I can't remember if I
mentioned this in an earlier post, but in Switzerland, bus city drivers don'
check passenger riding tickets. You can just literally get on the bus. It's the
straight up "honors system" over here; they assume if you have hopped
in the back of the bus, you have purchased the proper ticket to ride. The
transportation department believes this helps traffic flow better (instead of
bus drivers stopping to check tickets/taking payments), and I agree.
Unfortunately, I do not
believe this same concept would work in the United States because...heck, I'll
admit it; I wouldn't even buy a bus ticket. Before you start packing your bags
to move to Switzerland for free bus fair, I think it is important to mention
police officers do random checks. If passengers are caught without the proper
riding tickets, they have to pay a +100 dollar fine on spot or they get put in
jail. However, I’ve ridden the bus about 5 times already, I’ve never been
checked (jinx!).
OK, that’s all I have to
say today.
JUST KIDDING (LOL)!
Yesterday, we finally
arrived in Geneva, and it is pricey here. I’m burning through Swiss Francs left
and right. We’re staying at the Best Western –Strasbourg. I figured I would put
that out there in case of an emergency, and I need somebody to come pick me up.
Upon arrival, all the
students participating in HSC 516 had a dinner orientation. Outside of the free
meal (Who doesn’t like free food?), the best part was we found out we can
return to the World Health Organization anytime, after this trip, to do
additional research or intern. As a health administration doctoral student, the
World Health Organization is the Mecca! So, this is a big deal. We have a good
group; so, it should be a fun week.
Today, was our actual
first day visiting the World Health Organization, and can you say “System
Overload?” There were so many dynamic speakers, and all of them focused on global health. I was in 110% nerd mode.
I could write 20 more blogs about all the stuff I learned and my impressions.
The global aspect is so big to me. Like, it’s great to focus on helping those
in America but that’s not the whole world. OK, maybe I have too much “Michael
Jackson (heal the world)” in me. I’m off my soap box. The main takeaway is I did some serious
elbow rubbing to hopefully get a new job. We even were able to go within the
Strategic Health Operations Center (SHOC): http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/30502828#30502828
Only officially 1 day
in, the experience has by far exceeded my expectations. I can’t stop thanking
the man above for showing me so much favor; I don’t take anything for granite.