Back from Bas, finally!

I am finally back from my DGH (District General Hospital) posting at Basildon, and I cant say how happy I am about it. I guess being brought up in Singapore means that Im never really able to settle for a "peaceful" lifestyle. Moreover, I really didnt quite enjoy having to live in a hostel room again. It can be lonely, especially when I hardly know my neighbours (actually I barely do see them really) and when my idea of entertainment and fun doesnt quite match my firm mates'. This compared to a very lively London, with ready access to friends, internet (yes, I refused to pay for internet when I was at Bas) and great food and entertainment made having to go back to Bas the lowest point of my week. The travelling to and fro (at least 2 hours door to door, and at least 15pds return each time) was also a pain.

That being said, I wouldnt say that my time there was all downs and no pluses. Bas is a nice hospital, and I can see it being a great place to learn for medical students, by DGH standards. The people there are friendly, and the hospital is relatively big (at least bigger than I had expected it to be), with a snazzy new Cardiothoracic Centre (with its exterior seemingly modelled after UCH) and a very lively flow of patients. There was accommodation for students and staff on campus, which is great when you have to be in at 8 cos it means that you are able to roll out of bed at 7.30am and make it there in time or saunter back during lunch break for a nap. Its also great if you want a break from Labour Ward whilst waiting for your lady to pop the baby out, cos the very friendly midwives are more than happy to call you back for the deliveries (if they remember).

Of course, in terms of entertainment, med students seem to love Bas Vegas. Its a local club, which according to friends are nothing like the normal ones you see in London or anywhere else. Entrance was not too expensive (4-5pds, depending on whether you had your NHS card) and drinks are really cheap (1pd for a smirnoff ice, 1.5pd for a beer). The dance floor was close to being empty, and people would stare as you danced.

It was my virgin club experience here in UK, and I wont say its something that I see myself doing very often. Firstly, I feel just too self- conscious dancing (and should I say moving my body parts in awkward ways), and secondly, there is nothing else to do other than to dance and drink (neither of which i particularly like very much). But i suppose, as QZ said, I can see why people (other than those who genuinely like to dance) would like it, since its one of the few socially acceptable place to meet new people and talk to strangers.

Back in London now and feeling very pleased about it.

Started the celebrations by meeting my favourite mates at Vapiano for some pizza, pasta and laughs. There food here is really not too bad and for a really reasonable price. They do a Marche Concept kinda dining, whereby you order smthing and then whip it up for you on the spot. The Calzone I had was really pretty awesome and the staff that greeted me were awesomely friendly, which I feel very important in making a dining experience. Moreover, you can sit there for ages and they wont do anything about it. (I even saw a group of people playing board games there.)

Next up, would be Guy Fawkes celebrations for the weekend. Fireworks, here I come (: