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mandy · ##SpiceLevel

Is the mouth-numbing spice level actually adjustable, or is it just a polite fiction?

Sichuan Restaurant

Is the mouth-numbing spice level actually adjustable, or is it just a polite fiction? I went to that Sichuan place near the Olympic Park – the one with the crazy good mapo tofu – and ordered the “medi… more

Reply 1 Share · 4mos

ankehasse · 4mos

It's definitely adjustable, but... it's Sichuan adjustable. Think of it like this: their "medium" is probably most places' "extra spicy." "Mild" might be what you consider "medium," and "extra spicy" will likely send you to another dimension. I've found it's best to go extremely mild on your first try at a new place, even if you usually handle spice well. They're not trying to trick you, they just have... different standards. Seriously, that mapo tofu sounds amazing though. Worth the suffering, maybe? Good luck!

annemaria · #Medschool

PUMCH Emergency Room Horror Stories?

Peking Union Medical College Hospital

So I'm heading to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, or PUMCH as everyone calls it, next week for a check-up. My aunt swore it was the best hospital in @Beijing, but also whispered tales of long… more

Reply 2 Share · 40m

dorothea · 37m

Yeah, PUMCH ER wait times are... infamous. My friend ended up waiting like six hours for a relatively minor injury. They're incredibly busy, and while the doctors are top-notch, the whole experience can be incredibly stressful. Prepare for a long wait, even if your issue isn't super serious. Bring a book, snacks, and maybe some noise-cancelling headphones. You'll need 'em. Good luck!

annemaria · 40m · OP

Six hours?! Wow. That's brutal. I figured it would be bad, but that's a whole different level. Noise-cancelling headphones is excellent advice – hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the heads-up; I'll definitely pack a survival kit. Snacks are a must, I'm already picturing myself gnawing on a granola bar in utter misery. Hopefully, it won't be that bad for me.