Life's Rich Tapestry

Both Sue and I needed repeat prescriptions and we've just returned home with them ... after 2 days of trying!
Normally we praise the French health system and we love the fact that our local doctor operates like it used to be in the UK in the 50's.  When we want to see him we go along during his open time, go into his waiting room (which is a room in his own house) and, having checked how many people are in the queue, we wait until it's our turn.  All very civilised.
However, our Doctor is on holiday and so there is a locum.  We went to the Doctors yesterday at 9 in the morning and all of the parking spaces were taken.  so we went home, had a coffee and went back an hour later and there were more cars than ever!  Undeterred we tried again at quarter to twelve (doctors hours are 8 - 12) and this time people were waiting outside the front door in the sun.
 So, plan B!  The Tuesday hours are 2 - 4 in the afternoon and, arriving just before 2 there were only 3 ladies ahead of us.  As we waited, we realised what had been causing the delays yesterday.   The replacement doctor was taking about half an hour for each consultation.  So, we were 4th in the queue and, after arriving for 2 we came out just before 4!!  Even though we only wanted repeat prescriptions, she insisted on examining us before writing them out.
And then ... something that definitely wouldn't happen in England.  As we stood up to leave she offered us a very nice Belgian chocolate!

When we went on to the Pharmacy, we had a long discusion with Mr Florenty, the chemist, who obviously had heard the same story from everyone who went in for medicines ... she is very thorough ... but she takes a long time.

It's a good job we're retired and have nothing better to do with our time!