Bermuda August 2017

So here I find myself once again, half-way round the world in Bermuda, sitting in the same chair in the same office, in the same hospital!! The staff is pretty much the same too, though a fair number appear to be on summer vacation, which in some cases looks like lasting about 6 weeks. I have been made very welcome with rain even provided!

The trip over was as usual long and crowded, on both flights. On the Cape Town leg, I sat in the same rows with a number of people from the one firm, who were on the way to Sweden. They were all quite excited but seemed to sleep well. The bus to Gatwick was uneventful. Gatwick was humming as there were numerous holidaymakers and the lounge was not as pleasant as last time as there were a number of families with kids at fever pitch. I discovered after I left the lounge, that it was still a lot better than the main terminal – think I am getting old and crotchety!!!!!

I landed here on Sunday evening on a hot, muggy, cloudy day – very much like being welcomed to Durban. On my way to my lodgings, we made a stop for some provisions and when I arrived, the first thing I did, was climb into the swimming pool which is very close to my door. It was certainly much more pleasant than getting into the Sea Point pool – there was no need to acclimatize on the top step, as the temperature was well into the 20’s, and it was very welcome!!

Then I got down to explore my lodgings!!!!! I have stayed in Erith House before with varied results. The first time was fine, but I requested different accommodation after the 2^nd time, unfortunately that wasn’t available this time!!! So I requested room no 2 where I stayed the first time!! Needless to say, it was not in the same condition as a few years ago, and the absence of a few basics including a kettle was rather disappointing. A letter or two to the accommodation officer, and I now have said - basics! Which includes the kettle – I tried it out on a number of plugs before it worked – it is now living in the bathroom, as it works there; bright luminous orange sheets, a few more towels, coat hangers, a mop and a broom as I am expected to leave the room in good order when I leave; I asked for wine glasses – seemingly a very unusual request as I have been given 2 large cocktail glasses instead!!!!!

I am enjoying the place as a morning and evening swim is very pleasant, I have a very nice view – I look out over the island tennis courts and have a 270 view from the swimming pool so can watch both sunrise and sunset. There are others at the lodgings, but I appear to be the only swimmer - until Thursday evening when someone else had a swim!. Outside my room is a seating area with table and chairs, under an overhang, so this is doubling up as my lounge / dining room. I am settling in!!!

Sunrise on Monday morning

Sunset on Tuesday evening - the clouds have been spectacular

Work started on Monday. I spent some time with Tayo, catching up on procedures that have been introduced as well as reacquainting myself with the computer system and various programs. Since then I have consulted a few patients, cancelled a bone marrow, looked at some negative malaria slides, diagnosed a new patient with Hereditary Spherocytosis, officiated at a couple of plasmaphereses and generally kept busy!

As I brought over a bronchiolitis, my asthma has been rather bothersome, so have been escalating medicines, including having to buy a Ventolin pump, which required a script and was about R400!!!!! and some Prednisone - I left most of my stock behind!! But at last I am breathing better! Because of that and the weather I haven’t been exploring too much but have been photographing the clouds as well as my walk to and from the lodgings, which is about 15 minutes from the hospital.

I call this area 'dinghy graveyard' as I don't think they have been moved in years

A view of 'some' of the boats - looking across towards the city of Hamilton

If you use your imagination - this cloud looks like Trump with his
 orange hair blowing out lots of hot air

This morning, Friday, I plucked up all my courage in both hands and collected the scooter that I ordered. Luckily it is small (fits a 12 yr old!!!!!) and I puttered around in the parking lot. My biggest problem is getting the correct acceleration in order to take off - and then the rest. But I got to the hospital in one piece and have parked it and I am now champing at the bit to get on it later and explore. Photos to follow!!

Would love to hear from you all

Maureen