Had an amazing trip to Geneva - beautiful city with picturesque views from everywhere! This whole elective trip has really been way better than I would have ever imagined. And the food was incredible - indulged in cheese fondue, mexican fajitas and of course loads of chocolates :)

At the wineyards off geneva

Lake geneva - it was much more beautiful in person though - just the atmosphere!

Views from all sides of the city's roads

cheese fondue: yummmm i can drown in that!

All things quintessentially London..

Wonder how these guards manage to see with their hats on!

The queues are like Chinese Dragons - never-ending!

I have no ides why these are famous

Famous for their atrocious rates??

And the beautiful architecture at Piccadily Circus

London!

Am extremely impressed by Ryan Air- perfect timings, and comfortable flights; despite the absolute lack of frills: we had to climb up to the aircraft, climb stairs within the airport (Glasgow Prestwick) and even climb up to London Stansted airport. But it took me just 10 mins from landing time to collecting my bags & come put of Stansted. A total contrast to another 'leading' British airline. The moment we landed, a loud horn sounded followed by recorded tape of cheering - for the plane was on time! The horn sounded more like an alarm though..But a cute culture of Ryan Air I suppose. :)

Its amazing just watching my little great-cousin dhyeya, she's an absolute joy to watch. Running around the house, pulling everything down, saying thankyou & ya & horsy, playing peek-a-boo..gosh. Being greeted by her in the morning with a heart-warming smile: priceless!

Went down to central london today..caught the famed Big Ben/Trafalgar Square/River Thames stretch. The streets were extremely happenning..there was a Vaisakhi 2008 festival going on in Trafalgar square so the place was full of Indians & hip bhangra..overall a very festival spirit in the air. Could feel the touristy vibe of London coming through - just filled with people from all countries & indulging in various pursuits. Had a good time taking in the sights & sounds :)

The Parliament house from across the Thames

The Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Had a stimulating clinic session today, we had to counsel a 79 year old lady for a myotomy (for heriditary cardiomyopathy) as she was having severe AS; however she didnt want the operation and downplayed all her symptoms - ultimately its the well-being of the patient that all medicine (surgery included) is meant to address..its important to keep this in mind at all times.

And then made our farewell rounds (!). Our Prof, his lovely secretary, the librarian, the janitor..just a few reollections of small things which rocked my day -

The university janitor, who on seeing me wait for the library to open (it was 9.15 and its supposed to open at 9), called up the librarian & informed me that she is coming. And who told us on the last day that he'll miss us

The shuttle bus driver who never fails to greet 'good morning' & 'have a good day' to each person everyday. And when we took the 9am bus instead of the usual 8am, noticed it & told us he was worried that we had missed the 8am bus.

The nurse who left her lunch halfway to bring me from the OT to the cath lab (a 5 min walk); the other who willingly photocopied notes for us despite having patients waiting.

Gosh, all these people & their actions have really made my day over the past 4 weeks..these will add onto the fond memories I have of this place.

for the pleasure of reading

Have just finished 'The Lost Boy' by Dave Pelzer. Was turning out to be just a good read initially but by the end of the novel, I was all teary..was definitely a reaching insight into the world of foster children. Especially loved the way the author showed an absolute lack of emotion - only higlighted the plight of the child even more. Very good find indeed at the Barras for 25 pence.

The Joy Luck Club - another treasure left behind in our room - looks promising. I ve completed my 1st read, and the impression is that of a beautiful tale subtly illustrating the quirks of mother-daughter relationships & the process of maturing/growing up. Am waiting for a second read to fully appreciate the underlying messages.

Happy to be adding onto my collection of books - cant wait to have my own library-in-the-study in future, continue to be able to pick up a book when I am feeling up or down, read it, experience the unique emotions each one brings and just enjoy it.

Of winds and tiles!

We are all in high spirits now; looking forward to the next leg of our journeys..had my inculcation into the art of mahjong yesterday! thanks to jess! lots of 'tong, nan, ci, pei and 'pai ban' 'hong song' and many other formations! had a good time but as my tutors would put it, havent progressed to studying the opponents tiles yet but instead taking my own time pondering over mine. Plus, i am reducing my chances of getting Alzheimer's so yay!

Achievement of the day: learning how to do a French plait! (yes, i hadnt mastered it till now, despite having it in my to do list for ages)..thks to ky my wonderful tutor. :) As for knitting..well progress has been painfully slow, pretty sure I am going to lug my half(no less-than-a-quarter) finished scarf back home and beyond :( I'll definitely finish it though!

Its these small things which are making my day these days :)