back my dorm and slept tight... ZZZ

CONGRATULATION!!!

to all of Siriraj Graduates

....

Ortho EXAM

2008-07-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

EXAM is coming again l..a

so sorry my dear friends if you haven't met me in your blog this week l...a

Good luck to me
and miss ya guys
><

Graduation day of my friends

2008-07-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

I am in the fifth year of medical student...

Most faculties in Thailand take 4years.... so my friends' graduation come this year and these are my friends' photos... most of them are engineer...

Knight... a new engineer

Pear: a beautiful engineer girl

Peung : Food sci with highest honor... wow!! she is such a smart girl

Wai: my close friend

Yok : chulalongkorn medical student

CONGRATULATION!!!!

How can i (2)

2008-07-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

According to the latest post… how can I do about my duty… which one should be chosen…

Absolutely, I must be steady, not use foam cutlery. You must not be disappointed in me and please support me I choose the best and most suitable way.

I ask the cafeteria to use her own cutlery instead of foam cutlery but she denied.. I try to search the other bistros for cooking for me. All of them have same problems, firstly there are not enough bowl, secondly it’s much more inconvenient to take care of 200 bowls. so they will use disposable cutlery.

Simultaneously, the bistro that accept to use her own bowl call my friend to change from her own cutlery to foam ones.

My friend accept and consider that it’s nicer to use foam…

I ask the cook again to use her own cutlery and I will take care of her cutlery excellently, I’m willing to pay for them in case they lost (by my own money)…
the price of boil rice is 10 bath per each but I must pay 35 bts per each lost bowl… I’m willing…

I’m a nonsense girl, aren't I?
Most of my friend think like that and I’m too strict in her opinion…. How do you think??

I feel very lonely…
Start something without anyone beside….

Please support me and advice me how will I do then…
Being in the environmental neglect social
….

HOW CAN I DO

2008-07-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

I’m in Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital… Absolutely there must be student committee to commence projects and manage affair in our faculty. And I’m one of the committee…

Though our new semester was started a few months ago, Welcome party and activity for the freshmen is going to be established next 2 weeks and I am the one of managers…

It seem exciting for the freshmen as well as senior to carry on traditional welcome party. Because Siriraj is the first hospital and medical school in Thailand (120 years Siriraj Hospital) and settle riverside, there is a Traditional welcome freshmen.
Every freshmen must arrive here by crossing Choa Pra Ya river by boat, after arriving the side, welcome activities are prepared for them by senior…

Ok… get to the point..
As I mentioned above, I am the one of manager…
My duty is preparing a meal for them… Night meal around 2am Saturday 12 July after finishing strict senior instruction..

Gruel must be provided… I contact the bistro and cafeteria for that.
The first one that we usually order is very nice and suitable but chef is absent on that day,

the second is cafeteria that extremely convenient and very near the place but the cook is somewhat bad-natured and refuse to provide cutlery for us, they accept only foam bowl and plastic spoon,

the third is very nice but her bistro is far from here, the order cannot be delivered after 8pm (real time : 2am) I must guard the pot from 8pm till 2am or search for the safe place for them, carry 2 big pots of soft-boiled rice to the meal place and warm them myself

I deny using FOAM cutlery….. 200 foam cutlery must be used just a moment then they become the waste that damage our environment and cause global warm…

I try to ask the second seller to use her own cutlery and propose in committee meeting that I can clean those 200 bowls myself in case the second seller permit to give us her 200 bowls and cleaning is her problem or another choice is the third bistro, I can warm the rice myself, search the safe place or guard those big pots in order to avoid using 200 foam bowl….

My hard working is not as discouraged me as most of my friends’ idea, It’s regretful they think my idea is nonsense … why must I concern using foam too much, why must we clean cutlery ourselves… Using foam give you more convenient and safe your energy, just 200 foam bowl and plastic spoon don’t make the global warm problem much more terrible…

Ohhhhhh!!! I’m very sorry for that…. You are the one that think I’m nonsense, aren’t you?

Are you agree with my friends?… just your own little dreg doesn’t increase the waste too much….

One person one piece of waste, million people million piece of garbage…
just one piece can be accumulated to become a large amount of waste.

Most of people perceive Global warming… it seem a trend to quote that but who really care it
The action can reflect your idea,
The ones always have excuse for destroying their beloved environment…. Foam ware is usually used as well as plastic bag though we have the better choice…
it’s very easy to change your lifestyle… refusing plastic bag when you buy goods, using ware that can be cleaned instead disposable cutlery.. Just an easy and basic way to protect our earth, isn’t it?
Nothing is too difficult to start…. Just have a strong mind… your strength can defeat all of obstacle… I suppose

START NOW… start from yourself firstly before campaigning or asking anyone.

If environment problem is neglected, if everyone usually have their own excuses for damaging the earth…

Maybe the global warming is not as severe as human’s selfishness problem… I suppose.

Bye bye SURGERY, hello ORTHOPEDICS

2008-06-27T02:36:00.000-07:00

6 weeks in Surgery Department seems to pass too slowly for me….

Normally, as a position of Clerkship, in OR, we could merely observe, stand beside the operative field, crane for seeing something for hours… but only the green suit of surgeon we can see obviously especially in small field of operation…. It’s somewhat boring… however in case you would prefer being a surgeon or experiencing closer view of operation, asking for the professor to be an assistant in operative field is much more useful.

Being on duty in Trauma room is different. I perceived the Docter feeling, approach the injured, primary survey (A: airway, B: breathing, C: Circulation, D: Detection abnormal neurological sign, E: exposure), resuscitaltion, secondary survey (taking the history and doing complete physical examination from head to toe), record the information, do dressing and stitching the wound, inject drug via intramuscular or intradermal…. Absolutely, It seem to be worthy when you do something yourself, besides this is a good chance to practice and improve your basic operative skill. If you are the one that love American series, Grey’s Anatomy or ER, you must love working here as well.

The examination passed…. It’s not too bad however Surgery has a numerous things to study.
Now …. Surgery is excluded from my choices absolutely…

My new rotation have started already. This week I’m in Orthopedics….
If you have passed Gross anatomy already, you must realize that your smart brain cannot memorize everything especially about your own Anatomy…. I’m the one that is very dull in this subject…

In Orthopedics, I must review lower and upper extremities anatomy; muscle, bone, joint, neurovascular…. Oh my god… I dislike orthopedics as well as Anatomy…I must be for 6 weeks here …T_T

Yesterday I had an physical effeciency test… measure your weight, height, waistline, fat at biceps triceps subscapular suprailliac, lung capacity, cardiovascular response (maximum oxygen uptake), quadriceps power, flexibility….

My height is 155cm, weight 44.5kg, fat is moderate level, lung capacity and Quadriceps power are excellent(wow), cvs response is very low (oh my god!) and flexibility is moderate…
totally my physical efficiency is in level 2 (good) :
(level: 1 excellent, 2 good, 3 moderate, 4 bad, 5 very bad)
wow! It’s not too bad, I suppose….
And you… have you had a test like this??

By the way Most of orthopaedist are sport man, their body shape are very nice with powerful muscle… such a good looking man in my opinion
…
In my class… my professor induce us to care our health by usually exercise. I realize that my physical efficiency is not good enough….
In order to decrease risk of chronic disease in my elderly age, have a good appearance, get good health and firm body shape and muscle, My LAZINESS must be defeated and I must exercise more…. Ok!! It’s time… start now…

Though I quite hate Orthopedics, Being here is a good motivation to make me determine to exercise more…

And you , have you exercised today??

Seven Songs

2008-06-23T03:15:00.000-07:00

Neumed tagged me to post 7 songs that I love or the songs I have listened recently…

Opps!! Thanks to tag me l..a Neumed (with my revenge… I’ll retaliate you later… haha.. just kidding l..a)

So sorry that These following songs are out of date however I still like them, keep these classic and meaningful songs in my pda and usually listen them.

Can you remember these songs…??
Can you fill these space for me about the singers or the name of movies … ??

Are you READY ???
Let’s go!!

1. “WAY BACK INTO LOVE”: Sound track of “Music and lyrics” by Grant and _______ ><
2. “OUT OF REACH”: Sound track of “______”
3. “WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING AT ALL”: Sound track of “Northing hill” by ________
4. “ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD” : by__________
5. “BEFORE I FALL IN LOVE” : by___________
6. “REFLECTION” : Sound track of___________
7. “WALL IN YOUR HEART” : by __________

….. you can fill all of them, can’t you?? it’s too easy, isn’t it? ^^
Hopefully… you guys still remember these songs and get all of the answers l…a

Thanks Neumed to let me mention my favourite songs…. So sorry, I haven’t tag anyone …

Music can relax you and give you happiness….

I LOVE MUSIC
NICE TIME WITH YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS…
(*^_^*)

ON DUTY

2008-06-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

last night I was on duty since finishing my class (5.30pm) till 1am (dinner at 9pm, very very hungry)

Trauma duty is somewhat busy however it's a good chance to practice my basic surgical skill such as Suture, Dressing, intramuscular injection, intradermal injection... etc.

5 suture cases in 4 times of my duties, a plenty of dressing...

many stories in Surgery department make me fun on the contrary my boring and depression happen here either...
I'll write them after finishing examination ...

HuH!!! hope I'll be all right in my next week exam...

HOMESICK...

2008-06-06T04:52:00.000-07:00

so tired....

I feel exhausted and bored everything around me, the examination is coming but I'm still in empty skull syndrome in Sugery.....

Misssssss my HOME, my Granny and My Mom so much.........

.............

PRINCE MAHIDOL ‘s quote

2008-05-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

I agree with Neumed, in the comment of my former post “MY CONFUSION”, the wealthy doctor can help people and do the charities much more than the poor ones. and he said that he cannot imagine how Greed distract me from my purpose… thank you very much for your trust in me… Neumed.
However this matter can consider in several aspects. Neumed’s opinion is right, but in another view of mine, I concern in this kind of wealthy doctor… I’ll clarify for you guys here…

Do you favor of being a businessman, investor or trader. I think these kind of career are challenging and interesting, most of them get prosperity and wealth. I usually admire in their brilliance to manage money and their business. Very sorry that I am very stupid in that way, cannot give you a good illustration for that.

