Ian Chetter 2010
This is a somewhat unusual twist on a travelling fellowship report, not written by the travelling fellow, but by his partner. It provides a different perspective on the award and on the Travelling Surgical Society!
When my partner, a busy academic Vascular surgeon, told me we were to travel to Cuba and Barbados I was thrilled and excited. However these emotions were replaced by slight apprehension and anxiety with the added information that we would be touring with the Travelling Surgical Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as he had been awarded a Price Thomas fellowship.
My fears were quickly dispersed when we met up with the TSS members at Gatwick Airport. This group of (mainly) senior Surgeons and their wives were fantastically friendly and welcomed us both into the fold with open arms. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome and an integral part of the group. We had the time of our lives and cannot wait to catch up with everyone in Nottingham in September. Eternal memories / highlights include:
Cuba
- The wonderful ‘tumbledown’ architecture in Havana – the Mojitos were good too!
- Pressing the sugar cane
- A certain senior surgeon’s appreciation of the classic Cuban music (Guantanemerra in particular)
- A fantastic meal in a Cuban citizens garden (a paladar)
- The Beuna Vista Social Club (the classic car ride was almost as exhilarating as the dancing)
- The whistlestop, hair raising, girls bus tour of Havana
Barbados
- Anthony Hunte’s garden (and tea pot!)
- The fantastic meal at Fisherpond (and later Daiquiris at the Lucky Horseshoe!) Jan’s wonderful hospitality
Roger’s shirts & swimming shorts - In summary a wonderful time with a lovely bunch of people!
Josie Hatfield RGN (Partner of Price Thomas Fellow, Mr Ian Chetter)
Research Nurse, Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull.