christmas card.

’tis the season

cost of healthcare.

Here’s another example Michael Moore could have included in his latest documentary. The total cost for consultation with a dermatologist was Rs. 300 (less than $8). That was for both of us, without a referral from a Primary Care Physician- in fact we didn’t even use our health insurance. We purchased one week’s supply of prescription medicine to treat the hives for Rs. 11 (um, about 25 cents). No appointment, no health insurance, no referral.

Did you eat any fish?

Sam and I have been covered in hives from head to toe for the past three days. This morning we consulted a dermatologist, who asked if we had eaten any fish recently. Sam and I looked at each other, retracing our food route over the last few meals. Then we sat in amused silence as we remembered the last seafood meal- sushi at Wasabi. According to every restaurant guide, food review, and word-of-mouth reference, Wasabi is THE place for sushi. It is so well-regarded that travelers and ex-pats even drink the water there. The quality of the fish is unparalleled, but so are the prices. Sashimi salads start at about Rs. 1200 ($30) plus tax, and simple tuna or salmon rolls cost about Rs. 575 ($12). The meal certainly met our expectations, but the itchy aftermath has influenced our decision to eat there again.

mmm…

The taadgolawala cuts away the tough exterior to reveal these tender fruits. Each taadgola contains about three small fruits, which you can see next to the blade in this photo.