Smoking in a Chinese Hospital Café. Some Things Never Change. The...

I stopped in here for lunch because I was passing by and it looked like a nice place to eat. Then I saw the ashtray at my table filled with recycled coffee grounds.

I didn’t smoke while I had my lunch I can easily go my lunch without a puff. I did however spend 12 days in this very hospital four years ago when I broke my ankle and needed surgery. Check that story out in the link at the end of this post. Back then I had a private room and private bathroom which I could hobble over too and barricade myself in. When the nurses came in they said ”cho yan” (smoked cigarette) and stick their nose up. That was the worst I got but they wouldn’t let me leave the room for even a minute unless it was the couple of times to get x-rays.

It was a nice café though for being in a hospital, it is a pretty expensive hospital though happy to say the company’s insurance covers 80% and expats in Dalian are required to stay in the VIP section due to language issues. Sweet!!

People smoke everywhere here though. I should start taking photos of all the wrong places I see people smoking. I even considered a series of me smoking right under or beside signs that say no smoking. I try to adhere to similar rules found in Canada not as a habit but to be polite. Even if I’m at a bar here and the people at my table are non smokers I will leave the table for a smoke to their dismay. I guess that’s a Canadian habit, SORRY!!! haha.

The décor is nice very modern and clean feeling. The baked goods were so so but the beef noodle soup I ordered was excellent.

Beef Noodle Soup

Considering I was the only one there eating I was worried it took so long to arrive and if it would be good. Surpassed my expectations by a mile, I might go back. Well the next time I break a bone and end up in this hospital I know where to get food from. The seating area is probably quiet because they are taking food to different patients.

(The entrance to the hospital from inside the cafe.)