In the waiting room

I spent the first part of my morning today sitting in a waiting room full of people at least twice my age. I'd been in there once before as well, just before Christmas, after waiting about 2 months from my doctor's referral to get my first appointment.

On that occasion, the place was full and I must have been the youngest person in there. This time there were fewer people, but the age difference was just as pronounced.

One thing I hate about doctor's waiting rooms is the way that they always place the chairs so they face each other, maybe to make it more personable (either that, or to use the space most effectively). Sitting there waiting, I've no idea where to look, as I contemplate the appointment - wondering if I'll understand enough German to make sure I know what's going on, if the doctor will speak any English, or if I'll give the right answers to the right questions, etc.).

Normally, whilst waiting, I attempt to read the posters on the wall and occasionally stare down at my feet for long periods. I don't want to look around at people and start thinking about what they're all there for. It actually probably wouldn't be too difficult to guess, but that's precisely the reason I don't want to give it a moments thought.

As I was putting my iPod away in my jacket pocket, I heard my name called and popped my head around the corner to see a confused nurse wondering where I was. Sitting there waiting for the doc, I was perusing my medical records trying to understand what they all meant. Then he came in and spoke really fast in German. Oh, crap. I've no idea what he just said after the Guten Morgen part. Looking confused and apologetic, I managed to get out a Tut mir leid aber Ich sprech nur ein bisschen Deutsch. Phew, he spoken English, and after I told him where I was from he started talking about a famous German TT rider. I must admit I wasn't paying too much attention by that point, so I've no idea what the guy's name was.

Anyway. For each visit to a doctor here you have to pay a 10EUR admin fee if you haven't already paid that quarter. Only having a 20EUR note, I gave it to the receptionist and was told she'd find some change in a bit. As I was leaving, I went to collect my appointment card (I have to go back once a month for five more months) and question where my change had gone to after I didn't get it back with my health insurance card. I don't think she trusted me fully, she had a quizzing look on her face and told me that it should have been with the card that the other nurse gave back to me. Short for a reply, I stood there watching as she hesitated a bit, counted through the mornings takings and eventually gave me some change. I've no idea where the first lot of change disappeared to, but at least I didn't pay twice for a fee that I don't really get the purpose of.