Now it’s evening, nearly midnight, on Friday, May 7th and I just have to write, as I’ve had the very best day.
The Very Best Day
It started out here at home waiting for Zuska to call me regarding my Depo Provera shot. Finally at 11:30 she called saying that Ivanna was waiting for me at school (Berlitz) to pick up the medication from the Apokotek and take it to the doctor. So I went to school, met Ivanna and we walked up there.
Amidst my paranoia over reused needles, getting the wrong medication, etc. I had myself already contracting AIDS due to an infected needle.
We walked and talked our way up to the medical complex; picked up the prescription for less than $5 US (196.80 SK). It’s amazing. In the US it costs $35-$65. There’s not even an injection fee here. They need to learn how to rip people off. We walked over to the doctors office. The nurse saw us coming and she smiled and waved. They know me now already.
This time I wasn’t appalled and shocked by the surroundings in the medical office. I felt familiar and more comfortable with the atmosphere. I was even okay seeing the soap 🧼 in the netting rather than disinfectant over the sink.
The nurse prepared the shot, which was supposed to be 150 ml out of a 500 ml bottle. She asked me to lie down while she gave the shot. It took longer than the usual shots I get “at home.” Meanwhile the doctor stepped in as nurse was giving the shot and asked, “If it was okay” They both kept asking during and after, “does it hurt.”
I said smiling, “No, it’s okay.” The doctor asked more questions. She wanted to know if I’ve had any problems, how long I’d been taking it, and when I was born. On a carbon-copy on her ancient typewriter, she proceeded to type up a copy for me to have just in case.
She said I don’t need another injection for six months, since they gave me twice as much as I usually get. (I have no clue.)
The doctor was asking me questions and wanted to know if I was in Bratislava and what did I think of Bratislava. She proceeded to give me her opinion, as everyone has done from Kosice. As Slovakia’s 🇸🇰 Eastern capital Kosice’s residents definitely love their city over Bratislava.
Life in Slovakia
After a successful doctors appointment, Ivanna and I proceeded to the Metropol for traditional cafe and Palleteshinken desserts.
— Sitting outside in the garden cafe she told me a lot about living in Slovakia and I listened. Then I paid our bill. I really like being able to pick up the check with no problem.
We sat outside in the café garden and I bought. I love being able to pick up the check with no problem. It was expensive though; 98 SK for two coffees, water, and palatshinken (crepes). That’s $2.25.
During that Ivanna got two calls on her Handi, and was writing out and translating the recipe for her traditional Babkova cake. With grapes 🍇and apples, which turned out to be raisins and grated apple.
Finally heading back to school we had to pretend like we were waiting in line, since Peter was there. Bibiana is also grumpy today and Zuska was gone for the afternoon on holiday.
Teaching and Shopping
Over in the teachers room, I prepared lessons for the two bad boys (Martin and Vladko), and decided to play BINGO with them, but couldn’t remember how to play it. Luckily Jae showed me and I made the game out of paper.
Jan the driver drove me and Ivanna to TESCO with the good student. In the baked goods section Ivanna located the special ingredients for making Babkova. She bought me mini-packets of vanilla sugar, baking powder, and three types of flour. We looked at Tokay and Slovak wine and champagne.
Heading up to the third floor, she bought a fountain for her “mother in law’s” birthday this weekend. On the way and during the hour, she saw five people she knows. Yes, Kosice is a small town. I’m starting to see people I know too. Last night, at the concert, I saw someone I know. On the Main Street I see people I know as well. Gerald knows bartenders everywhere and so does Ivanna.
When we finished at TESCO, we decided to ride with the Rickshaw back down Hlvana the Main Street. We had to stop and get off for a photo shoot as the parade for Kosice Days was forming.
Traditional Slovak Costumes
There were young girls and granny Babushkas all done up in traditional garb. I went absolutely wild, loved it, and took photos. Ivanna was watching and all of a sudden the gal’s turned around and posed. I was shocked and realized Ivanna had asked them to pose for me. It was super.
We made it back to school via foot, Ivanna taking a call on her Handi, as I yelled across the street to Arya, Joe, and Deniza telling them about the cool costumes in town.
Couldn’t have been a better day.
Friday 7 May, 1999
