Hannover

   Our quick trip to Hannover was well worth the stay. The town seemed rather sleepy at times, yet there were many opportunities available while we were there. The Hannover Medical School allowed us to visit with their Nephrology and Cardiology departments, and it was intriguing to hear from the German doctors themselves. Another very interesting thing we were able to see was the ECMO machine at work,  artificially oxygenating the patient's blood and keeping her alive. This machine as well as the cardiac assist device showed how medicine is always evolving and the newest technologies are ever-changing.
   Hannover was the blessed city where we were finally able to do laundry! After asking random people on the street, we were able to locate the laundromat and enjoyed some of the best Chinese food as our clothes were washing. There's nothing quite like clean clothes and good food to revitalize the soul.
   Our  final day in Hannover was all about animals and their application to the field  of medicine. The Axolotl Research Center's focus on regenerative qualities of the axolotl was fascinating, and their room of spiders allowed me to conquer my fears of the creepy crawlies. The center reminded me of a Marvel comic book, as they were working on spider web material and regeneration.  The axolotls were adorable little things and if we could learn regeneration from them then the world would be much better off.  The Hannover Zoo was a fun last  excursion, and I do not think any of us will forget the baby Chimpanzee or the gorilla. Germany exceeded my expectations and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.