I test out the NHS system here...

Today I had my first real experience of the NHS system here in Cyprus as I was off to see a Cardiologist at the Evangelismos Hospital in Paphos.  The investigations into my allergic reaction episode last week included a couple of ECG's which highlighted a small issue (at least I think it is small) but enough for further investigation with a specialist.  Under the system I pay 6 euros to see the specialist which seems fair enough to me and so I arrived, checked in, paid my euros and sat and waited for my turn - the guy in front of me was ages but as I was to find out that was because the cardiologist seemed to be very thorough and not a man to be rushed.  When it was my turn I had another ECG and then an ultrasound.  Tomorrow I have to go and get some blood tests for cholesterol and thyroid and next week I have to go for a stress test.  I was with him ages as he wanted to know my family health history and information about my lifestyle and the strange reaction I had last week.  He is a very quietly spoken man and currently I have quite blocked ears so it was quite hard work catching everything he said.

So really until all these tests are done and dusted I am none the wiser save that the Dr said not to worry and to carry on as normal so that is what I am going to do even though I am a little worried.

John, Stan and I had planned to walk the Kathikas Trail this afternoon and then we would meet up with the Js at the Kathikas Gin Bar and then go to Fitos for a meal.  John thought it might be best for me to get my stress test over and done with before any other physical exertion so he and Stan went and I kept the Js company in the Gin Bar.   Stan had been so keen to do one of the walks he had seen us complete previously so I was a bit disappointed not to go but as my breathing hasn't been brilliant this week it was probably a good idea.

We girlies whiled away a pleasant hour or so in the gin bar although we didn't have gin we opted for smoothies instead.  Sadly today Jackie wasn't feeling so well - I really believe that over the last 18 months the bugs which John and I have been exposed to and the bugs with they have been exposed to in the UK have been very different and now that we have mixed, even though we are double jabbed and extremely careful about masks and hygiene, we just don't have any resistance to something unfamiliar which normally would cause us no problem at all.

We had booked our favourite table inside Fitos - it is tucked into a corner so that we can control the airflow and curtains if it is too hot, cold or bright.  As always we had an excellent meal and even though they were mega busy Fitos still made time to come over and chat and at the end of the evening insisted we had a drink with him.  Everyone enjoyed their meal and Charlie benefitted from some cod which we brought home.  Not sure quite what happened to him though because one minute he was absolutely fine and then next he was limping.  Hopefully it is nothing serious.