Sorry we're closed..

I was supposed to have my glucose tolerance test at FV Hospital this morning. My OB rescheduled me to come today because she wanted me to fast before the test is done. So, 8.30am, i went off with an empty tummy to get this done and over with. I know it would take some time for this test to be performed but I was ready for this "battle". 10minutes later, I arrived at the hospital. It was a very smooth journey since I live around the vicinity but lo and behold, the hospital is surprisingly very quiet! It was like a "ghost town" to me, no security guards or the concierge waiting outside, ready to open the car door for you or welcome you in the hospital! Shoot!! i forgot that today was a public holiday in Vietnam! Today marked the Independence Day of this country. But it didn't matter to me and to my friend since this is a HOSPITAL,it is always "on-duty" like ones back home or perhaps other hospitals around the world. I proceeded to the laboratory since I am scheduled to have a test done, but no Grace, the door is CLOSED!!! So off we went upstairs to see the OB department to try and speak to any staff, but again, no one was around to accommodate a hungry pregnant woman today!! Both Tet and I could not believe this strange realization happening at the moment! We are aware how important this public holiday to all Vietnamese people, but why leave the hospital unmanned? why?!! i just could not fathom that!!

(This is the reception area, normally, 6-8 uniformed staff are available to help any guests, but today, that was not the case. But i am pleased to see that the flower vase was still there and waited for me to arrive.)

(My friend Tet checking the notice board inside the OB department just in case they left a note about closing it in time for the holiday.)

So we've decided to check the emergency section, since it is designed for emergency cases we had hopes that it will be open. And yes, finally, a uniformed man was there and was available to speak to me. Unfortunately, since their laboratory is unavailable (because according to the staff, it is Vietnam's public holiday) they could not give me the service I was supposed to be taking at that time of the day! So there we were amazed at this luck we got, went out to hail a taxi but again, even that ever helpful taxi man was on holiday! Because in Vietnam today marked their Independence Day!

I hope you have had a relaxing Independence Day in Vietnam!