We started off our day by visiting the seaside Hospital Gorlizo. It is a rehabilitation hospital for stroke patients and patients with limited mobility. It was an incredibly interesting and detailed tour, it felt like we saw every inch of the hospital. We talked extensively to the nurses about their experiences, professional careers, and the structure of their healthcare system. They showed us all of the rehabilitation tools and exercises they use with their patients. What really struck me was how different the culture there felt from an American hospital. My experiences with American hospitals have been very loud, chaotic, and rushed. The staff often appeared overworked and tired. While my experiences may not be representative of all American hospitals, I felt like the Spanish hospital was very different. It was very peaceful and relaxing (although that may have been due to the scenic views of the sea), the hospital staff seemed like a tight-knit community, and there was just a generally more relaxed energy in the halls. It was very interesting to compare Hospital Gorlizo to the American hospitals I have been in. It was also fascinating to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of a socialized healthcare system.

In the evening we had our official welcome dinner! We dined at a delicious restaurant named Zaka. We started off with appetizers of patatas bravas, ensalada rusa, croquettes, and bread. They were all so yummy and a great way to start the meal. For the main course I got smoked pork ribs, with potatoes and carrot sauce. Our final course was a slice of cheesecake! (Although our cheesecake went temporarily missing, it was delicious in the end!) Overall, it was a delicious meal and a great day!