On the Mend

    We got our first taste of the Australian healthcare system this week after Sam came down with a virus which resulted in a particularly bad asthma flare up.  We narrowly avoided the ER, thanks to our pediatrician consult from 10,000 miles away!  Thanks LW!  The good thing about the 10 hour time difference is that the middle of the night here is just morning on the East Coast. 
    We were able to get an appointment easily at a nearby clinic.  We were told that the MD Sam was assigned to tends to run late so we were instructed to call beforehand in order to adjust our arrival time.  We arrived late, as instructed, and still waited 45 minutes.  Other than that though, the appointment went well and Sam received careful, appropriate care.  Healthcare seems to be one of the few bargains in Australia.  The nebulizer treatment Sam had at the clinic was $5.00!!  Unbelievable. 
    A funny bit: The doctor was careful to make sure we knew the location of the nearest ER and the emergency number to call (000).  He said that Australians watch so much American TV that many of them think that they should call 911 for emergencies.  Perfect support for our theory that this country is more Americanized than is even realized by many Australians.
    It's a long weekend here since today is the Queen's Birthday holiday.  Unfortunately, it's been very rainy so we abandoned our plans to venture into the Blue Mountains and go whale watching.  We did manage a short walk from Manly Beach over to Shelly Beach during a break in the rain.  


Manly Beach. Poor weather does not scare off surfers, as long as there are waves.





Feeling much better!




Sculpture along Fairy Bower




Shelly Beach, a protected north-facing beach great for swimming and snorkelling.



Winter sunrise