However in status of DOCTOR, we are not a businessman, it’s ultimately different, I think. If you concern the MONEY and PROFIT as your priority, your purpose will be diverted by that. Your patients become your customers, their suffering become your gain. In order to make money you may give them over and unnecessary investigation, treatment or surgery. We can see that way in many of private hospitals, I suppose.

When that situation occur, Doctor who usually receive sincere respect and trust become the one that work for expense to exchange their service. So nowadays, many cases of doctors’ mistakes are prosecuted by their own vengeful patients. What a pity!!

Another aspect of wealthy doctor I’d like to discuss is which hospital you work. Absolutely, if you are an excellent one you can apply a job in private hospital or establish and manage your clinic as a business. It’s no doubt how prosperous you gain. On the contrary, the needy people cannot affort for that, only the hospital of government or in countryside you can work for them in case you are a real altruistic one . Absolutely, much more exhausted in lower expense…
So which one will you choose??

Ok!! I have an reasonable and excellent alternation. Work in the hospital of government for the poor patients on your weekday, make money in private hospital for your part time job and free of charge in treatment as a charity when the privilege come.

In conclusion, I’m certain that in career of DOCTOR you can get prosperity, flourish and wealth. However “the patients’ advantage must be considered first then wealth and fame will come to you…”
PRINCE MAHIDOL’s quote…

MY CONFUSION

2008-05-22T03:47:00.000-07:00

i'm in confusion, ...

my purpose of studying Doctor is helping the needy people....
But you know??... what i'm worrid about now....

i'd like to get progressive in the future, being a wealthy and excellent doctor... providing the best thing for my lovely family; my granny, my mom and my aunt.

Every now and then, my family confront money problem... I cannot remember when the last time i ask them to purchase something for me... just saving and working for my desire by myself..
Being in Materialism and high class society usually make me have some problem sometimes... you can see that in TriamUdom (my high school) and Medical school, it's very difficult to find out the poor ones...

I use my own money for Entrance Tutoring fee, siriraj dorm, laundry and everything except School's fee that is in my mom's responsibility..
however you dont have to blame my family, please realize that they ultimately love me, honestly, they haven't known anything... it's all my idea, i wouldn't like to bother them much...

Maybe you cannot imagine what an economical girl i am!!
Can you believe I had never been in Cinema or had a special meal (except farewell or meeting dinner/lunch) with my classmates along 3years in my highschool level as well as 4years in Siriraj hospital, i always enjoy eating in cheap price in cafeteria, only very special occasion i have joined with others ...
Besides, I'm the one that always choose to order the cheapest menu that can make me fullest in each meal and avoid the dinner just because of saving my money... What a weird girl i am!!

I always wait for the day i graduate... the time that my mom keep away from hard work, my aunt finish her exhaustion and my beloved granny receive the best thing i can provide for her.

Greed, lust and Passion can change ones' mind... i realize that i'm weak now... My purpose to help others absolutely obvious in my mind... however I 'm yearning for Prosperity either...

Psychiatry is one of my favourite Department however, i worry that in Thailand, psychiatrist is not as flourish as other subspecialty such as Medicine phisician , i suppose.

What a bad girl i am!!!... i'm in weakness , aren't i??

... i must be strong.....
i must choose the most appropriate and my favourite one...

happiness is not depend on THE AFFLUENCE , but how SATISFIED you are... is the answer for that

Being a good doctor, i may not a well-off one however i'm sure i can take care of my family my best and make a benefit to patients ultimately... just choose my favored destination...

I'm in a SUFFICIENT life all along... What if i continue that way...

someone told me that...

"WISH TO BE WEALTHY IN YOUR DOCTOR STATUS... YOU MUST GET YOUR PROSPERITY FROM PATIENTS' GRIEF AND SUFFERING....

JUST STOP YOUR PASSION, REDUCE YOUR UNNECCESSARY DESIRE, YOU WILL EXPLOIT POOR PATIENTS LESS AND HELP THEM MUCH MORE"

VERY SORRY … FINALLY I CANNOT GO TO UMP PANG

2008-05-18T04:13:00.000-07:00

I prepared myself for this camp all along 1 month, asked and granted this privilege to others and was usually disappointed when receiving cancel. But finally, I am the one that cannot get this opportunity… what a bad girl I am!!! You are much disappointed in me, aren’t you???

As everyone know from the news, a plenty of natural disasters happen, Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar: our neighbor country, earthquake in china, Tornado in USA, etc.. it seems God is punishing human for our fault. A numerous disaster is reflecting environmental carelessness and destroying of us…. WHAT A PITY!!!

The night before departure for my camp, my mom called me to beg for camp cancelling. Warning of flood and raining was declared by Meteorological Department, Tak, our destination was part of that area.

Actually, my mom and my family hadn’t agreed with me in traveling there, a long and dangerous journey at night. Ump Pang is a rural district that is faraway from Bangkok, going there must be taken 12 hours by bus along somewhat difficult way. Hard route along the mountain in rainy season and dark night journey make my family worried about my safety much. In addition, declaration of flood in that area make them disallow me decisively.

I realize that our life is very fragile as thread. Just a moment of ACCIDENT or any DISASTER can change our life, take away our breath. Anyway DEATH is not too horrible for the death at all. I may feel grateful for that to liberate me from the chaos of human life. On the contrary one’s passing away give ultimate grief to the living ones much more.
Besides unless God accept one’s death, how terrible life the one is to get handicap or paralysis instead!! It’s much more suffering to alive with collapsing hope and dream..

Finally I cannot resist my family’s opinion. Cancel this camp give me lots of regret as well. I have no idea when this privilege will come again… this time I can only pray for the other campers to be safe and make a numerous benefit to the poor children for me too…

Good Luck…

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT!!!

2008-05-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

Before my memory will fade away, my cautiousness and scare will vanish, let me keep my bad experience in my blog… again… to remind myself and warn you, the readers to be careful in each pace of your life.

This experience happened 3 months ago (on 17 Mar 2008). That period I must have compulsory course of my faculty in rural area to do research in aspect of COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS in Petchburi, a province in Thailand… however my bad memory hadn’t occurred there at all…
On Saturday morning, one weekend in March, I received a call from my mom to inform about my grandmother’s passing away, she lived at Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. According to this bad news my mom and I must headed to there immediately for my dad’s mom funeral ceremony.

Our first night of funeral ceremony was all right. The next morning, food and stuff for dedicating monks must be prepared, but we had not our own car or hired car around our home to go to market. Thus, we asked the young woman to ride motorcycle for us. Illegally, the driver, me and my mom, triple ones rode on the motorcycle without anti-knock helmets. After departing from our home just a moment, our motorcycle run along the way rightly, By destiny, I think, the white car with a DRUNK driver come from another route, CRASH at the mid of bike….. PUNG!!! …… THROW OF us to HIT the floor intensely.

I still remember that kind of feeling when I was flung away from the bike, while my left leg hit the floor strongly and my left hand, face and leg were drug through the gnarled surface of the road, HOW SCARED, SHOCKED and PAINFUL I am!! It’s still obvious until now.

Everything passed very fast, however I could recall every moment of that, seem to be slow motion in the movie, while I still lied on the floor, dared not to move or imagined how ugly face I am, tried to think it was just my dream, my left leg pain were stronger and my mom’s consciousness come first.

I just realized that I was in my mom embrace, she regarded me firstly and held me tightly… then called my dad and hospital for help.
Because of my extreme leg pain, I tried to move and look around my mom difficultly, Though my leg pained severely as if it were collapsed, I was sure it didn’t fracture. And because of my thick jean pants, just a large and somewhat deep abrasion appeared. On the contrary due to my mom wore just thin pants, I must be SHOCKED again to recognized that at the same position of me, her pants tore largely as well as her skin, the wound lacerated till I could see subcutaneous tissue and bone at pretibial site, the skin opened as the door and hang on the other site as a hinge, blood still poured continuously. This might be a familiar scene in Trauma or Surgery department that I could find frequently but I still cannot accept… that was the leg of my mom… I torture for that as well.

THE BAD MEMORIE passed already, my mom and I are safe and get well now..
However because of this disaster I haven’t been permitted to ride the motorcycle. The ACCIDENT happen rapidly, but my we must take long time for curing ourselves especially my mental status; my phobia still exists for months after that. Absolutely, I dare not to ride the bike, usually be anxious when traveling and cannot play any adventurous playing instrument in amusement park that I had favored.

It might be a misfortune and bad experience in my life.. however I still ultimately thanks god and get some benefit from that.

Firstly, thanks to still let us survive and safe till now. Imagine if it’s not our leg that crashed intensely the floor, but being our head, we might get intracerebral hemorrhage, paralysis,… who know…
And how about our life, how about my family that must take care of us, how about my dream to be a good doctor, the passing 4 year in medical school and all of my endeavor will be worthless. In conclusion it’s fortunate… we are still safe.

Secondly, I can learn more from this occurrence. Before this, I was a careless girl; walking, running, riding or doing everything without carefulness.
Though this accident gave me somewhat panic, it make me realize that everything is uncertain, DEATH can come any moment, hence you should be careful in every pace of you life and do the good deed as much as you can especially for your lovely family or your love one…
Before they or you pass away, before we cannot express our gratitude anymore, before we cannot do anything for them…. START RIGHT NOW… JUST DO IT!!!

Finally, please realize that no benefit from alcoholic use, on the contrary just disaster and bad health for you, the drinker. Especially, driving when you’re drunk…
How many cases like this, how many poor people that must be your preys and sacrifice their life for your amusing..
Imagine, if the death is the head of family, how much does this disaster affect..
Exactly, nothing can be compensated this loss even your valueless life, THE DRINKER..

SURGERY

2008-05-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

I’m in Surgery Department now, 6 week duration in this one.

