Before I tell the story of my morning let me say I like efficiency and consistency. I don’t consider myself better than anyone else and don’t expect special treatment.
Jose picked me up at 10:00 and we were at the hospital by 11:00. We parked right by Mayca so there were hopes of a stop there after I got my file. That is all I was after today. A file with a number so there was a place to put all my info. A paper folder with a clip to hold the sheets.
We started with the guard but he told us we had to get in line. It was down the hall and around the corner. José knows me so he suggested I go sit down. After a while he called me to come wait with him. We were getting fairly close. In lots of cases the seniors get to cut the line but not in the hospital. That is until the old man eases himself into the line 2 ahead of me. And then the person ahead of me turns into 3 people all wanting things. Grrrrrrrr.
Finally after an hour it is our turn. The person looks at my stuff and says we have to get in the next line and see the doctor. Another line. Finally I was called and it took 5 minutes and we were sent back to the first line. It is long again but I told Jose I wouldn’t be any less mad if I went and sat down. Same garbage again. People walked up to the counter and started talking and it brought progress to a stop. Finally my turn. José said let’s go. No, I wasn’t done. We had to go across the street for the file and number. Yup, you got it, back to the first line now. This time I did it. José put me right near the guy and left and I planned to crash the line as soon as he was done with the lady he was helping. Even the guard came over and talked to him about helping me next. Everything would have been great if it hadn’t been for the Tica who had no intention of letting me in the line. José had moved away so he wouldn’t be nearby if I exploded. I accomplished what I had to do without that happening. Barely. I now have a file and a number.
Next stop was the place where they give the talk or class or whatever it is. José explained everything but there was no way of anything happening today. We have to go back tomorrow. Pickup is 8:00. So, this eye thing has been a 5 day affair. Tuesday at the doctor and hospital, Wednesday at the hospital, Thursday at the class, Friday at the hospital for surgery and Saturday back to the doctor to be checked. And it is all an hour away. Reminds me of trying to get me registered with the clinic in Orosi. 3 trips to Paraiso and back to Orosi.
We headed for Walmart and had lunch in the cafeteria. José took care of his business as I covered the store as quickly as I could. The cats and I are covered and I have lots of the ingredients for making candy. I don’t have caramels or marshmallow cream yet. Also need another big jar of peanut butter.
There is so much I love about Costa Rica. Today wasn’t part of that list.
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