...because you might get to see someone's heart beating in the middle of their chest. We visited the heart and diabetes center in Bad Oeynhausen, and oh, the things we saw! We began by watching open heart surgeries. Amanda and I saw the last half of one bypass and the beginning of another. It was fascinating to see. We also saw the ward they have for patients with artificial hearts. In Germany, the wait for an organ is typically much longer that it is in America, so there is a much larger market for devices that can keep a person well until a new heart is available. We got a chance to meet some of the patients. They were even kind enough to show us the wires coming out of them and into their battery packs. From there we went to see their MRI machine. The radiologist showed us a few tricks that can be done with a 1.5 T magnet. Overall the experience was thrilling. Seeing these professionals and the passion they have... well, it's contagious. Whatever area of medicine--no, whatever sort of career--I end up in, I hope I can be as dorky about it as these guys are about they're work.
Today was day one in Vienna, and it is a terrific city. The place itself is beautiful, and it has a rich and long history. Some of the stories of besieged Vienna seem strangely similar to certain scenes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy... but never mind. Vienna has been attacked several times by the Turks throughout its history, making it feel as if Vienna has been both the center and the fringe of European civilization. I can't wait to see and learn more about Vienna in the next few days.
PS: As an afterthought, I'll share my personal advice on Amsterdam. Make it a day trip.
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