I decided to walk around to see the city today. I was down in the lobby around 8:30 in the morning. I bought my mango smoothie first then I went back to the hostel to get online a little bit. It was just me and the receptionist then after about 5 minutes of sitting on the computer while sipping on my smoothie, I suddenly heard someone crying. It was a barefoot western woman behind me. At first, I thought she was just drunk or maybe broke up with her boyfriend. The receptionist asked her what’s going on and she said she’s having a pain on her lower ribs since 2AM. The receptionist told her to take a pain killer while I advised her to go to the doctor to have it checked which she agreed on. I found out that she just arrived last night from Cambodia and travelling alone. I offered to accompany her to the hospital. The receptionist called a taxi for us and asked the driver to take us to Saigon Hospital. We didn’t get to talk much while on the way to the hospital because she was in pain. I just asked her where she’s from and she said from Los Angeles, CA. I didn’t ask anymore question because I know it was hard for her to talk.

 

When we got in Saigon Hospital, they told us that they only accept locals. The nurse wrote down the name of the hospital we should go to which is Columbia Asia International Hospital. We went back out to get a taxi. There were couple of guys offering motorbike ride and I said my friend is in pain and we need a taxi. Both of them stood in the middle of the main road to get taxi for us. 

 

We arrived in Columbia Asia International Hospital around 9:30AM, she was asked to go to the emergency room. The nurse asked me to fill out the forms and I had no idea who she is so I borrowed her ID. 

 

 

I had to wait outside the emergency room. She had urine test, ultrasound and x-ray. She was still in pain despite the pain killer the doctor gave her. She was groaning in pain, was having a fever and her finger nails turned purple so I immediately called the doctor. She was given medication again and after about 3 hours, she finally fell asleep. I thought I’d buy us something to eat so I went to the Diamond Plaza which is a block away from the hospital.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we got back to the hostel around 9PM. I asked the receptionist if there is available bed in my room so I can look after her but my room is fully booked. I accompanied her to her room instead before I went to mine. I took a shower immediately to freshen up then I went out to get my mango smoothie. I got her one as well hoping she likes mango. I also bought her crackers and small bottle of water she can use to take her medicine.

 

 

It has been a long day. It was tiring but I can’t complain because if I feel tired, I can’t imagine how she feels. It was tough being in this situation in a foreign land but there were people who helped us. I’m just glad I was with her all along.

 

Helping people makes me feel good. It doesn’t matter whether my time or energy has been taken away by doing that. The feeling that I’m able to help is just priceless. She may remember me for the rest of her life or maybe not. The thing is, it’s all about what you give and not what you get in return.