Sunday - managed to "clear" customs with some difficulty. Apparently, Bolivia replaced their entire customs staff five days prior to arrival. Any advance preparations on the part of our Bolivian staff were null and void. Bags and declaration lists were inspected and they threatened to hold Dr. DRE hostage unless I promise to bring him home. Conditional "promises" were made and we were at least able to take him to the project site, but further haggling over customs, tariffs, duties, and import "laws" must still take place. Prayers would be appreciated. Feels like we are being extorted for a bribe - not giving in yet.
Sunday afternoon we took the hot 3h drive to Santa Rosa, checked into the Hotel Ochotu (AC in every room, hot showers - more on that later, and a new balcony from which we can enjoy the sunrise and the perpetual rooster crows). We had a late lunch at the restaurant La Tapera - no frills, but we have Yoko, our own personal "health inspector" who makes sure our food and water are safe. Hoping to avoid giving Montezuma any opportunities to seek revenge this week. We then went up to the hospital to set up for Monday and even see some consults - a chance we didn't have in San Juan - it will be nice to "hit the ground running" on Monday since we only have Bill (Gyn) and Stan (Gen Surg) for one week. Looks like we've already got some gallbladders lined up for tomorrow. Bill gets to start out with a vaginal hysterectomy and colpoplasty on the local doctor's mom - noooooo pressure.
We set up the new anesthesia machine and everything seems to be working - at least for now. The AC in the OR works and we didn't have to risk electrocution to fix the lights this time. Francis manages to "fix" the patient monitors (for now) and we utilize way too much duct tape in an attempt to safely ventilate the overflow of the anesthetic gasses out the back window.
Made it back to the hotel and put the girls to sleep - they've had a long day and a half of travel, but did quite well. At this point, the cool of the evening is setting in, aided by the AC. I figure I'll take a warm shower to wash off my travel stink. In Bolivia, this involves flipping the breaker switch on a 230 volt circuit which is conveniently located, yes, in the shower. This goes well, but is followed by a warm, tingly feeling as I touch the steel shower knob - should have worn those rubber flip-flops after all. I let go and continue with my shower, but soon the lights go out, the water gets cold, the AC turns off, and the tingly feeling goes away. My apologies to the team - no AC tonight after all. It will now be a long, sweaty night at the Ochotu. Breakfast is at 6:30 (0530 Wisconsin time), it is 11pm. The roosters have already started and apparently everyone in Santa Rosa has a motorcycle.
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Location:Santa Rosa Del Sara, Bolivia
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