Surgery department for 5th year is separated in 2 parts, both of them have 2 weeks and a half for duration.
First one of mine consists of Plastic surgery, Pediatric Surgery and CVT, then being in Trauma and Neuro surgery in last 2 weeks and a half… it’s beneficial for us, we will have free time in the whole sixth week for preparing ourselves for examination

3days in Surgery have passed already that are not too bad.. Our work starts at 7am for ward round, lecture, OR, OPD or bedside teaching in the morning then small group lecture in the afternoon.
Absolutely everybody must get cases for attending and writing report… and I must have ones either. My first case is 47-year-old flame burned man that stay in Burn Unit…

It seems nothing is too hard for us in surgery, no evening ward round, no ward work, no overnight duty however I still feel somewhat exhausted. After my class, Other than approaching, taking care the patient and writing my report I have not any free time left, even for studying or preparing myself for the next day… so don’t mention about my exercise or nonsense activity

Today class just finished recently with practicing ICD (Intercostal Drainage). After watching demonstrating video, we moved to practice with a cadaver. The bad smelling of many days corpses could not be prevented by mask and made me feel a little sick. The cadaver’s skin is much more difficult to be sutured. Because they hadn’t been exam for HIV, we must be careful specially.

I’ve just realized that entering ICD tube is not as difficult as I suppose…
The MORE PRACTICE, the MORE YOU GAIN. Absolutely, if we collect many experiences in practicing, nothing is too difficult for our endeavor..
Anyway, in emergency time we usually make a plenty of mistakes, consciousness is the precious thing for that , hopefully, we can manage it safely for our patients in real life.

UMP PANG CAMP… I can manage it myself, can’t I…

2008-05-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

AS I mentioned in my former post, I’m going to have a camp for poor students at Ump Pang, Tak, Northern Thailand. That time is coming very soon, who believe that until now I haven’t got members for that.

A camp is set up by Mrs. Nillavadee, an extremely kind and generous woman that is one of my beloved and respected person (I’ll introduce her kindness to you later).
Campers come from several faculties and universities that have same destination to make a benefit to those poor children. I was asked to participate this activity with my pleasant to receive a chance to fulfill my desire without knowing any else of those campers until now.

In order to accomplish my mission in aspect of Health care prevention and promotion as well as to grant others this great opportunity to do good action for needy people, I propose and ask some of my classmates to go there. It was very great at first to know many of them were interested in.

Anyway, have you ever heard that OBSTRUCTION usually occur and DEVIL always test your strength especially when you will do some goodness… I realize that achieving VIRTUE is much more difficult than doing nonsense matter..
Give you an instance, though you mean to go to temple, make a merit, be volunteer or even read your lesson, there must be something impede your way that mostly more influencing than your first determination… ON THE CONTRARY when you would like to do a nonsense or wrong matter for example going night club, drinking alcohol, etc. though you know they are not any benefit to your life, though you may get some of disaster from this, though your mom dislike this way of action… you still have such plenty of reasons for that…

ACTUALLY, I think everything depends on your strength, no hindrance can distract your mind as long as you still has steady destination. Unluckily, Most of us prefer convenience, amusement and artificial happiness rather than real one from doing good deeds to cultivate our blessing. Due to our minds can be leaded by those kind of feeling, it’s much easier to seek for many reasons for those pander. Hence, the most dangerous devil and generous angel exactly present in our own minds.

Honestly, I don’t quote or compare this reason to my friends at all.. I really feel grateful to them to determine to go there at first and realize that because of their reasonable matter made them cancel this activity, I can understand their reason.. All of them cannot go there..

Actually I feel very very lonely…. Think of my Tzu Chi friends much… I still remember their meeting, all of them shared their ideas, practiced their performance for camp hard. I still recall frankie’s photo in his blog to have rehearsal even in airport in order to have the best performance for poor children at China…
But ME now… without anything, without anyone… no meeting, no rehearsal, no plan… Can I do it really??

ABSOLUTELY, I WON’T GIVE UP… OBSTACLE happen not to discourage me, on the contrary it’s such a challenging test for my talent.
Above all, I’m not alone at all, I still have another lovely friend beside me… TOON, she confirm to go there until now…
So it’s absolutely not my unfortunate…. On the other hand…. Thanks God …..firstly, for sending me a trusted companion, secondly, to give us such a challenging situation.

Do you believe in me whether I can manage and create all of my activity… though it must be much more difficult and tired than having several companions. I still ultimately trust in ourselves, ME and TOON
Nothing can be completed by our strong mind and eventually you will realize that
WHAT ENTHUSIASTIC AND POWERFUL GIRLS WE ARE!!

Good Bye OBSTETRICS Hello SURGERY

2008-05-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

6 weeks in Obstetrics passed with my 3 labor assisting and 3 perineorhaphy cases that I did myself. Due to everyone must get at least 3 experiences in delivering childbirth, there are usually some problems between classmate in each rotation that pass this department.

SELFISHNESS, GREED and LUST are fundamental Id in one’s mind, nobody can deny being that every now and then. We usually yearn for more experience, more knowledge and more chance though it may be recompensed by others’ loss…

I’ll exemplify the real case in OBS.
If you are the one that has got 3 cases already and you get a chance to do more… it’s your absolute right to assist labour of your own attending case, WILL you choose to follow this rule to complete your desire or to grant this privilege to some of your friends that haven’t done yet…?
I’m certain you must choose the latter right now, aren’t you?.. However PASSION is usually influence one’s mind when we are not too strong enough, you may choose the former on that occasion same as some of my classmate, who know…
If the former choice is chosen, Exactly, You must receive one more experience but you must be guilt all along and face to others’ blaming either,
On the contrary lots of gratitude from your friends to you and your pride for that, though you lost one chance to add one in many of your cases if you choose to give your mercy.

Hence… keep in your mind BEING STEADY AND GIVE YOUR KINDNESS TO OTHERS you will get a chance to learn more as well…

Finally, we finished this department without too severe problem.. most of us choose to help our friends first..

Anyway. though I’m somewhat happy in Gynecology last year, Obstetrics is absolutely excluded from my choices now. My favourite departments this time are Psychiatry, Medicine and Pediatrics…

PSYCHIATRY: I impressed in my professors’ way to approach the patients, most of doctors always treat only disease not human while the psychiatrist’s questions usually express their caring..

INTERNAL MEDICINE has most of challenging cases and this sort of knowledge can help a numerous people.

PEDIATRICS is one of my interesting just because of children’s prettiness. ><

By the way, learning in any FACULTY or any DEPARTMENT can cultivate your blessing and make a benefit to society as well…. Just choose your favourite and proper one, be responsible in your job and try to do everything your best…

And SURGERY is waiting for me this week, though I wouldn’t like to be surgeon, surgical knowledge is interesting… hopefully, I’ll enjoy there. ^^

THE WEEK BEFORE MY EXAM

2008-05-04T03:56:00.000-07:00

5 weeks in OBSTETRICS passed rapidly, the last week with my examination is coming.

2 things that influence me happen in the week before my exam.

FIRSTLY, my residual volume decrease with my tight uniform T-shirt and skirt.
OH! It’s very difficult to breath and do anything after my meal… if my abdomen is palpated, you may misunderstand I’m a pregnant girl but absolutely, uterine fundal height mustn’t be found, you will touch only my soft fat… haha

MY HYPOTHESIS of my increasing abdominal circumference are…
Firstly, because of I am vegetarian, just vegetable and rice are permitted by myself. While the food seller usually give rice much less than before because of the extremely high price of RICE, my received calories decreasing significantly, it’s not enough for me until my next meal. Hence I am hungry more often and have something little by little almost all day. ><

The second hypothesis is my examination coming, the lesson I concentrate on, seem a kind of effective sedative. My eyes can close easily while my studying, Eating can awake me all along my reading.. do you have an experience like this??

I solve this problem by taking fruit instead of high calories biscuit or sweet (*^_^*)
Haha^^ the first matter is nonsense, isn’t it? Just relax you, the readers.

THE SECOND ONE is I applied to be a member of Tzu Chi foundation in Thailand already… it’s such a good news for me!!
As I mentioned in my former post, I haven’t heard this name until my opportunity to go there.
After coming back Thailand, I searched for Tzu Chi in my country and this is my first time to do something for that..
It’s very exiting, I’m going to wear Tzu Chi uniform, do activity such as being volunteer, donating for a charity and making some benefits to society same as my friends in Tzu Chi University and Tzu Chi members around the world. However most of Tzu Chi members in Thailand are Taiwanese... very few thai people know this foundation

I am very surprised to find out that most of Tzu Chi books which I bought from Taiwan are translated in Thai language as well … wow!! But I still prefer reading in English to practice my skill ^^

But do you think I can participate in that volunteering works really???
everything may be just my dream..
Because of busy time in hospital, early morning and late evening ward round, a lot of case reports, many classes on weekday and my duty and studying on weekend..
All of my works in my responsibility can completely separate me from any other works..

It’s a pity that I may not do them as many as my wish..

Anyway, I realize that studying medicine must be my priority… An excellent and conscientious doctor is my dream as well. I cannot reach that destination without my endeavor..

Imagine if I’m a stupid doctor… because of my laziness, no responsibility, no paying attention in patient cases, not enough knowledge in my skull..
When graduate medicine… how many cases that be maltreated, how many patients that get disaster by this.. I may kill somebody accidentally because of my dullness who know…
So if you are a doctor either … I’m sure you realize this as well, don’t you??

Then let’s make an effort together in order to safe others and keep ourselves away from guilt in the future…

(Ok I must go on my studying for my OBS exam on this Thursday… see ya after that.. Byebye ^^ )

Ump Pang Camp.. HOW could i go there

2008-05-01T01:25:00.000-07:00

several days i haven't written my blog..

My examination is coming soon , however i'm not serious anymore about Obs examination now.. maybe due to our dead time hasn't come. ><

do you love an adventure?? Long-Kang (ล่องแก่ง) and T Lau Su , one of beautiful water fall in thailand...

However, that is not my main topic to mention and not my purpose to have a trip at all. But in order to be volunteer and do a charity, i'm going to have a camp and teach poor children in countryside at Aum Pang, Tak; a province in northern Thailand.
This plan was inside my head few weeks ago since Fah's mom; a generous woman that usually do a charity, she ask me to participate in this activity... Absolutely, i didn't hesitate to accept this chance, 3 days and 3 nights (on 16-18 May, long vacation for Visakabhucha day) camping at Aumpang...

This time is not my first camp at all.. i used to volunteer in a camp for sunami children in Suratthani about 3 years ago..
Absolutely, that was my good experience and nice feeling to make some benefits to society and i'm sure this will be another impression of mine. My own camp mission is teaching them in aspect of health promotion and prevention mainly, but details haven't been planned yet.

