As in the movie, and in the twilight of our stay in Belgium, it's the little difference between here and the US that make for good storytelling.
I am currently reading A Year in the Merde, and in the later chapters the author describes the French healthcare system, which will be ours later this summer. I'd say we are better prepared than most Americans as we have lived in a similar system here in Belgium.
Today for example, I took my son to the Dr to check a bad cut on his toe. As with all generalists, there is only a waiting room; no receptionists. While waiting you wonder if there is a line or how the Dr knows who comes next without the assistance of a secretary; what if he is behind schedule? He eventually opens the door and invites in the next patient. Once inside you are welcomed into an office/examination room. No claustrophobic, sterile rooms with syringes and exam lights hanging around.
But the best part is AFTER the exam (after the cut is all bandaged up). This is when he writes up the bill and demands payment on the spot. No credit cards accepted, only cash. (A typical visit will cost you 20.60€) And when you pay, he gives you any change (dimes and all) out of his wallet (!) Believe me it's kind of uncomfortable if you don't have any change on you because you are probably the 10th consecutive patient to give him a 50€ note to cover the charge. It is surreal when compared to the administration observed in the HMO-run US. Oh, and for the insurance you get more than 50% back if you remember to send the bill to the insurance co..
This is the texture around the dinners and wines shared with friends. A beautiful bottle was opened last weekend, a 1998 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Grandes Ruchottes" (Dom. Ramonet). A delicious and complete "petit Montrachet". Full bodied yet light on its feet and a wine that evolved over the course of 3-4 hours into a completely mature white burgundy.
Sante!
