Geneve

Swiss Dentist

Today I got up and readied myself for my train trip into Geneva. As usual I get a little anxious thinking I may be late for my appointment so I leave home far to early. The walk to the train station was lovely the sun was shining and the air still, the warmth of the rays penetrating my coat, so I removed it. You always have to take a coat as the weather changes so quickly a lesson I learnt the hard way. The train runs by the lake and often you can see glimpses of the lake when there is a break between trees, houses and the industrial estates that are dotted alongside the railway line. However as usual there was a smoky haze in the air, maybe it is pollution, We have not seen a perfectly clear day yet. The platform was rather empty when I got to Geneva. This is the best time to travel, just before lunch. I walked straight to the dentist knowing I was early, I wanted to confirm my booking. Then go window shopping.
The dentist's building sits across the road from the lake and overlooks the boardwalk that meanders along the edge, a very pretty walk you can also see the huge water spout, and the boats bobbing on the lake.
As I opened the gold ornate handles to enter I could not help but think this place is going to be very expensive. My appointment was confirmed and I now had two hours to kill. This was my second time in Geneva and I thought I will not get lost it seems easy.
I walked every where many of the huge office buildings and apartments have a labyrinth of shops under them. No natural light there I felt like a rabbit in a warren not knowing which way to go next. Some of the streets were cobbled and look beautiful as long as you don't look closely. This is the land of smokers and dog owners, it seems every third person has a dog. Dogs are allowed in most restaurants and so are smokers lots of men like their cigars and I often caught the smell of a strong cigar wafting into my nostrils. The pavements are speckled with old chewing gum (as in any city) and any post or doorway entrance has been marked by dogs pee. You can imagine how disgusting it looks, funnily enough even though there is now a lot of outdoor dining they don't clean up the cigarette butts or dog wee. One amusing thing that John and I have noticed on our many outings to eateries, is that they often have a token table for non smokers smack bang in the middle of a room full of smokers. Is there an invisible barrier that the smoke stops at.? We also wondered if they realised true non smokers wont use that table.
All the city fountains were filled and running how wonderful a sign that spring is here. I also noticed that many businesses had there planter boxes out with colorful spring flowers.
Walking around had made me hungry but what could I eat that would not stick into crevices of my mouth, especially since I do not have a toothbrush with me. Water was all I had my sandwich would have to wait. The boots I was wearing were starting to hurt so I thought I may as well go back to the dentist eleven minutes early. Sitting in their beautiful waiting area I got a form to fill out and a lovely notice of information for the patient (me ). The notice told me of the highly qualified dentists in this practice and that is why they charge a little more than other dentists. That was my first sign to run, the second one came when I asked the young receptionist how much for today's visit as I wanted to make sure I had enough, she said don't worry we will bill you by post, I worried more. Over here you do not get to see a dentist with out seeing a hygienist first. So now I have my own hygienist Anne, she cleans your teeth and teaches you the correct technique for oral hygiene this also applies in England, I dont think they do it in Australia as yet.
After my teeth were de plaqued, polished and x-rayed she informs me I will need to see a dentist and she is rather confident I will need root canal. Oh sh##! That is not what I wanted to hear, so she makes my booking to see the dentist on my birthday. This is my next opportunity to ask how much this will cost, as I have been informed by many people dentistry is expensive in Switzerland. Anne tells me the dentist is the only one who gives estimates and to ask him on my next visit, conned again I have to visit and still I have no idea. Walking back to the station I could not help but be concerned, just how much more expensive are they!. Should I try and find another English speaking dentist, starting again with the hygienist and x-rays that have to be taken, well that will be a conversation I will have with John. My train was waiting, so on I charged rather pleased with myself that I did not have to wait. I had just settled when the train starts and I said out loud “this is going the wrong way” the gentleman sitting opposite understood English and asked where I was wanting to go. “Morges” I replied in a concerned voice, he told me I was indeed on the right train that I just was disorientated. Now I was feeling very foolish and wanted to hide, where do you look when some one sits directly opposite you and looks at you as if you are a dope. I glanced at my shoes thinking they could do with a polish, now how long can one glare at their shoes, so I looked out of the window unfortunatly I tend to feel nauseous if the view is coming at me. I could not help it but I glanced at him, then out the other window across the isle. He glanced at me as well, how I hate this awkwardness. Normally I would have spoken to him but I got the impression he was not wanting to chit chat, so I decided I could rummage around in my hand bag and find a pen and paper and pretend I was writing something or close my eyes and rest. The man got off on the next stop thank god only to be replaced by a young teenager with a mobile phone attached to her ear. This young lady would have been oblivious to any one around her. The rest of the trip went quickly, My feet were hurting but I had to make a stop to the supermarket and pharmacy before I could throw off my shoes and eat my lunch in the quiet relaxed atmosphere of home.