Honestly, i must tell you that i've just known we will have Water Fall trip after my decision to go there that vitalize me more to wait for it attentively..

By the way... Actually, i'm the only one doctor in this camp. But Kae and Toon (my classmates) ask me to go there after my telling about it. According to her detemination I have 2 partners now to be volunteer and have a trip together...

Hopefully, the weather will be all right that period and i'm sure this is my privilege to get a great experience again...

And i will post my photos and story about my camp here certainly..
^^

Curettage!!

2008-04-24T03:36:00.000-07:00

today i am in LR septic and postpartum..
many curettage cases came..
if you are doctors, it's certain that you must be used to attend some of these cases..
it's such a savage method, i think. i can touch the patients' suffering..

"Be gentle, soft and careful" that is our professor's teaching to avoid many complications from curettage such as uterine perforation, uterine synecia and lots of next gestation's complication : placenta previa, abruptio placenta... all above, keeping away from ultimate distress of patients.

i have ever seen professor's curettage case, the procedure is gentle and professional.. but every cases of my resident are very cruel...

the patient cry loudly and ask for a break, without caring of any voices, the resident still did violently...
HuH!! what's a pity patient, she is!!
i cannot imagine if it's me to lie on that bed and be treated like this.. how painful i am!!

-19- Memorize in my Memory…Tzu Chi and everlasting Friendship

2008-04-16T03:07:00.000-07:00

“Life is happiest when you are needed by others and can do things for others.”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Departing from Tzu Chi, Taiwan to my own home, Thailand, but I still think of my worthy time, my lovely friends and my familiar environment at Tzu Chi every moment. I cannot believe that only one month in abroad, being in strange place with new friends from different countries, speaking different language can impress and captivate me ultimately.

All of my friends’ sincerity, friendliness and kindness touch me and make me feel warm along the time I was there. Every time I have seen their photos, their stories and their activities, I am jealous them to have genuine friendship. I wish to be a part of their stories, standing and smiling in their photos, having opportunities to work hard, help people with them and feel gratitude to recipients to let me have a chance to cultivate my blessing. That must be such a valuable life.

In fact we are faraway, I cannot be their companion in long journey, but fortunately, our dreams are not different. By individual way, we can cooperate to reach our same destination, then our dreams will come true on some day in the future.

On the other hand, Time and environment can change one’s mind easily. I realize that when I graduate doctor without my great friends at my side, with fading away of Master’s teaching, prosperity comes, passion, greed and lust visit my mind. It is such a challenging test for one’s strength.

However I promise, I will be steady. By thinking of Master’s teaching and you: my great friends in Tzu Chi, reminding myself how Master at a very young age, started all by herself, I must use my own ability to help the needy people as well. I believe that we will not be lonely so long as we do the good things.

Start reminding myself since today, I will save 15 bath everyday in my piggy bank. Each of my little coins remind me Master’s teaching and in order to accumulate the spirit of helping and loving others every day.

Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU….
TO all of my FRIENDS
I don’t know how many “THANK YOU” should I say can express my gratitude to you guys. Honestly, thank you to accept me be your friend. Thanks for giving me happiness, thanks for teaching me Tzu Chi song, thanks for taking care of me excellently, thanks for accompanying me to amazing Taroko trip and hotspring trip, thanks for your welcome dinner, farewell dinner and every meal that accept me to participate in your dining table, thanks for let me laugh and happy in your stories, thanks for trying teaching me Chinese language but sorry I was still dull, thanks for letting me learn more in Tzu Chi stories, thanks for bringing me to meet Master, thank for taking me in Jing-Si Hall, thanks for permitting me to participate in all of your activities

At the end thank you very much to spread your LOVE and MERCY to me, Nothing to requite your kindness other than my promise and my commission to extend my love and mercy to others as well.

…… ……THANK YOU VERY MUCH……….

Nice to meet you guys and love you much…

-18- Weekend Trip (3) Iran Hotspring

2008-04-16T03:02:00.002-07:00

“Those who give actually receive the most, because those who give are always more fortunate than those who receive”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Iran Hotspring Trip is a trip of international student club in my last weekend in Tzu Chi. We departed from Tzu Chi University in Saturday morning by bus and headed to Shangarilar farm and restaurant firstly. Along the way music was produces by karaoke program on the bus. We arrived Shangarilar around midday and had a nice vegetarian lunch there. A lot of activities were provided in the afternoon by the staffs of this trip; Xinyee, Shinyee, Yingen,… firstly, imprinted wood: the art activity that was managed by Shangarilar officers, we must scrub our own wood, imprint favorite feature and create beautiful arts on them. Then we had outdoor ice breaking and harmony supporting activities such as drawing game, Rabbit game, Balloon game, Police&Thief game, water splashing game. Playing these games recalled me primary school memories, it was such very long time ago that I hadn’t play like this. Exercising, relaxing myself and having friends more are the benefit of these afternoon activities.

After our exhaustion relief by taking a rest, we went on our trip to Iran Night Market to have a dinner and shopping. It was true that we could find out Night Market everywhere in Taiwan and this place was one of them. Though it was not as big as Shilin Night Market in Taipie, I could get some of delicious food here. Finally we finished a long fatigue day at a big excellent house that was very beautiful and convenient. But it is quite crowded by 30 people of us.

Time didn’t pass too fast at all, some of my companions including Shinyee still sang songs as if they aren’t tired from a long journey on the first floor of house until late night, and I took night time with my friends; Kaijing, Connie, Ellen and Julie after Julie birthday party, chatting, sharing our experience and learning Tzu Chi song until 2 am.

The second day started around 8 am when Xinyee came to wake us up to prepare ourselves and had a breakfast. A common western breakfast was prepared by Katrine and some of my friends ; bread, fried egg and Ovantin however I like the taste of peanut jam and chocolate for bread painting, it was nice.

When finishing breakfast and luggage arrangement, we must say Good Bye to our 1 night excellent home and headed to Iran Hotspring, our next destination. Of our chosen hotspring, there was a rule to be naked inside there. Oh!! It is such a shameful thing and very difficult to accept and follow this rule. However most of my friends decided to go inside, without hesitating I have no reason to refuse this weird experience, maybe this was my first and last time in my life, I decided to do it as well.

Inside the Hotspring place we must be naked not only being in the pool but since first pace to go inside the large chamber. Firstly, we must take a bath to clean our bodies and soak in public Hotspring pool. There are hot pool and cool pool provided, most of people usually shift between these two kind of pools and so do I. After finishing Hotspring hour, I feel nice and relaxed, hotspring bathing was not too bad as I thought.

-17- Weekend Trip (2) Taipei

2008-04-16T03:02:00.001-07:00

“Unbridled lust and passion are a source of human suffering. Contentment is the only solution for this”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

After thorough planning difficultly, we decided to have Taipei trip by ourselves; Oh and me. Traveling in Taipei by 2 persons that don’t know Chinese language seem to be a challenging adventure. However fortunately, we can be happy, funny in my trip and survive safely. It is such a good experience and memory in Taipei.

Fri 14 Mar 2008
We started our journey at Hualien train station at 9.00am. Immediately we arrived Taipei around 12.00. we went to our Hostel that we had reserved by phone to keep luggage firstly and followed through our plan then.

Our first destination in plan is Taipei 101 building, 400NT Admission Price must be paid for going up to the 89st observation floor and taking the fastest elevator that take only about 35 seconds from the 5th floor to the 89th. We can look down around Taipei on this floor, it is not excellent at all comparing the high price. However Oh and I decided to listen English guide radio and get information as much as we can to compensate for our expensive money that we lost.

Secondly, we catch a train to shopping at ximen. Actually, we planed to go to Chiang Kai-shek before but it is too late for 5pm closing. At ximen we tried to search for a new jacket that appropriate price. 3 hour passing, finally, I could found out them and bought 2jackets in 500NT cost per each. Shopping is a funny thing for us really, because we still went on shopping at Shilin night market, the biggest night market of Taipei. There are a lot of food and clothes. We could buy souvenir for our friends here in suitable price; nice chopsticks 16NT a couple. We went along a street until 10.30pm and went back our hostel.

Our hostel is not an excellent one at all however I could stay there conveniently. There are 6 beds and one baht room in each bed room. The beds are softer and warmer than our beds in Tzu Chi dorm. The cost of hostel is very cheap I must paid only 300NT per night. because of my exhaustion I could slept tight and have a nice sleeping.

Sat 15 Mar 2008
We woke up at 6am and started our trip at 7am to Yanmingshan firstly. I was informed that Yanmingshan is a beautiful place however nobody told me that we must climb the mountain to sightsee there. After arriving the visitor center that take almost 1hour to climb the mountain. A kind traveler asked us to join his walking to the first beautiful place together that take about 2hrs. I feel thankful in his kindness but many hours climbing mountain was too hard for us, two little girls that hadn’t prepared ourselves before, so we decided to refused his pleasure gently and got on the shuttle bus to save our energy for a long journey in 2 days left.

After arriving the first place by bus, we must go on walking to the beautiful target. When long walking distance finished, we reached our goal eventually with lots of exhaustion. Our desire to meet a beautiful place collapsed because I think it’s just a regular view, I was quite disappointed for it. However we got an opportunity to exercise in nice weather.

Along our journey, We met a Taiwanese man that were nice and try to invite us to join with his group to have a lunch somewhere around here then he would bring us to National Palace; our next destination. However we denied his kindness because we cannot trust any stranger then went down the mountain by bus, had a good vegetarian lunch and took a bus to National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum Admission for student is 80 NT. Due to our exhaustion, we hadn’t walked around there, we used most of time to sit and take a rest until almost 4pm then went down to the garden and took the photos

An exhausted day passed, funny shopping night came, we went to Danshui; the beautiful place that is seaside and far away from Taipei. Most of couples love this romantic location to see sunset together. We must take more than 1 hour to go there by bus and MRT. Due to that day was Saturday, it was very crowd. However we two were enjoy to look around the night market again. And we could find out something for our friends at Hualein. It was sweets that quite delicious but nobody told us before until give our friends that it is for wedding ceremony.. haha … sorry I didn’t know about it.

