This morning I woke up at 6:30, but being on “island time,” I didn’t actually get out of bed until seven. There are a total of eight girls volunteering in the pre-med program, and we are all staying at the same house together, so we all gather around the table for a big breakfast, usually followed by a little family feud watching while waiting for our taxis. Our lovely taxi driver, in his easy-going Jamaican way is typically about 30 minutes late, but makes up for it by passing all the other cars on the road. I’ve found Jamaican’s to be so passionate about their country! It’s amazing, he will play the same Bob Marley song as loud as he can, and doesn’t even let it finish before it starts over. We then make it to the hospital, where I’ve met the most incredible doctors! The take time out of their busy rounds to not only explain the patient’s situation, but also ask us how we like Jamaica. Today we asked a doctor if we could draw each others blood and instead of the typical western answer of “of course not!” we got a “ya mon I’ll teach you.” I don’t know if you’re interested in medicine like I am, but that was amazing! That moment when you actually hit the vein (after multiple attempts) gives you such a sense of accomplishment, and we couldn’t stop smiling the whole way back to the office. Our taxi driver thought we were crazy, having enjoyed the action of removing blood from someone else’s body. Just that the doctor taught us, and was patient while we poked and prodded each other, was really a testament to how incredible the people are here. Everything is so layed-back and relaxing, the general happiness putting you right at ease. This trip has been amazing so far, and I don’t want to go home!