D-9

Hi everyone (if anyone even reads this).

Just counting down the days till I fly out! I'm actually staying a couple of nights in Auckland, so it's really D-11 but this will mark the end of the more formal part of my medical school time (6 years!).

Anyway, I don't have all that much in the way of information and update, except that it has been incredibly difficult getting any form of email response from people in the Cook Islands.

However, by some stroke of luck, I've found another medical student who will also be on elective at the same time as me in Aitutaki Hospital on TripAdvisor! Rather excited there will be others around :) I have to say TripAdvisor is a really good place to look for some tips and such. Many kind people there who will also hunt out answers for you too!

I have a friend who was recently in Aitutaki Hospital for his elective and managed to get some information.

Not surprisingly, shampoos/creams etc are on the pricy end (seeing as they all have to be imported). Chocolate happen to run for $15 a block (ouch). Internet is available at the hospital and also at hotels/resorts at a cost. You can get $10 worth of txts at Telecom which allows you to txt to New Zealand too (so a bonus for me!). There are markets there everyday except Sunday and rains spontaneously. And a tramping strength insect repellent is a must.

I have tried to buy some things over the last couple of weeks, and boy oh boy, all my toiletries and some spices are coming up to like 8kg. Might have to risk my $5000 orthodontic braces and leave the fluoride mouthwash behind! I'm hoping to fit most of it into the luggage if weight will allow it. We shall find out next week!

I'm hoping to update this blog from time to time while I'm in Aitutaki with some photos. So hopefully more information soon! I first need to survive my Surgical viva and essay!