Sun 16 Mar 2008
Our last day was started at the same time;7 am to catch the train. Our destination on this day was Moakong Gondola by cable car. Before going there, we must keep our luggage in the locker at Taipei main station firstly then went to take a cable car at station. But because of an extremely long line, we decided to take from inside Taipei Zoo station instead.

Fortunately, it is not too crowd in Taipei Zoo station, we could arrived Moakong in short time and got a chance to see animals as well such as cute Coala bear.

The cable line is very high, it is hung from the peak of mountain to the station that is lower. It was an exciting feeling to swing on the cable car that was very high from the ground. It’s quite similar to being in the scary plaything in amusement park, I think.

At Moakong, Oh, she would like to have a tea. We walked along the car passage around 1 hour until we discoverd tea shop. But finally she refused to have one because of too expensive price.
So we wasted all of that morning there without any activities other than walking.

In the afternoon, we had 2 hours left before train departing time to Hualien. We used that free time for shopping again and because of this, we almost missed our train. However finally we can catch the train in time and go back to our university safely. but I haven’t had any meals except popcorn in the morning at Taipei zoo until arrived my canteen in University at 6.30pm because I couldn’t find out vegetarian food.

Our enjoyed and exciting Taipei trip finished with our happiness and exhaustion…

-16- Weekend Trip (1) Taroko

2008-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

“If we can reduce our desires, then we will have nothing left to worry about”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Taroko is a famous tourist attraction in Hualien. I went there by my friend’s kindness, Su Hung Yuan and Chynni.

Weekend trip on Sunday started at 7.30am appointment in front of our dorms. Su and Chynni borrow their classmate’s car for us. Firstly, they bring us to have a breakfast, Chinese food; fried dimpling. The food is nice and low cost however it is quite similar to keawsa; Japanese food in Thailand. After finishing our nice breakfast, we headed for Taroko immediately.

“Taroko” is Aborigine language. Actually, the local people in Taiwan are Aborigine but immigrating Chinese people chased them to be in east part. So this mountain has an Aborigine name.

Our first destination in Taroko was water fall, 20 minutes walking by passing three caves and the swinging bridge. We paused to take some photos along the way until reached our first target. The water fall is inside the cave, we must took off our shoes, roll our pants up and use plastic coat to resist the water to go inside.

After enjoying in Water Fall and beautiful sightseeing already, we walked back and drove to nine corner cave that is one of beautiful places. The large mountain composes of a lot of daughter mountains. I wonder how the nature can produce such a nice creation like this.

At the end we finished Sunday trip at local Chinese restaurant: Seaw Long Poa or Salapoa in Thai language and stream dumpling then went back to out dorms.

-15- Internal Medicine

2008-04-16T02:58:00.001-07:00

“A good, kind person feels happy when others are happy and he does things that benefit others. This is true wisdom. If a person only does things that benefit himself, he is only being clever”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

The last 2 weeks in Internal Medicine was not different from Medicine Department in Siriraj hospital at all. I must follow Resident Huang Lei and Professor Chang Ting En. My resident is a kind and educated woman, she usually taught me about her cases and gave me homework. My professor was very kind to me as well.

By the way, I like to study in Internal Medicine rather than Chinese Medicine. Learning the patients’ history, summarizing their problem list, differential diagnosis, searching for the information and discussing about the cases with my Resident and Professor are active learning that I love. Because I am not good in memory the lesson, memorizing something from the books is a boring way for me. Having active learning, thinking, being curious and trying to get answers are much more challenging. In conclusion, I have a nice time in Internal Medicine.

-14- Chinese Medicine

2008-04-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

“Illness is one of the many unavoidable sufferings between birth and death, and we should do all we can to help the sick feel less miserable”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Chinese Medicine is one of amazing alternative medicine and the most popular type is Acupuncture. I still wondered how the only tiny needle can treat a lot of chronic diseases better than Western Medicine. Most of my western medical students choose to visit Chinese physician rather than western ones in some cases especially chronic pain, Neurological problems, decreasing weight, it is more effective significantly.

I was 2 weeks clerk in Chinese medicine. It is nice to learn more about this kind of medicine. I love this way to treat the patient, there are not any critical side effect and more effective than Western’s in some cases.

Learning Chinese Medicine we must remember the Meridian of Acupuncture points, their names and effect. I prefer to be treated by this way as well however I had rather learn Western medicine more. However all of professors and Intern are very nice and kind to me, I impress in them

-13- Silent Menter … Great teacher in Anatomy class

2008-04-16T02:55:00.000-07:00

“Human life passes in a breath. Our lives are measured in seconds, not in years. By realizing this, we can better appreciate our lives.”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Anatomy is one of subjects in Medicine Curriculum. Absolutely, we cannot finish Medicine without learning from real human bodies. Both Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University and Tzu Chi University, The cadaver come from body donation, so they are esteemed to be our great teachers to sacrifice themselves for us after passing away.

In Tzu Chi, before the semester that has Anatomy class, a great ceremony is established for sending their gratitude to the silent mentors, the picture of them will be pasted in the Anatomy building along the year, the students must learn about their own silent mentors history (5 students for each cadaver) and present them in the ceremony as well.

And when great teacher’s volition accomplish, when the class finish in each year, some of their ashes will be kept in a worship room.

Though the heaven took them away, their names and virtue still be forever.

-12- Faculty of medicine Tzu Chi Hospital

2008-04-16T02:53:00.000-07:00

“Life is worth living when you are given great responsibility. Life will be empty and meaningless when you evade your responsibilities.”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

In standard, Medicine curriculums consists of preclinic level that studying Basic science and medical science, secondly, Clinic level that being clerkship in the hospital, learning from the real patients, lastly, Internship and graduate to be a general practice then going on being resident and fellow to be a specialist in one’s favorite department.

Tzu Chi medicine Curriculum is not different from Siriraj’s at all. The students must take 7 years course, 1st and 2nd year for basic science and introduction of medicine, 3rd and 4th year for medical science, 5th year for clerkship in Hospital and 6th & 7th year for Internship.

Due to I was an exchange clerk, most of my friends in Hospital are the 5th year.

-11- Blog for Life and Freedom… blog of my Inspiration

2008-04-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

“We will never tire of helping others if we do it voluntarily ”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

“We are dreamers. We dream of a day when people love each others, where the Earth is a clean and safe place, and when people start to believe in their futures again. And for that, we try to work hard, step by step, in hopes of achieving this ultimate dream.” My friend’s saying

As I mentioned above that most of Tzu Chi friends are my inspiration. I would like to exemplify one of my friend’s story as a representative of them. Hopefully, his good deeds and marvelous dream will inspire u, the readers, to spread your love to others as well.

The story started when I read his wonderful blog; Frankie’s Blog for Life and Freedom. It consists of his lifestyle, interesting, medical life, activities, traveling and inspiration. Absolutely, along his journey, he has a bunch of good companions; Connie (his sister), Kaijing, Shinyee, Yingen, Wenting, ect. Reading his blog can make me learn more, I ask him to clarify his activities and volunteering works for me. And these following passages are his tale.

Frankie, the Malaysian guy who is the fifth year in the Faculty of Medicine of Tzu Chi University. He became to be Tzu Chi member since he was 14 years old, high school level, by his mother leading and Connie, she became as well. As Tzu Chi members, Frankie and Connie, they love being volunteers to help the needy people such as entertaining the chronic renal disease patients that must do dialysis. As you know Chronic renal failure is such a suffering disease, the patients can alive longer by only dialysis treatment that is very expensive and agonize them. Most of them are distressed and loss of hope thoroughly. Just singing and supporting them can give them some of spirit and go on their fighting.

Moreover they volunteer to take care of the children in orphan home that are too many children for only 2 nurses, Frankie and Connie usually went there to feed, bath and play with them.

There are many other Volunteering works such as teaching the poor students in primary school, visiting and giving activities for the old people in old folk home, etc.

When he finished High school level, the university course came. He got a scholarship to study in his favorite field in UK. But because Master’s teaching had deeply influencing his life, because of his lovely mind and immersed dream to help the poor and needy people, he decided to give up his right in his UK scholarship and headed on being Tzu Chi students in Faculty of Medicine. He is such a praiseworthy guy, isn’t he. Two years later, Connie came to be Tzu Chi students in Public Health Faculty as well.

After being Tzu Chi students, absolutely, he still went on his volunteering works and beneficial activities to society when the chance coming. I cannot mention all of their activities along his five years in Tzu Chi, Hualien, however I will try my best to pass on his tale.

Every vacation he would participate in camp volunteering. One of them from his blog was China camp; the camp for the poor students in China countryside.

As you know there are a numerous people in China, Most of them are poor and have no education. The adult deserted their home to be in the city and left their children with their old parents in rural area. Tzu Chi foundation constructed the school for them, the poor and pity children. Every year Tzu Chi members will go there and seek for some students that be worthy of getting scholarships. And Tzu Chi University students would arrange the camp for teaching, entertaining and supporting them. The camp couldn’t accept all of many students, only the best ones of each class could participate.

After finishing about 10days camp, they visited the poor students’ home, which are extremely long distance and difficult passages, the poor children must walk about 2 hours to go to school every day. From the photos in Frankie’s blog I can realize that it was very hard for volunteers to stay in very rural area there, Absolutely, such a hardship for those pity children. The last photo of this story is the crying children that was delighted in their coming and kindness and depressed of their departure…

This story touched me ultimately. I can remember one of photos at the airport, Tzu Chi students (staff) stood in row along the passage tidy and doing body language, Frankie explained that all of them were practicing one of their performance in camping, they wouldn’t like to waste even a moment because they wish to give the best things for the children… it is such an impressive story, isn’t it?

Other than volunteering works, there are many activities that give benefits to society such as Neo Cutlery that I mentioned above, promoting Tzu Chi foundation, asking donation from the people, etc.

Frankie, Connie, Kaijing, Wenting, ShinYee,.., everybody, they all are my excellent inspiration. By their young age, they can have such great dreams and valuable deeds. Certainly, in the future they must spread their love extensively more and create many great things for the world. I am the one that always support them and will use their deeds motivate myself to go through my own dream..

