Meal of Crayfish

The 'Meal of Crayfish' - a literal translation of one's meal at the local hospital in this little destination!

My 5 month placement in this little rural town of 5000 has been most interesting as well as restful. It is also my first at being a real rural PRIME doctor!

On arrival, I rolled my sleeves up and is all ready for the motor vehicle accidents, dive injuries, seal bites and dirty wounds that will come through. So, being a good and green young General Practitioner, I waited...and waited... and waited.....

No such cases at all!

Instead, I attended to multiple medical emergencies, osteoporotic fractures, sprains and strains, alcohol related injuries and a big list of patients with psychological problems. I quickly learned that this holiday destination is also a place where people come to retire! It is most agreeable with the town surrounded by the beautiful Kaikoura Ranges, just off shore to the South Pacific Ocean. Hard to imagine the existence of emotional turmoil with such serene and peaceful surroundings.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

My most interesting CME session has to be the one on "Seal Bites". It entails one of the local GP's broad knowledge on seal behaviours and it's sign of aggression. Quite similar to a BBC documentary. Of course, we have to include the management of its bite. This once cute animal has become a wild beast to my mind. Who am I kidding... It is still very cute indeed! Look at this one sleeping. If not careful, he may just roll back into the sea!

"We always look out for each other here" one patient said to me. And they do. The staffs at the medical centre and the hospital are very dedicated and helpful. They know not only the medical history but also the social history of the patient as well as the patient's families! Yes, I have indeed tested the local "manual telegraph". Brilliant speed - It takes only 2 hours before every staff knows about an incident... or a gossip! They do not do things half-heartedly here at all! Also shown by the dedication of the town to the All Blacks winning the Rugby World Cup 2011:

It is a shame that I did not have many opportunities  to head out fishing and hunting whilst here.... yeah right. I can, however, boast of the fresh seafood that one can get here! It is a shame that I have not taken photographs of some dishes I made with seafood from Kaikoura, and some of the meals I had here. Anyway, the recommendation is not to have anything else but seafood when in Kaikoura! For places to eat, I would highly recommend the following:

1. Tuti's Restaurant and Bar: Fusion Indonesian Cuisine with real cray in the chowder!
2. The local KFC (Kaikoura Food Company): Delicious breakfasts and lunches. OK Fudges though
3. Encounter Cafe: Delicious breakfasts and lunches. Great view on the Esplanade

Kia Ora, Kaikoura. Until we meet again!