Getting Physical

China Style. As part of the process of getting approved for a physical all foreigners and overseas Chinese have to go to a special clinic to have a physical done. The experience is a cross between the X-files and 1950s style communist china. The clinic is in a building way on the edge of the city. You enter through the front doors and immediately are greeted by an eerie quasi computer voice directing numbers to various rooms.

It should be noted that Aaron has left to go shower before work, so don't be afraid if you've noticed a change in narrative style, for it is Meg. After Aaron and I filled out the requisite forms in a room with a massive fish tank as a centerpiece, we went on our merry ways to the change room, where we stripped from the waist up and donned handsome robes. From there, various tests included an EKG, an X-ray, a blood test, an ultrasound and a general physical exam--we were directed from room to room, so there was no chance of getting lost. The good news? My blood pressure is normal, I'm not colour blind, and Aaron wasn't forced to 'cough' for his physical, if you know what I mean. The bad news? Having to
walk around bra-less in an unflattering robe. Perhaps the highlight was the blood test. The waiting area is directly in front of where blood is drawn by a nurse who is like quick draw with a needle. Picture several identically-clad individuals sitting in a row, various shapes, sizes, and ages, watching Quick Draw get her samples. It was great! I mean that seriously; I enjoyed it, although I think I may be in the minority on that one. The physical has definitely been the highlight of the week so far...besides that it has been work, work, work.