-10- Abode of Still Thoughts

2008-04-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

“With courage and confidence, nothing is impossible. The only obstacle to your success is your lack of willingness”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

By my friends’ help, Kaijing, Connie, Wenting and Frankie, I had a privilege to meet Master Cheng Yen 2 times. My first time when Master came to the university, Kaijing, she gave me her uniform and knitted my braid so I disguised to be Tzu Chi student completely and stand in row along Master’s passage to welcome her. It was such a delighted feeling to meet her just a moment. Most of us have tears in our eyes because of our delight and love in her.

The second time I was very impressive not only because of meeting Master but also my friends’ kindness. Frankie, though he couldn’t accompany me, he promised to ask someone for me. Wenting and Connie, they must wake up very early (6 am appointment) to bring me to there by riding the bicycles around 20 kilometers in total. Especially Connie, she was very busy, always slept very late and had a class at 9am she still accompanied me and because of this matter she attended her class late.

Abode of Still Thoughts or Jing Si Abode (Chinese name) is the residence of Dharma Master Cheng Yen and her monastic disciples, the spiritual home of Tzu Chi volunteers around the world, and the birthplace of the Tzu Chi Foundation.

Every morning at 7am Master will give morning teaching and it is broadcasted in Tzu Chi TV channel. I attended in her teaching as well, soft and gentle voice is delivered, everyone pay attention in hers. However I cannot understand Chinese language, Wenting, she translated for me.

Life at the Still Thoughts Abode is considerably different from other places of spiritual cultivation, Because of Master’s concept “No Work No Gain”, all the residents are kept busy with work; cooking duties, farm duties, etc. They must wake up at 4 am every morning because the pace of life is quick, the time is valuable, they mustn’t waste it.

We were leaded by a nun around the bean powder, candle machines, the cultural gallery and the fields. Besides, she gave me a bracelet that has Master picture.

Though I couldn’t meet my loved Master nearly or have a conversation with her. Fortunately, just a normal girl like me has a privilege to go to Tzu Chi, learn her inspired history and visit her residence. It is my ultimately good destiny.

-9- “Neo Cutlery” and Environmental Care in Hualien

2008-04-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

“If we want to remove all the disasters in this world, each of us must improve his own heart. Then each of us has a healthy heart, them our society, our country and even the whole world can live together peacefully.”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Hualien is a cleaned town, especially in Tzu Chi Universities. Environmental care is one of Master thought, she started recycle center for decade ago since the global warming hadn’t been a big problem, in order to reduce overwhelming garbage, safe tree, forest and energy. It is obvious in our dormitories in separating recycle waste. The garbage place do not provided everyday, only Tuesday and Thursday that we can waste. There are volunteers to check garbage bag one by one strictly if the recycle ones are not separated, you must pick them up from the bags by your own hands. Besides there are about 6 classification of recycle garbage, you must waste them correctly in each block.

By the way, In Thailand we have too many plastic bags they must be wasted and difficult to be destroyed eventually. But in Hualien, unbelievably, it is very difficult for us to get only one plastic bag. When u buy something in Supermarket or any shops you must buy plastic bags either in case you need them. Moreover In Tzu Chi University, they care environment and safe energy in other ways such as reducing pollution by using bicycle, turning off all dormitory lights after midnight (the plug still works, u can use a lamp), the sensor light system everywhere that work only when people exist, usually using ladder instead of elevators though their classes are on 6th floor, using their own cutlery in cafeteria.

“Neo Cutlery” is an environmental care project of Tzu Chi students, my international student friends. They concerned about the global warming problem and overwhelming garbage in the world. This gathering started since last year in order to reduce disposable chopsticks and cutlery foam garbage by campaigning Hualien people to use their own bowl, chopsticks, cup, bottle of water, shopping bags and ask the shops & restaurants to use the cleanable cutlery instead of disposable ones or give some discount for the customers who use their own cutlery.

They may the first group of university students that created and did the project themselves for the environment. Then Hualien government came to cooperate with their project by giving certificates for the participated shops and restaurants. This project has achieved beautifully in Hualien. However it is pity that in Taipei, a capital city which is not far from Hualien, you can see a lot of foam cutlery and disposable chopsticks everywhere… I am very regretful either.

By the way, I am very proud to have such good friends, Absolutely, Master must appreciate to them much more than me. Hopefully our environmental love and care concept will spread to others in Taiwan and everyone around the world. And if our dreams come true, the world is cleaned and peaceful, Ecstasy will be in our minds.

-8- Sixteen Elective Program

2008-04-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

“Life is filled with changes. In this world, we should not be concerned about what we lose or gain. Actually, if we have peace of mind, if we can work, and if we can enjoy what we have, then we are fortunate”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Due to Master Cheng Yen, she considered that the students should be interested in other activities except their obligatory lessons. So many elective classes are established and all students must finish at least 16 credits but not more than 25 credits before graduate.

There are several elective classes such as language, music, sport, art, computer, movie, poem, book, Religion, psychology, anatomy, emotional control, flower arrangement, tea ceremony, etc.

I attended a class of tea ceremony that is a beautiful Chinese culture. I haven’t known before that we must have many procedures before having a nice tea… Wow!! It is amazing…

-7- Volunteering works

2008-04-16T02:41:00.000-07:00

“Those who cherish good fortune are those who do good things for others. Those who do good things for others always lead happy lifes”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

As Master’s teaching “Life is journey; we board an express train at birth and head for the unavoidable destination of death. The scenery drifts by, and the only meaningful thing we can do is to be good and kind to our fellow passengers”

It is Master’s wisdom to develop her students’ spirit, humanitarianism, love and mercy. She created herself the compulsory activities which are volunteering works or making any benefits to society in some way. And every students must have their own volunteering passport to record their good deeds.

I had an opportunity to participate in visiting temporary old folk home on my first Saturday in Tzu Chi. Every weeks Tzu Chi students will go there to visit and have many activities with the old folks such as chatting, singing, drawing a picture, playing a game and giving them health care service.

After finishing the activities they sang a Tzu Chi song with language sign, ”a big family” song that is very meaningful and touched. The song meaning is

“ My happiness depends on your laughing, but if u cry, my grief is more than you. In my dream, I wish u were besides me forever. We are in the same family, believing in each others and my gratitude is given to you to let me learn more from your acceptance my giving. We will share our sorrow and pain because we are in a big family together.”

Please forgive me if there are some mistakes in this song’s meaning. Because I try to recall from my friend’s translation long time ago. Moreover i can sing this song in my odd Chinese accent however my melody still works, I think.

Other than activities for old folks. They have other volunteering works, for instance teaching the poor primary and elementary students, volunteering in hospital, etc.

In my opinion, this kind of activity is such a good way to instill student’s humanitarianism. All schools and universities should set this program in order to make a benefit to society as well.

-6- Tzu Chi Campus

2008-04-16T02:40:00.000-07:00

“To be fully alive, you must continuously utilize your capabilities, talents, and intelligence for others. Tour life must be like a spring day, constantly radiating vitality.
Do not let your conscience hibernate”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

Student dormitory We must paid for my dorm 40NT per night. The dormitory is in Tzu Chi University area. 2 large buildings are settled nearly for male and female, there are 13 floors in female dorm and 4 beds in each room. The bedroom is quite convenience, there are one toilet and one bathroom inside. And there are a laundry and a kitchen each floor.

The students is assorted in each floor by their faculty. Me and Oh, we were in the first one for the fifth year medical student.

Library A large and excellent library that provides many kinds of Chinese and English books, video, CD and computer, is opened from 8am to 10pm on Mon-Sat and 8am-2pm on Sunday. It is quite similar to the one of Mahidol library in Salaya. I usually went there to search for some English text books, study and use the internet. In here I always meet Kaijing, she is usually hard-working and study in library.

Gymnesium A modern Gymnesium that consists of indoor swimming pool, badminton court, and fitness. For student members they pay for service once a semester and use it unlimited times. Non-member student pay 30NT per each entry and 50NT for me, non Tzu Chi student.

-5- Vegetarian Food

2008-04-16T02:35:00.000-07:00

“All lives deserve to be respected, and all beings need to be loved
It ought to be easy for us to feel the pain experienced by bodies other than our own and grant happiness to those who are but strangers”
--- Master Cheng Yen---

“Only vegetarian food is provided and permitted in hospital area” , that was an important notice from Mr. Wei before I go to Tzu Chi.

The vegetarian cafeteria was settled between my dormitory and Tzu Chi Hospital. We must use an ID cards for paying for food. The breakfast comprises of breads and soybean or coffee in 15NT per meal. The lunch and dinner are buffet meal, many kinds of vegetarian food, only 25NT per meal. The food is quite delicious that can be confirmed by my 3 kilograms weight increasing.

One of interested thing here is everybody must have their own bowls, chopsticks or spoons and the bottles of water. Besides after finishing their meals they must clean their wares themselves at the provided place outside the canteen.

By the way, For someone else that is not familiar with vegetarian food such as my Thai classmate, it may a difficult life to adapt themselves to have only vegetarian meal. However I am the one that had tried to be vegetarian since last year but I cannot achieve my purpose yet, so this rule was my good opportunity to accomplish my wish. I determined to have only vegetarian food along 1 month that I were there.

But something change my mind. I heard this quote from somewhere
“The difficulty of delicious meat abstaining and searching for vegetarian food are not as suffering as the creatures’ agony when they are going to be killed”

Moreover most of my Tzu Chi friends are pure vegetarian. Some of them started it since they were young, for instance Frankie, though he was in Malaysia, the country that is much more difficult to search for vegetarian food, he still decided to be one since he was only 14 years old. I appreciate in his resolution although he was young.

22 years in my life in consuming meat and exploiting other creatures are enough for me.

This quote and my friends’ determination make me decided definitely to be vegetarian all of my life left without regretting or yearning for any delicious tastes of them…

-4- Introducing all of my good friends in Tzu Chi

2008-04-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

“You can’t be good yourself when no one else around you is good”

--- Master Cheng Yen---

I cannot believe that only one month with foreign friends can give me such an ultimate impression like this. Though we come from different countries, have different culture and speak in different languages as mother tongue, we can get along with together and have impressive friendship.

Due to they are my influence along my life there, before starting my life story as 1 month clerkship in Tzu Chi Hospital, my activities and funny weekend trip, I would like to introduce all of my good friends in Tzu Chi University as your background.

