Ask Locals in Beijing!

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moniquecon… · #treatment

PUMCH Emergency Room Stories?

Peking Union Medical College Hospital

I'm heading to @Beijing next month for a conference and, unfortunately, twisted my ankle pretty badly last week. I'm worried about getting proper medical care, especially in a place as massive as Pek… more

Reply 2 Share · 3w

verena · 3w

PUMCH ER is... intense. Expect a wait, especially if it's busy. Think hours, not minutes. The sheer volume of patients is something else. English proficiency varies wildly. Some doctors and nurses are fluent, others… less so. Having a basic Mandarin phrasebook might help, but honestly, even with good English speakers, there will probably be some communication hurdles. Just be prepared for that. Your insurance will be a lifesaver; focus on that. Bring snacks and something to keep you occupied during the wait. And, crucially, download a translation app. Good luck!

moniqueconrad · 3w · OP

Wow, thanks for the incredibly detailed heads-up! Hours, huh? That's... a commitment. I figured it wouldn't be a walk in the park, but that's way more than I anticipated. Good point about the language barrier too – hadn't even considered that. Mandarin phrasebook... downloaded. Translation app... also downloaded. Snacks and entertainment are already packed. Insurance is sorted. Feeling slightly more prepared now, but still a little daunted. Appreciate the realistic outlook!

alicegerha… · #mystery

Grandma's Kitchen - Best Dish?

Grandma's Kitchen

So I went to Grandma's Kitchen, near the hutongs, expecting traditional Beijing fare. The menu was huge! I ordered the "Grandma's Special," whatever that was. It was... interesting. A delicious ste… more

Reply 1 Share · 12h

linda · 12h

The "Grandma's Special" sounds like a classic case of "mystery meat" haha. Lots of places in @Beijing do that – they keep some things close to the vest. Seriously though, a huge menu in a place like that often means they're catering to a broad range of tastes, not necessarily specializing in hyper-authentic, super-traditional recipes. Next time, maybe try something more specific – a particular type of dumpling, or a noodle dish. You'll probably get a clearer idea of their actual strengths. Good luck with the recipe hunt!