In Praise of the German Health System and Edinburgh

Wow, it's been a long time since my last post! Several months, in fact. What's happened? I've traveled twice to Ireland, once to the US, and once more to Scotland. But I've also found something really positive to say about Germany, which will please my German friends who have read my blog and complained that all I do is, well, complain...Anyway, I went through a bout of hypochondria, wherein I was absolutely convinced that I was dying of something. What, I wasn't quite sure, but something. So off I went to the doctor - several times, for headaches, tummy aches, you name it. I even got sent to specialists. Turns out I'm perfectly fine, but I must say that I was impressed that I could get so much health care so cheaply! And all my doctors were fantantasic and very helpful, and even understanding of my somewhat wacky mental state.

On a totally different topic, I just got back from Edinburgh, where I attended the wedding of my dear friend Wendy. She got married in an ancient castle, with a bagpiper and everyone (at least the men) wearing kilts. I think ALL men should wear kilts!! My big adventure was helping Roisin, the girl I was staying with, collect ivy to decorate the room in said castle. Now, I'm a bit of a city girl, so battling nettles and little flying beasties while yanking reluctant ivy away from it's mooring was a bit of a challenge, but I think I acquitted myself well with only a minumum (ok, a lot) of complaining. Aaaaaand, the wedding coincided with the beginning the the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I got to see a few street shows, so now I can say proudly that I have been the Edinburgh Fringe (cool factor, ya know?). I also got to see a production of the musical Oliver with my friend JohnT and got to wander aimlessly around Edinburgh, seeing more sights. It's a great city!

There's actually a lot more going on in my life, but because a lot of it is job related, I will say "nada" until it's all settled!