Loss of patience...

Last week, I was really frustrated by quite a couple of things (stupid bank / insurance / garage) and I thought I should start writing a series for people to know that the life in Europe isn’t as beautiful as imagination. As I was halfway through writing the encounter with the bank, I chance upon an article of “Cultural shock” published in one of the expat baby community magazine. I then started to reflect on myself thinking that it was my own fault for having the wrong expectations and stuff that’s why I don’t like being in Belgium. So I stopped my writing.

However yesterday I was so pissed off by my gynae that I really need to complain!!!! 2 wks back we missed our appointment for 2 reasons. First she has scheduled me in 3 wks instead of the regular 4 because she was going on holiday. Then in midst of the passing of Opa, we also didn’t recheck until the day that we thought we had our appointment and to turn up at the clinic to realize that it was closed.

Nobody ever call us to ask why we were not there. We then immediately call back to try to re-schedule for the next appointment. The gynae was of course not in town and I had to do the scheduling with a temp clerk who cannot even speak English. Nevertheless, I managed to get an appointment for 16 Jun, being the earliest possible slot possible and was told that the doc will be back on 6 Jun. Sander and I thought we can definitely get an earlier appointment after we speak to the doc when she returns.

Yesterday evening, as I was going home late, I saw that the clinic is open. So anyhow, I popped in and try to reschedule my appointment. The nurse was understanding but said that the schedule is really full until 3 wks later. So she thought of slotting me in as one of the last patient on wed. She specifically ask if I had any abnormal discomfort and my EDD and she will ask the doc to see what she can do. After consulting with the doc, they decided that I should keep to my Jun 16 appointment since they don’t feel any need for me to have a checkup any earlier. And then they even said if I feel any discomfort, I should just go to my family doctor and they will not schedule me for any earlier!!!!!!!

As much complain as I have for Belgium, I think the health care is cheap n relatively good. But service is again a word that you can never find anywhere in here. Only 3 more months to go, I still have no clue of whatever is going to happen. Today again, did not manage to get any seat on the tram and had to bulldozed my way all the way to the back for the last seat!

So so, for all those out there who think that Europe is all so wonderful and rosy, these are just some examples.