| 3:18 Village People |
| Sunday, 03 January 2010 | |
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Here's some of the latest news from 'The Village People' ... our Medical Clinic team! Okay here's the lowdown on the hoedown.Medical mania started early in Chiang Mai with some intense customs negotiation. Despite some language barriers we managed to establish that indeed examination gloves are deemed medicine (huh???) and surgical gowns must be taxed.. Whilst Mark Aitken argued and pleaded and salvaged some of the medical gloves, Richie and Mick got sent to the back room with The Boss....a few minutes later they emerged with permission to take the rest of the gear in and only $30 lighter in the pocket....stage one overcome. Whilst we had the best of the intentions to make Omkoi on night 1 it was quickly apparent this was not going to be the case. Supplies were re-purchased at the "Drug Store Supermarket"...highlight had to be Ken getting adrenaline over the counter. A quick pit stop at ICC's village in Chiang Mai and an early start (4am) got us to Omkoi at 2pm. 8 hr trek including 2 on the dirt as cattle in the back of a few utes. Full marks to Port Macquarie church on your investment in the Omkoi church. Fit for P318 lodgings and HQ - photos to follow shortly. Two days of clinic started about 10 minutes after we arrived when a guy plonks himself down asking for the doc....ironically he has a urinary issue....Dr Ken the gun urologist on the case! 140 patients a few days later had been seen. Chronic pain is a major issue from hard work carrying heavy loads on backs and heads. Highlights were the mega splinter surgically removed by Dr Ken on a church pew on the church verandah...not bad considering it had been in there for 4 years!!!! Oh yeah and Andrew Burke the surgical light holder fainting mid-procedure....but thats a story for another day. The magic multi vitamins were handed out, and people apparently ran back for some more the day after as they had brought so much pain relief....it is amazing how little had brought so much joy. And there was the man who came back from more pills cause his wife had decided to take some just in case she would feel better also. Honourable mentions to pharmacist / balloonist Nathan Long and his sidekick Mick. Most of the team made the long hike up the mountain to an awesome temple, saw the Burma border (just) and felt like mountain goats for most of the journey. A few had a Happy New Year in the chilly waters of the Omkoi stream. Back now in Chiang Mai chilling at the ICC village. Will check the health of the kiddies tomorrow before jetting out to meet the rest of the peeps in Siem Reap. Later, The Village People (cause it's fun to stay at the Omkoi - S - D - A).... |
