May 8th “Medicals and HIV tests”

Yes I know I am falling behind but I will catch up this week, I’ve been busy honest.

So it seems that to be able to work in Russia you need a medical exam and quite a comprehensive one at that.

They test for everything including HIV and TB and lots of blood tests.
Now I have not had a full medical since 2003 but not too worried about it all other than the stress it causes and the time it takes.

11 am appointment for Judi and I across town at the SOS Clinic. Find the place ok (4 stops on the circle line, not a problem) and having successfully negotiated the “Babushkas” at the gate and handing over passports and things we are directed to the 10th floor.

So having negotiated the stubborn lifts which seem to want to randomly stop at different floors we eventually make the 10 floor.
Now this is one of those times when “process” tends to get slightly in front of “progress” however everything has to be done in order.
Forms first then back and forth for the different sections of the tests. Judi goes first so it is in and out for the room like we are chasing each other to the end of the corridor.
My nurse quizzes me on when I last had an X-ray which by my reckoning is around a year ago. He seems to want to be very precise not sure why but you don’t question this sort of thing you just let the experts do their job.

So now we get escorted to the X-ray which is 4 floors down and by the time the tempramental lifts get us there we could have walked there and back. Only one person before us so in fairly quickly. Now the room is big and at one end is what looks like something I would call a “contraption” but as I said just follow th process. Shirt off face the board arms in the right position hold your breath and done. Now wait a few minutes whilst they check the results, Judi gets to have another go but I am done.

Back up stairs for a little more poking and prodding and nearly home free. The doctor gives Judi the all clear not I get invited back in for a few more questions. No big deal but they want to do a TB test. Not a problem but normally this takes 72 hours and I will be out of the country by then so the doctor agrees I can come back Sunday lunch time and 48 hours will be enough.

Ok done not too bad really just a few minor blips and back on the street again. Judi is going back to work and I am going to try and walk back home across town. 

I successfully negotiate lunch on the way but do my usual trick of ordering a “special” which I really should have learnt not to do by now. This special is a seasonal soup which is chilled has meant and radish what might be a cream cheese and a dollop of mustard.
Not that it tasted bad just that is was a little bit of a surprise however the Greek salad and the Chicken panini were fine.
I said I should know better as my adventures “I’ll have the special” has landed me with Kidney curry, seafood which was still moving and grilled tripe amongst other things.

My walk back through town is for the most part a nice stroll. I do go past the Olympic stadium which is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. Now for any none European readers this is the biggest song contest in the world. 42 countries compete and whilst it is a spectacular event is is not without its controversy around the voting mechanisms and the favoritism sometimes shown.
Anyway this may be a topic for a separate blog but for now you can check out this link http://www.eurovision.tv/page/home

Anywat tomorrow IKEA in the car, my first journey out of the city