• Oh : my exchange student partner that is my friend for 7 years, my current classmate and roommate. We were partner accidentally… I missed Yamaguchi scholarship and she missed Gobe scholarship. However she is a good partner. 1 month in Taiwan make us knew and understood each other more

• Mr. Wei Jen Lai : The head of International Affair of Tzu Chi University that was my contact person. He is a nice man that took care of us excellently.

International Student friends
• Kaijing : A second year medical student that was my first friend in Tzu Chi. She is such an industrious and smart girl that love to do many activities especially volunteering work. Due to her friendly character and many activities, she has a lot of friends. Because of her dream and lovely mind, she is one of my inspiration and best friend.

• Connie : A busy girl that has many works in her responsibilities. However she usually separated herself from lots of business to accompany me and give me such a great impression. She is very nice, you will be happy and relaxed when being with her. Above all she is my trusted companion.

• Frankie : A fifth year medical student that is a brother of my close friend, Connie. And he is one of my best friend and my inspiration in aspect of several talents, his wisdom and his impressive dream. He loves in Hip Hop dancing, traveling and volunteering works.

• Julie : Another one that crazy about Hip Hop dancing as well as valley ball playing. She is a friendly and cute Philippines girl. Her faculty is Communication.

• Ellen : a cute South African nurse. She is very generous and has lady character. I usually bothered her by borrowing her stuff in our dorm.

• Yingen : A working woman that love adventure and wandering. She has ever been in Thailand and unbelievably, A small girl like her used to ride the bicycle around Taiwan with Frankie, Wenting, Jian Hui… Besides, she is a good cooker. WoW!! An excellent girl.

• Shin Yee : a classmate of Julie, Yingen and Xinyee, she has such a funny and lovely character. Only if being with her, you will laught, be happy and relaxed. A secret, I am certain that she must win a marathon or non-stop singing if there is this kind of competition.

• Chun Yin (C) : a first year medical student, that is kind and smart. She look to be silent however she is one of good speaker, explaining Neo Cutlery for me excellently.

• Katrine : a lovely and friendly girl. Though we didn’t chat together too much, she give me an impressive letter that let me know her more before coming back Thailand.

• Yaoqun : a funny and lovely guy. He was usually my chatting buddy as well as a good Chinese language teacher and badminton companion. Absolutely, you will be enjoyed when you are with him.

• Wenting : One of working woman that studies in Mast Media. She was a producer of a large project, drama that had her medicine companions, Frankie and Jianhui being director. She is one of adventurer. Her beauty and sincerity attracted me.

• Sinyee : A president of International Student Club that is a real working woman. I admire her responsibility and competency.

• Jianhui : Frankie’s roommate and classmate. He seem to be a silent guy however he is one of my funny and friendly companion.

Medical Student friends
- the fifth year clerks
• Su Hung Yuan : A friendly and generous guy that accompanied me to Taroko, though he was very busy and used to go there many times. Because of his kindness and good narrator, we usually shared our opinions and experiences, besides he is one of my familiar buddy.

• Chynni : Su’s girlfriend, except when being in dormitory, they adhered together all the time. ^^ She is a lovely and cute Malaysian girl that stay in the opposite bedroom of mine. Actually, she is one of International student club member but she is separated by her busy time and responsibility in hospital.

• Danni : A smart guy that I knew from Internal Medicine. Because of his previous Exchanged student in Japan, he could understand my feeling well and be an excellent host. Only short time I knew him, he was one of my impression.

• Cai Zhoa : A Myanmar Frankie’s ward partner, only 1 day with her due to I followed Frankie in Surgery, she is such an attractive girl in aspect of her friendly, sincere and nice character. Moreover I admired in her lady property; cooking, knitting and embroidery. You will feel relaxed when you are with her

• Lu wei : A silent guy that was partner of Su and Chynni, he also gave me a dinner on my first day in Tzu Chi. He is one of good-looking and smart guys.

• Chun Kai : My companion that follow the same Resident and Professor of mine in Internal Medicine. He is a shy guy however he is funny, friendly and usually kind to me.
- the second year student
-
• Lin Che Yu : One of perfect guys that his home is in Hualien. The second year medical student that I knew at Jing-Si. His interesting are basketball playing and guitar. He is one of my impression.

Exchange Students
• Wang Xi : My cute German friend that crazy about Chinese Medicine. She look very smart and lively. If you feel lonely, you can ask her for your excellent companion because of her jolly and talkative character. In conclusion, she was my familiar companion and Chinese Med tutor.
• Malaysian Friends : Munwei, Xinyang, Jih Ren, Khaw Chia Yen

You can see I have a lot of friends that are extremely nice and friendly. I still keep in touch with them and our everlasting friendship will be kept deep in my heart and memory.

-3- Tzu Chi Foundation

2008-04-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

These are Tzu Chi Foundation missions.

1. The mission of charity
In the past four decades, Tzu Chi has helped more than one million people, both in Taiwan and abroad, and has distributed millions of dollars. In addition to long-term assistance to the poor and needy, Tzu Chi also participates in disaster relief operations. Whenever calamity the first to arrive to provide help and support to victims and their families.

2. The mission of medicine
As she visited the poor, she realized that poverty was the result of sickness. In 1979, Master Cheng Yen decided to build a hospital. She chose to build it far out in remote Hualien, because she knew from her previous experiences that the eastern region of Taiwan lacked an adequate hospital. At that time, Master had nothing. Everybody told her that it was impossible. But she had the heart of the Great Vow Bodhisattva, who said, “If I don’t go to hell to save other souls, who will?”

Little by little, each and every contribution adds up to a large amount. Tzu Chi General Hospital was finally completed on August 17, 1986. It was the first hospital in Taiwan which did not require a deposit fee and that directly admitted all emergency patients. Whether patients had money or not, they could receive prompt, professional medical care.

Tzu Chi hospital is especially noted for its volunteer worker system. There are volunteers at the hospital day and night to care for the spiritual and psychological needs of the patients

Presently, there are a total of 926 beds and 38 departments. The outpatient clinic treats 1,400 to 1,800 patients a day. And other 5 Tzu Chi hospitals were established later in different area and different purposes.

3. The mission of education
In order to train caring, compassionate nurses for the hospital in Hualien, the Tzu Chi Junior College of Nursing was founded in 1989 One of the school’s characteristics is that it provides aboriginal girls in eastern Taiwan the opportunity to receive a full scholarship.

The Tzu Chi College fo Medicine opened in 1994 with departments in medicine, public health and medical technology, and graduate programs in nursing and medicine. It has a top-level faculty and up-to-date equipment to train skillful doctors. However, Master Cheng Yen does only want good, skillful doctors. She also wants conscientious doctors who will treat patients for their illnesses and at the same time respect and care for them as they would their own relatives

Tzu Chi University now includes colleges of medicine, humanities and social sciences, and biological sciences.

The Tzu Chi High School and Tzu Chi Experimental Elementary School : By providing a learning environment full of love and care, Tzu Chi hopes to instill love into the minds of students. this humanitarian-based education focuses not only on intellectual studies, but also on forming students into wholesome, compassionate people who care for society

4. The mission of humanitarianism
The Still Thoughts Hall is a symbol of the Tzu Chi spirit of contentment, gratitude, and understanding and accommodation. There are offices, libraries, galleries, lecture halls, research rooms and halls for preaching and meditation. There is also an international conference facility equipped for simultaneous translation in languages

In order to use media to promote the concepts of respecting life and affirming human nature, foundation inaugurated its cable television station on January 1, 1998. With the concepts of sincereity, intefrity, trust and honesty, the Tzu Chi Great Love TV channel shows its viewers how the Tzu Chi missions are carried out. Moreover, programs also let people understand how Master Cheng Yen leads her followers to actualize the Buddha’s spirit of showing “great mercy even to strangers and great compassion for all”

Tzu Chi aims to deeply inplant in people’s hearts the idea of “recognizing, cherishing and cultivating good fortune.” Master Cheng Yen has made timely calls for environmental campaigns to purify lives by “turning garbage into gold.” Tzu Chi members have enthusiastically responded to these campaigns by collecting and recycling reusable resources. In 1995 alone, a total of 18.3 million kilograms of paper were recovered, saving approximately 366,000 twenty-year-old trees from being felled

5. Tzu Chi Marrow Donor Registry
In accordance with the tenet of “respect life” and in order to save the lives of people battling blood diseases, the foundation established the Tzu Chi Taiwan Marrow Donor Registry in October 1993. Presently, the most effective cure for blood diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma and aplastic anemia, is a marrow transplant. Many patients have waited a long time for marrow donors, but have died because a compatible donor could not be found. Master set up a bone marrow donor data bank in Taiwan and to call on the public to join the donation campaign. By June 2006, the data bank listed over 300,000 potential donors

6. International relief
The Buddha taught that religion transcends race, nationality and geographical distance. As more Taiwanese traveled abroad, they have taken the Tzu Chi spirit with them. As a result, branch offices have sprung up to promote the beneficial influence of the Tzu Chi Foundation all over the world.

Tzu Chi participates in disaster relief operations plentifully, for instance helping Typhoon victims in Bangladesh in 1991, helping victims of drought and war in Ethiopia in 1992, distributing US350,000 worth of food and relief supplies and TIMA (Tzu Chi International Medical Association) treated the patients in massive earthquakes in Salvador in 2001, etc.

Principles of relief work
The first is “timeliness” If people can quickly get the help they need the most, they’ll cherish it as if they’d found a treasure. So, quick action makes relief more effective.

The second principle is “directness.” Tzu Chi people must distribute relief supplies personally, without going through some other organization. This way, they can get to know the victims and directly show them that they care about them

The third principle is “priority.” There are too many people suffering in the world. All of them need help, but the strength and resources of the foundation are limited. Tzu Chi can only choose those who need help the most.

Another is the principle of “respect.” Wherever Tzu Chi relief workers go to help, they must respect the lifestyle, the customs and the cultural traditions of that place. Relief workers are not superior to the victims, but help them as friends

The principle of “conservation” means that all relief donations must be used properly.
Finally, there’s the principle of “gratitude.” Volunteers do their best to help the victims, but at the same time they should be grateful to them. They are grateful because the victims five the volunteers the chance to help others. If it were not for those recipients, the volunteers would not nave a chance to cultivate their personal blessings.

