A trip to the doctor's office and other various observations.

Tuesday brought a trip to the doctor's office for a medical exam I had to have for my work visa. The visit began much like a visit in Iowa would, by checking in at the front desk. The only thing, you did not need to have an appointment. You then were given a number and told to take a seat. It was rather like going to get your driver's license renewed in Iowa where they give you a number and then an electronic board tells you what window to go to when your number comes up...the office was exactly like that. First stop, check in for a record to be built. Then sit down and wait again. Next stop...the lab for a blood test. Then sit down and wait again. Next stop an office behind closed doors. Here the man took my blood pressure (perfectly normal, alright!) and listened to my chest (completely clear) and checked my abdomen (apparently okay). He then asked me a few questions and marked my document for the work visa as clear. Next stop the payment desk. I was a little worried about the cost for this in Singapore, especially since I still had to have a chest x-ray for the work visa. The bill was a shocking $47 Singapore Dollar which is about $33 dollars in the US. Yes, only $33 US for a blood test, an exam and a chest x-ray!!! I paid and then was sent to x-ray. First stop, the desk. Then to a dressing room to put on a gown top. Then wait again. Then the x-ray and back to change my clothes. This all took about 1.5 hours. I am to return on Friday to pick up my test results from the blood work and chest x-ray and the completed form for my visa. I then have an appointment on Monday to pick up my visa...hallelujah!!!!! It was similar, yet different (especially the low cost) as going to the doctor in Iowa.

I noticed this change a few days ago, but just had it come to my mind today....in Iowa on the elevator the keys marking the different floors at my work building are in two rows and go across and then up a row and across and then up a row...much like we read a book, only from the bottom up. For example:
22 23
20 21
18 19
Singapore is much different. The building I'm in has three columns and they go like this:
3 6 9
2 5 8
1 4 7
My brain just can't seem to wrap around this small difference...and I keep trying to find my floor button!

Another strange thing I've noticed is that when you get a drink "to go" whether it is coffee or soda, you are given this drink in a small plastic bag (much like what we get at the grocery store, only small enough to only fit a cup) and it has handles on it and away you go. It's so odd to me.