Country roads, take me home... to China!

So, you're probably all wondering what the heck we've been doing in Tianjin... Well, we, the immunization group, started our first day of work today at the Tianjin CDC. After our breakfast, we were escorted to the CDC, and by escorted, we mean we had to dodge oncoming cars and bicycle herds. I guess to give those who have never been to China a better perspective on what this means: picture Ann Arbor, on State Street, during the first week of school, times 14. After our arrival at the TJCDC, we listened to several presentations on the immunization program in China. While our lectures were interesting and very informative, the most exciting part of the day was the "exchange of cultural information." For example, we asked what stereotypes many Chinese people might have of Americans, to which they responded saying we are honest, open minded, a melting pot, and that we tend to not save very much money. We also asked them what kind of music they like to listen to, and, to our surprise, the most popular American song in China is "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. Because a few Americans didn't know the song, Kraig decided to sing a few lines, and one of the CDC doctors, who had said only a few words beforehand, joined in and finished the song in perfect English with a sweet solo!

After a very informative day, tomorrow we are looking forward to a day in the field at the Hongqiao District CDC, where we will be viewing immunization procedures in an urban health care setting. Later, we will be administering immunization coverage surveys in the Dongli County Health Stations. Keep checking back for updates!!!

Zai jian!

- The Immunization Group