Today we trekked to the outskirts of Basel to the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, where we had 4 lectures about the general mission of the organization, specifics of Mental health in India, Food Borne Illness and Malaria. We then toured the institute via three departments; the chemotheraphy and drug unit, the malaria bio/chem lab and the TB research lab. All were explained in an extremely scientific and biology-intensive conversation, and I followed along for the most part thanks to my GMU bio class! In the malaria lab, we literally got to look at the petri dishes that contained strains of the Malaria parasite in various stages in human blood samples. It was so surreal to be in one of the laboratories where they are creating drugs and vaccines to treat/cure Malaria. All of the speakers were so passionate about their efforts, and were extremely encouraging and supportive of the flock of (mostly) American students swarming their institute.
Tonight I ran to Germany!! It was about a 4 mile roundtrip run, and we literally got to run through the toll to arrive at the post of the German Flag. We had a little stretch and high-five moment then turned around and ran past a flock of swans that live in the reservoir alongside the damn of the Rhine River. We came back to a delicious Lamb dinner and a relaxing evening at the hostel- starting to plan an epic vacation in India.. looks like Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Kochi and Kerala are all on the schedule.. can't wait to explore with these inspiring peers.
Here's to another night of malaria drug-induced dreams..
No comments:
Post a Comment