Doctor doctor Mr. MD.
Today we both went to see a local GP here in Cuenca. A friend had seen him recently and highly recommended him. So around 11:15 or so this morning, Jackie dials up his office. He answers the call. He being the doctor in person. Not an electronic maze of pre-recorded voices with multiple choice questions to which you respond by pressing some number only to be rewarded with another electronic question. No, this was the doctor on the line. And, he spoke perfect English, better than me, or I. Whatever.
So Jackie explains that I am supposed to be having my INR (blood viscosity) tested on a regular basis. And haven't. She further explains that she has run out of her prescription medication and has been unable to find the same concoction in Cuenca. 
'Can we make an appointment to come in, maybe next week?'
'Sure, or you could come in today.'
'What time is good?'
'I am here until 1:30 today. Or you can come after 10:00 tomorrow.'
'We will try to come today. Do you need our names?'
'No.'
So we hailed a taxi and set out for the doctor. His office is above a pharmacy (pharmacia). We walked up the stairs and found his office complete with scale, exam table, chairs and diplomas. The doc sat behind a desk but quickly jumped up in front of it when we entered the office
We introduced ourselves and we were invited to sit. Which we did. And we proceeded to explain our situations and respond to his questions. After about a half hour, we left the office. Jackie had the local name of the med she needs (available over the counter at the downstairs pharmacy, or most any other pharmacy.) She also had a box of sample pills to relieve the itch of some bug bites she got. I left with a blood draw referral for my INR testing, and was told that I could get the lab results myself in person or by email, or I could have them forwarded to the doc and he would interpret them and pass the results onto me. Since I need to be tested bi-weekly, I can just go to lab every two weeks. No need for a referral or office call to the doc.
The last item of business prior to departing was 'cuanto?' (how much do we owe you?'
'My fee is $20.00.' replies the doc.
'Is that for both of us or individually?'
'Both of you. I was actually thinking of charging you $10.00 because I really didn't do much for you.'
'That's okay thank you.'
As we leave the office, he is saying 'come back when you are sick, so I can do something.'
Cuenca. Go figure.
Here are some more pics of our neighborhood sidewalks.