Speaking of immune systems...Mine is currently out of commission. I finally caught a virus that is going around. Unfortunately for me, my medicine works really hard to turn my immune system way down so that my immune system doesn't get confused and attack my body instead of the virus. Because of this sickness, I got to experience several new things here in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Getting to go to an NHS (National Health Service) surgery- "Surgery" here just means the doctor's office. No need for getting cut open. A few weeks ago I registered with a "surgery" so that I would be allowed to see a doctor when (inevitably) I got sick. I started feeling sickly so I made an appointment. I was extremely curious to see how the public health care system would work. It wasn't anything too crazy. Appointments here last only ten minutes max! Before I went in for my appointment, the receptionist told me that I would only get 10 minutes with the doctor. If a patient needs more than ten minutes, he/she is told to make another appointment. When I went in to see the doctor, let's call her Dr. K., we met in an office instead of an examination room. This was very interesting; it was more like seeing a specialist. Dr. K. had to reference several medical books to assess my condition and the cold/flu I'm currently fighting. I thought this was interesting. You would never see a doctor back in the states do this! (At least they would never do this in front of you.) Dr. K. was very kind and speedy. I left within my ten minutes with a prescription in my hand. No money exchange. (Remember: This is all from my personal experience. Doctors can be very different so who knows if this is how all "surgeries" work here.)
Getting a free prescription from the chemist- A chemist here is a pharmacist. You just walk in, hand them your prescription, they quickly fill it, hand it to you, and you walk out the door. No money exchange. Interesting fact: a person can go to a chemist and get a behind the counter medicine without seeing a doctor.
Stay inside during incredibly cold and wet weather- Brr! It is getting very cold here. It is freezing every night, and I can usually see my breath when I'm outside. It has also been raining pretty consistently with no end in sight. I have also been able to watch Extreme Home Makeover. It never fails to make me cry. Every single time.
Making Cock-a-leekie soup- This is also known as chicken and leek soup. Leeks are very common and cheap here so I decided to try it out. Hopefully it tastes as good as it looks!
See some interesting things while walking to the doctor and chemist-
I took a double take when I saw this sign. Say what??? A fish pedicure? No thanks. I wonder why this went out of business... When I got home I had to google Garra Rufa Fish Pedicure. These are some of the photos you might find.
An American candy shop! Although Scottish food is just fine, some American foods are hard to find. Hence the need for an (expensive) American candy store. I saw several Scots walk out of the store with root beer and Twinkies. Glad this is what makes America famous.
Twinkies, root beer, oh, and canned hot dogs. I saw these at the local grocery store.
I don't remember this being a real thing back home...
Update: I actually wrote this post about a week ago, and I am doing much better as far as my sickness. Praise the Lord!
I am so glad to hear you are better! How interesting about the health care system - I find that super fascinating! And no...canned hot dogs are still not a real thing here - no wonder people think Americans are a bit off our rockers! Love the pics and updates. I hope you get some snow!!
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