August 24, 1999
UK’s weather is known to be unpredictable, but surprisingly, their weather forecasts were amazingly accurate. I found myself turning to the BBC most of the mornings for the latest local forecast, and adjust my plan for the
day accordingly. It was then that I appreciate why the weather is always the Brits’ favourite topic.
So, forecast of rain in late morning caused me to scrap my plan to rent a bike. Bob dropped me at Stratford-upon-Avon on his way to work. Jo didn’t join me today as she had an appointment with the doctor for a couple vaccinations (they need vaccinations for at least 6 diseases for their world tour).
Hmm…their medical benefit is interesting…..Yes, it’s free. But like everything that is free, it comes at a price. I was told that they have to have an appointment with the doctor even for a flu consultation. If not, the staff could turn you away; even if they see you, they are not going to be very friendly. So, everyone can just report sick verbally, no consultation required. Thus, sick leaves peak around those long weekends.
Val had a cough for over 6 months. Throughout that period, no medicine or further diagnosis were given after consultations with the doctor. Amazing huh? She known of someone who after the public GP repeatedly refused to give referral after some persistent symptoms, he visited a private GP (very costly, of course) and was discovered to have cancer! So much about developed country’s healthcare.
Once over the radio, the BBC reported that PM Blair was urging UK’s civil service to buck up on their efficiency, change their attitude etc. I asked an Englishman next to me about his opinion on their public service, whether he agrees that it is in grave need for improvement. He cited that their tax structure needs to be revamped: too complicated. But he said that the best of their public service is the medical programme: everyone will get treatment with no question asked, eg. if they’ve bought any insurance etc., unlike in US. Maybe that’s why Val said that no one is complaining about healthcare because it’s the only system they are aware of, perhaps some are aware about those in US at most, for comparison. It makes me proud and thankful to know that Singapore has a reasonably well-managed healthcare system, which we often take for granted.
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Back to travel. Well, Stratford-upon-Avon = Shakespeare. I felt like a pilgrim going to his birthplace, his wife’s home, his daughter’s home and his grand-daughter’s home. I bought a combination ticket, so whenever I visited a place, I got a stamp on it, felt a little silly and amused especially since I know little of the Bard. But it’s the Elizabethan architecture, interior, custom and way of living that make this ‘pilgrimage’ enjoyable and educational. The idyllic river and small-town atmosphere make Stratford a charming place. Well, it’s touristy, but I’m a tourist anyway.
Since there was still time, I took a bus to Warwick so that after touring the Castle, I could take a lift from Bob back to Broadway. Didn’t expect much of the Castle initially, but I was surprised to find myself enjoying it. It is now owned and managed by the same company that run Mdm Tussard’s wax museum in London, so naturally, there are wax figures in the castle.
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Somehow, these wax figures and props lend a more realistic presentation of the place (not just looking at the decor and furniture only). The atmosphere of the Haunted Tower (based on true story) is more tastefully done than the stupid York Dungeon. Can be quite spooky when you are alone in it (which I did for awhile). The whole place is run like a theme park, with jousting tournaments and archery demonstrations etc. during different
times of the day at the grounds. No wonder it’s a favourite family attraction.
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Compared to Warwick, Windsor is a yawn. Went there a few days ago with Val and Laurent. The most interesting part was to learn about the restoration after the fire. The armoury display was boring, couldn’t appreciate those guns, rifles, swords etc. Later, we walked the Great Walk and had picnic in the park. Countess Sophie’s carriage took the same path through this park on its way to the chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding. We should see deer at some parts of the park but didn’t have the luck. It’s amazing how
busy Heathrow is: one plane per minute. Despite the noise, Windsor is still a chic place to live.
As Bob and Jo were setting off tomorrow to Scotland for walking (they actually climbed 5 mountains in 4 days) over the long weekend, we just snacked at whatever food there was in the kitchen and watched the video of ‘You’ve Got Mail’ for the evening.
