Shalini’s Guyana Blog – Pre-Departure Entries
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by
David Tughan
Anticipation – July 15, 2018
The time to leave for Guyana is approaching. All paperwork and permissions have been obtained and Beth and I leave in 2 weeks time as part of CASIEF (Canadian Anesthesia Society International Educational Foundation) partnership with the Georgetown Public Corporation. We will be in Georgetown, Guyana and be teaching the residents there.
I think while teaching, I would be learning at the same time. This is a 4-week mission. Let us see. Hopefully, I will be able to keep the blog updated.
Week 2 of preparations – July 21, 2018
This is the last week before I leave for Guyana. The anxiety is brewing, just like the coffee at Starbucks, that I love and the flat white that I will not get for a month!
There a lot of firsts for me, first time volunteering, first time away from home for such a long time (35 days to be exact) and first time going to a place I know nothing about. I have never packed for a month, ever. Let us see what all I forget.
There is some medical equipment that I plan to carry with me. Let us see if the airlines will allow it. I have written to the airlines Toronto manager but am yet to hear from him. Soon, I will assemble the presentations and cases for teaching.
Day of departure+3 – July 26, 2018
Today is DOD+3. The ultrasound machine arrived today. I had written to the company in a faint hope, not expecting a response. However, I was pleasantly surprised and after filling one form, the application was accepted and the machine arrived (along with 5 probes: 2 linear, 2 curvilinear and one phased array) in my office! It is quite compact and fits in a backpack, supplied by them. Now, the challenge is to carry it. I will keep you all posted on the progress. The only caveat is that I have to bring it back and send it by FedEx to them on my return! Leslie, my physio was suggesting that I should have collected money and paid the company so that the machine could be left in Guyana. It is a bit too late for that now, I think.
Beth and I are collecting teaching material and taking printouts of almost everything. We plan to meet at the airport and keep our fingers crossed because of excess baggage! Ciao for now.
DOD – July 29, 2018
Today is the DOD (day of departure). Suitcases are packed, all phone calls have been made, paperwork is completed (hopefully) and flight has been checked in. The only thing left is the journey to Toronto airport that may probably be the largest hassle during the entire trip (considering the traffic and 401 delays)!
A small hiccup has come in regarding the accommodation. The accommodation plan has fallen apart so it is uncertain where we will stay. This trip is going to be an adventure, I can tell. As long as it is not in the jungle and not a tent, I suppose Beth and I will be fine!
Rest from Guyana!
