NHS, London

We had the first taste of National Health System (NHS) - UK's universal health care system - this week. We have to first register with our choice of a General Practitioner (GP) - someone like a Primary Care Physician in US. No registrations required for emergency visits. I went to a GP practice near our town centre for the registration. I filled out a simple two page form, provided proof of identity (passport) and proof of address (a letter from my bank confirming my UK address) and I was all set.

We wanted to make sure our boy's vaccinations are consistent with UK's standards. There was an appointment available same day afternoon, with a baby clinic run by a nurse. The nurse reviewed his US vaccination history and confirmed it was fine except for one shot, which he got then. The whole affair was over in less than thirty minutes and our experience was very close to what you would expect with a PCP's practice in the US.

We spent a nice, touristy day in London today. It took us about 50 minutes by train to London's Waterloo station. London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel by the Thames, was our first stop. We got some really good views of many of London's top attractions from really high up, but the experience was a little underwhelming. Then we took a walk crossing the Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Our choice for lunch had been an Indian restaurant serving Kerala food near the palace, but after going there, found that they are closed for lunch on Saturdays. Had a nice lunch at an Italian restaurant nearby. Spent some time in St.James's park. It was funny to watch the boy on the grass - he was scared of touching the green grass, would take his hand away and cry. No idea he can be scared of such a thing - should remember to exploit this while babyproofing.

The weather was really nice in the past few days. Back to rain and crappy weather next week.