Today started bright and early with another wonderful breakfast. We took the metro all the way to the end of the track to Plentzia, where the Hospital Gorliz is located along the coastline. Once we arrived (after a slightly sidetracked journey on the bus), we were welcomed by the nurses and medical staff with a presentation on the history of the hospital and the different ways they treat patients. Most of the hospital is dedicated to rehabilitation for adults; however, the hospital was originally for children and was run by medically trained nuns. The hospital is also right against the coast, a much better view than the construction and gloominess of Pittsburgh. We split into four groups and each toured different parts of the museum. First, my group toured the brain damage unit with a couple of nurses in the hospital. It was very interesting to see the systems put in place to organize the unit to the extreme. For example, one practice that I found super useful was how they used different magnets to indicate the characteristics of each patient. It was something that I hadn’t even thought of before, but I thought it was a great way to keep communication between different nurses on different shifts. We also saw the pediatric unit with various devices used to help the kids rehabilitate their movement and balance, and the movement rehabilitation center for adults, in which we saw an exoskeleton-style machine that aided paralyzed patients in training their bodies in the motions required to walk. At the end of the tour, we saw Saioa’s current research project, the Oreka-Balance machine, and some of us were allowed to try out the device. It was really cool to see how the machine responded to the shifts in foot pressure and how the center of pressure varied with our movements, and was calibrated to help just adjust our balance. With the gorgeous view of the coastline, the hospital showed us how healthcare does not have to be scary and how the rehabilitation process can present itself for both adults and children. Despite the chill in the air and the rainy skies above, we saw beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains lining the town. Additionally, one part of the tour that shocked us was the difference in cost between hospital care in the US vs. Spain; due to their universal healthcare, Spanish citizens pay nothing for hospital stays, ambulance rides, and more, paid for by their taxes. Saioa explained how the people in Spain believe that the taxes they pay will help someone eventually, and one day, it could even be them who require the money they pay to the government; essentially, they are happy to pay as long as people are being helped by their actions. I hope the US can someday reach this level of elite care mixed with affordable (or rather, essentially free) prices.

After a delicious lunch (a ham and cheese sandwich) while it poured outside, we boarded the metro yet again to head back to our hotel. I quite possibly fell asleep during the trip home, and I took another nap once I was back in the comfort and warmth of my bed.

That evening, we all got dressed up fancy and nice for our trip to the Arriaga Theatre to listen to some tango music, as well as hear Saioa sing with the choir. I actually really enjoyed the music they played. I was especially impressed by the accordion player, as I usually see the instrument played in street music settings. The overall energy of the music really captured my attention and I found myself enjoying everything that was being played for us. The songs showcased a wide range of talent from everyone; I liked the differences in the songs, the slow builds up versus the immediate launches into playing. I’m not a big opera fan, but even the singer at this experience showed me the beauty in vocal music. I found that I really like string instruments, and the performance showcased the talent and magnificence of live music. The theater itself was gorgeous as well, and I couldn’t stop looking around during the performance at the ceiling and walls of the auditorium.

A walk around Old Town later, we are back in the hotel, ready for a restful night’s sleep and excited for the cooking class waiting for us in the morning!