Saturday, November 1, 2008

Doctors, Billy Elliott and the Rugby League World Cup

Doctors, Billy Elliott and the Rugby League World Cup

 

Sunday, October 26 saw me finally getting up early to go to a clinic to have my skin infection looked at.  I found out from the front desk that the clinic had Sunday hours and where it was located (conveniently close by). 

 

The three of us walked over there and Forrest and Dana waited while I had it looked at.  The clinic had two doctors on and the appointments were not rushed.  I got in after a reasonable amount of time (general practioners don’t make appts it is first come first serve except for extreme cases they move ahead).  I waited no longer than 15 minutes on a walk in appt.  My doctor took his time.  At first I thought he was a grumpy ole man but he ended up being a very thoughtful and sincere doctor.  He was not happy at the look of the infection and so ordered a swab taken to test it and asked that I return on Tuesday.

 

The whole system was efficient, comprehensive and I felt as though I was being listened to and that they were interested in fixing me.  It was not a managed care feel where you are rushed in and out and the doctor barely remembers your medical history.  We have no travel insurance so we paid out of pocket.  The prices for the doctor visit and the tests were ridiculous.  The nurses, doctors were all apologetic about charging us “so much.”  But with the tests, the visit and the antibiotics and ointment it all came to about $100 American.

 

After that we all went to go look at the market and then grab something to eat.  Afterwards we walked Dana back to the apartment and then Forrest and I got ready to go see Billy Elliot the stage show.  It was a spectacular show.  Well adapted from the screen. It was a very energetic and fun show.  We were both disappointed in that the songs were like regular stag shows and did not instead incorporate the classic rock that drove the movie so well.  But there are a few future cult songs in the show and we loved it.  The theater itself was beautiful and the inside was very eclectic.  Its hard to describe but a spectacular venue.  We had great seats which made even better.

 

Afterwards we rushed home, had a quick snack then the three of us rushed to go see the Australia vs New Zealand game at the Sydney stadium.  The game was so fun and the crowd absolutely intoxicating.  A great vibe.  Forrest and Dana didn’t know the game but the guy sitting next to Dana would explain some of the rules and since it is Rugby League World Cup rules vs Rugby Union I needed clarification too.  It was great fun. 

 

Afterwards we grabbed a burger, as the food at the stadium was fine but not satisfying.

 

A busy day but a great day for really getting into the culture of the city.  Oh and Australia won btw.  The crowd was nicely mixed between the two sides.

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