Normally I speak of I did this and that. We went here and there. Most of the times I skim the culture differences off or the small details that make each appointment, each errand and each outing a little bit harder and interesting than the States.
For instances, going to the doctors. I've never been a fan of going to the doctors. Even in the States, I always check out WebMD, ask my gram and my school nurse, try some medicine and then finally when they all say go and the medicine doesn't work I make an appointment. Here my strategy is a bit different. I fight my ailing as long as possible and then my boss tells me we are calling the doctor. It's pretty much impossible for me to call on my own. The doctors speak English but not necessarily the front desk.
Once I get to the doctor, I check in by handing her my insurance card. This is the fastest way for her to get all the information she needs without saying too much. Of course, there has to be some speaking in which then everyone in the room knows I am an English speaker until the next patient comes in. Next, I find a seat. Since I don't often go just for a check-up I have to go during their emergency times. Times when you can't wait three weeks to see a doctor. This is a pain because it forces you to sit there. Today, I've been here an hour already. It blows my mind that it really can work this way. But here I sit waiting for Frau Deppen to be called.
Once I go to see the doc, we have small chit chat about what I'm doing here. And the question everyone has is how long will I stay. It never fails. I am always asked this question, along with the statement you are so young. My experience with the doctor is always pleasant. Always friendly and warm.
It's the process of seeing the doctor that is always the hardest for me. Knowing I have to have patience to be the patient.
Today while visiting the doctor, I made a friend. The room was filled like no other. People were standing and finding seats where there were no seats at all. I saw an elder woman standing and I have learned you give up your seat for moms and for elders. So I stand and moved to the end of the row. There sits a little girl no more than two. Oh she was the cutest! Of course, curious in her being wanted to start a conversation. I started in English and I felt 13 pairs of eyes immediately on me as I interacted with her. She showed me her baby doll, she flipped through my book and before she left we got to draw a bit. She was curious with me and I could tell so was the room.
That's how it normally is. I think often people believe I am a young German woman giving up her seat or interacting with the cute little kiddo in the seat next to me. I open my mouth and people are shocked. I'm not German and then more so to why I'm here. I try hard to be kind and polite when I am out and about. It's important to me that Americans get a decent reputation.
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