While not for everyone, I find that sleeping pills can be quite a good thing to have around the house. Besides getting me to sleep when I've been laying awake for hours they also give you a nice buzz when taken with alcohol. Also a good thing to have around during April fools if you you want to see your coworkers and friends pass out while trying to teach, very entertaining. You can also use this as a general guide to using the hospital system.

Supplies: Sleeping pills are easily obtained from your local hospital. Just bring along some cash and your Health Insurance Card.


     
Step 1 : have someone write the Chinese

       You will find it incredibly helpful if you have a friend or coworker write out the words "sleeping pills" in Chinese before you arrive at the hospital. Otherwise you will find yourself pretending to eat something and then fall asleep over and over again, while you try to explain to different people what you want. The picture here says "sleeping pills" so you can use that if you want.

       
Step 2: go to the hospital

      Find the hospital closest to you and get yourself there. I usually go to the Renai Branch: Renai E rd. Sec. 4, no. 10, but any hospital will offer the same services.




Step 3: go to the information counter

       There is a handy computer screen at each hospital where you can schedule appointments with the doctor of your choice. If you can't read Chinese though this wont help you at all. So instead go to the information desk and show them your piece of paper that says "sleeping pills" on it. The friendly information people will then lead you around until you find yourself waiting outside a doctors office.


Step 4: wait for the doctor

       Depending on how crazy the staff thinks you are you will either find yourself at the internal medicine doctor or the psychiatry clinic. Both places will work fine for our purposes. Just wait outside until your number is displayed on the large red number counter.




Step 5: talk to the doctor

       Once in the office you can explain to the doctor that you are unable to sleep and that you just want to be a normal person and that you may also want to drug your coworkers as an April fools joke. Then laugh and say, "no, no, I'm just kidding." This will let the doctor know that you realize giving people drugs without them knowing about it is not cool. He will reward you with a prescription for sleeping pill.


Step 6: pay for your drugs

       Before you can get your pills you will need to pay for your visit. Head back out to the main lobby and take a number outside the payment windows. When your number comes up go tot he window and give the person your Health Insurance Card and the prescription the doctor gave you. They will tell you how much you owe and you pay them.


Step 7: get your pills

       After paying you will get a stamp on the prescription paper. Head to the pharmacy window and wait for the number on your prescription (in the top right corner) to appear in the number box. If your number has already been called then your order is ready to pick up. Head to the window and give them your prescription.


Step 8: take pills

       Your hard work has paid off and you can now go home, have a few beers, down some pills and watch TV while you remain barely conscious. Another day of hard work in Taipei.