Quick Hospital Tour

UCSD Thornton Hospital is a very modern building that was designed in conjunction with one of the big hotels. As a result, when you enter it, it has a real resort feel. Don't be fooled: it is still a hospital! It is built around a large and airy atrium that gives a tremendous feeling of grace and spaciousness. Actually, when one is recovering and need to get out and walk around, it is quite nice to have this alternate contrasting environment: contrasting to the rooms that, no matter what, tend to close on you. On the lowest level there was a grand piano fitted with a MIDI controller that tirelessly played inane Christmas ditties; one wishes they could at least put the late Schubert Sonatas on for a change.

As an added touch of elegance, the rooms actually have polished hardwood floors. However, if that bed looks comfortable, let me assure you it is not, or at least ceases to be very quickly. It has already had a thousand butts molded into it, and it feels like the mattress is WWII surplus materials. Still, a few homey touches, such as fresh roses from our garden, a couple of pictures and teddy bear— courtesy of my friends Sonja and Holger— plus a rather pleasant view out the window made for probably as nice an ambience as possible.

There was no escaping that it is still a hospital, and I'm grateful to be home.