Apart from discovering numerous new places both within and outside Germany, we have also had a few unexpected excursions to places not usually sought after - namely the interior of emergency medical departments at hospitals both here in Essen and in Bonn. And unfortunately our visits seem to last several weary hours.
Our first 'emergency' occurred in Bonn, a lovely historic city, the former Capital of Germany. However, instead of exploring the historic Altstadt or Beethoven's birthplace we visited the local hospital. Somehow Mia's teeth had torn a significant flesh wound into Steph's scalp. It was a completely unintentional collision on a trampoline. Steph's scalp was cleaned and glued back together. Mia's teeth took 5 weeks to re-settle and stop wobbling (one is now dark grey).
Our second 'emergency' occurred here in Essen. Mia was testing her new cycling skills - obviously to the limit. She hurtled down a steep, slippery, ash felt slope - decided to slow down - slammed on the brakes. The biked stopped but she flew chin first onto the tarmac. Two old ladies mopped up the blood, while they waited for a responsible adult to arrive. So Mia was rushed to the local children's hospital where she was stitched 6 times. There was a moment of comic relief, when the young German doctor mispronounced 'sew' and said "don't worry I'm just going to saw you a little". Mia was not the only one temporarily worried.
Interestingly medicine is generally free (well 43% of their taxes) so the Emergency Departments had no mechanism to charge us - so we received free treatments.
Later that evening our friendly neighbours had heard the commotion and enquired what had happened. When informed, all four stuck their chins out and said - we've had stitches there too!!! It's obviously the done thing in Essen.
Mia also fractured a molar - which was dissected and capped by a very friendly and very expensive local dentist, whose billing mechanisms could accommodate even foreigners like ourselves.
Mia and Steph are now fully healed and jumping and cycling as wildly as before!
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