The final goal of Tzu Chi’s charity relief is to help recipients achieve self-sufficiency in the future Master Cheng Yen believes that human beings should be able to provide for themselves with dignity, rather than depend on handouts. Therefore, Tzu Chi members do follow-up checks on recipients and try their best to encourage them to stand on their own feet.
Why is the world today in such turmoil? Why do so many people pas their lives in pain and fear? The world suffers from a deficiendy of love. Master Cheng Yen teaches us to purify human hearts and to wash away the sickness of the world, so that all living creatures may receive more blessings. By putting the Buddha’s teachings into practice and following the Master’s “just do it” philosophy, we strive to bring the Pure Land into our world and deliver all creatures from suffering

-2- Master of Love and Mercy : Cheng Yen

2008-04-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

“Life is journey; we board an express train at birth and head for the unavoidable destination of death. The scenery drifts by, and the only meaningful thing we can do is to be good and kind to our fellow passengers”

“We will send our love and care to wherever help is needed, transcending the differences of race religion and nationality”

--- Master Cheng Yen---

Master Cheng Yen, She is a respected and loved person of mine and millions people around the world. Before I went TzuChi, I had learnt about TzuChi foundation and her history that made me wonder why only a young age nun that be alone at first could establish such a great and worldwide foundation, had many members and supporters around the world and has had numerous projects along her life to assist the needy people transcending the differences of race religion and nationality.

And this is summarized history of Master Cheng Yen

Wang Chin-Yun, now known as Master Cheng Yen, was born May 14, 1937, in Ching shui, a small town in central Taiwan. As a young girl, she engaged in deep contemplation, asking where life came from, where deep contemplation, asking where life came from, where people went when they died and what the people lived for. She decided to leave her home and find a temple where she could take refuge in the Buddha. Master, she was in hardship, she and followers lived by their own strength. Their rule was, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat”

One day in 1966, Master went to see a sick follower at a hospital and she saw a pool of blood on the floor. Someone told that it was an aboriginal woman living in the mountains had had a miscarriage, and her family had carried her by foot down from the mountains for 8hours to the hospital. But the hospital required deposit fee before surgery could be performed and they did not have so she must be carry back her home.

Because of this story Master decided to establish a charity foundation to help the poor and educate the rich. She began her work by asking each of her thirty followers, mostly housewives, to save fifty cents from their daily grocery money. The woman asked “why should we save fifty cents every day. Wouldn’t it be easier just to save fifteen dollar per month”. The Master said “it’s not the same. If you save once a month, them you only show your compassion once a month. Even ehough the fifty cents you save daily is not of great value, you accumulate the spirit of helping and loving others everyday”

The program gathered strength as more and more people participated. On March 24, 1966, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi foundation was formally established. Under the firm belief and inspiration of the Master, the number of Tzu Chi members grew rapidly. Small accomplishments slowly accumulated, like sand piling up to form a mountain

And now I can answer my question in the first paragraph… Master, she started everything from her love and mercy. The original love from her heart give to everyone around her and all living creature, each of them give to others around them and lots of love spread from 1, 2,.. and immense love is extended around the world now.

Master, she denied to get a Nobel Price. She said that the Hospitals, schools, foundation and all of projects were not her own achievement but they came from a lot of people’s love and mercy.. that is such an impressive saying.

Eventually, I feel thankful to all of my friends ultimately to spread their love and kindness to me, give me an information, inspiration and let me learn more about Master and TzuChi foundation. Absolutely I must be gratitude to them by extending my love to others as well. It is not important what nationality, race, or religion we are, we can love everyone unconditionally.

-1- How could I be Tzu Chi clerkship

2008-04-13T04:29:00.000-07:00

After finishing of forth year, the first year of clerkship in Siriraj Hospital, there were many projects of Siriraj International student Affair and IFMSA that were provided for us to be medical exchange students in many countries around the world such as USA, Europe: Hungary, German, Finland, Austria, Greek, ect. , Asia: Yamaguchi & Gobe in Japan and TzuChi in Taiwan.

The Application was announced and applied by a lot of students. I could choose only one target that was Yamaguchi in Japan, a charming country that I wish to visit all along. For Yamaguchi Scholarship we must have English Examination to select only 7 students to be interviewed and from the Interview, the best 3 applicants would get scholarship to go there.

Maybe this is my destiny and the most fortunate event in my life, I got the forth from competition, absolutely I missed Yamaguchi scholarship and got Tzu Chi Scholarship instead by chance. And because of my narrow world, just learning and working in the hospital that enough to separate me from a wide world, it’s no doubt that it was my first time to hear this name “Tzu Chi” Hospital.

Who will know that because of this accidental opportunity and only 1 month in TzuChi clerkship can give me such an ultimate inspiration, worthy and everlasting friendship, valuable lessons outside the class, impression, experiences and excellent memories in my life.

And these following passages will clarify them. Hopefully my experiences can inspire u, the readers, to follow Master Cheng Yen’s LOVE and MERCY, touch our friendship between us and enjoy in my Taiwan trip story.

my Name in BiRth Certificate

2008-04-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

On last sunday i was on duty... in Obs the clerkship must b on service everyday until 10pm including holidays...

i had an exiting situation...
deliver childbirth by myself 2 cases...

the first case of my life start around 9am... i ask the Resident to do it myself... immediately after she accepted my request, i scrubed my hand , wore operating suit and gloves by sterile technique rapidly...

the head of newborn passed mom's vulva already.. i must do episiotomy then..
because of my excitement, my awkward action appeared obviously, my hand shivered... Accidentally, i touched mom's FECAE!!!... oh! my god... so sorry about it...
the resident scolded me loudly as if i make such a numerous mistake... her loud and fierce voice made me clumpsy more...
however i could still change my gloves and do episiotomy... eventually.. the baby was borned safely by my hand... HuH!!! everth passed rapidly...

i delivered the placenta and do perineorhaphy at the end...

many times i had reviewed the childbirth procedure and concentrated on observing the processes, i still made many mistakes and get lots of resident's condemning along the procedure... it's not a first impression at all..
Extern came to support me that every1 usually b clumpsy at the first time..

however i had no more time to think much coz after finishing the first one, my second attended case was going to deliver again... and i must do the second case without rest time!!

finally, my second case finished with better result... and my name is typed in Birth cirtificate as the doctor who deliver a child.. oh my god!! ... it's such a great dignity in my life...^^

have u ever heard a joking believe that if ur first delivery case is same gender as u, u'll have no chane to marry and b single everlasting...

would u like to guess about my first case l..a..^^
haha fortunately, both of mine are boys...... it's such a funny and nonsense tale, isn't it? however hope u'll get an opposite gender in your first case ... haha

all of sunday afternoon i attended the third case... she had some complication, finally she was sent to do Cesarian at 9pm...

my first duty day finished with lots of my exhaustion...

FiRst Labor Case in my life

2008-04-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

this week i'm still in septic and postpartum part of Obstetrics...

In our rotation we're seperated in 3 groups; antepartum, intrapartum and septic&postpartum
the intensive whole day lectures passed already..
today i have only morning class and a duty in septic and postpartum room..

i have not specific task.. just self learning in patient charts and attending in any cases; labour, curettage...

the first time in my life... to observe childbirth,
my first case is G1P0 pregnant with HBsAg positive ... by normal labour

1 hr and half passed, the patient hadn't delivered her child yet... we must cheer her up to force and contract her uterus by cry out "Uddddd Uddddd........" all the time... just voice, i'm quite tired... it's no doubt that how exhausted the mom is

Mother's endeaver achieved, we could see black hair of newborn soon.. then the nurse do perineotomy and finally a tiny boy was born...
that is a touched feeling .. it's too difficult to explain but most of us (my wardmate) have tears in our eyes...

though the Buddha said "Ring is produced after childbirth"
i am still one of dull human that wish have my own child and get a great mission of motherhood...

Am i a stupid girl??

Obstetric

2008-04-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

i have a lot of obstetric lectures ...

the first 2 weeks i haven't attended in the labour room yet.. however i must learn how to deliver a baby from video demonstration and practice with a model before...

i think it's such an exiting situation and feeling to assist in childbirth... and it's not easy for mom to carry a child for 9 months and confront ultimately pain... oh!! such a big task...lots of gratitude and gratefulness give her more...

Buddha said 'Ring is produced after childbirth' however delight and happiness fulfill in all of parents' heart after that... though they must start a great duty to b mom and dad.. they still b willing to bring up their children to b good ones...

it's such our great destinies not to have any disorders and have a nice supporters to patronize us...

My First One

2008-04-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sitting in silent place, closing your eyes and recalling your passed memories may can relax yourself from a whole turbulent and busy day...

I am a Fifth year medical student of faculty of medidine Siriraj hospital,Mahidol University..

MY INTERESTING is music, books and doing a charity ....
I've just started PIANO class since last year... do u think it's too late for a 22-year-old woman? however i love its sound and my concentration when my eyes and my right brain cooperate in translating the note, my fingers touch the keys and melody is produced.

one of my proud TALENT is my speech...
I used to be a president of speech club in high school level... and has experiences in Speech competition
I love to be in front of a numerous audiences in a large hall, Being Master of Ceremonies, making a speech and deliver an impressive saying to them..
Newscaster is an interesting thing for me.. who will believe that i used to sit beside Kalamae;one of famous thai broadcaster, read the news with her and interviewed her when i was in elementary school... wow!! It's such my good experience, right
But the most difficult and challenging kind of speaking is DEBATE.. and i love it most

anyway, Most of my friends said that i usually have my own world.. i always love to spend my free time with myself.. reading my favourite books, reviewing my lessons, travelling in the internet , recalling and thinking about the past time and everything that came through my life... Being with your frends, contacting the people,being in social make u enjoy and have a nice time
But everyone still need TRANQUILITY

BEING WITH YOURSELF will give u more chance to relax your mind, concieve, imagine and create a numerous thing

And this is my space to reflect my thought, express my feeling, throw away my sorrowness and memorize my good memories...

Hopefully you will enjoy in my tale.. I am not a good narrater at all.. come to share our opinions, experiences and memories

Above all hope you will know ME and I WILL KNOW MYSELF MORE