We have hit the ground running this week. I saw my medico last week and got scripts to make appointments. Then went to the CUP (Centro Unico di Prenotazione) to make the appointments. I’ve got two, one for blood work next Monday in our town hospital. And one, private pay, for an MRI in a town near Perugia. I have a painful shoulder. I am not fond of this system because there are several steps required to get an appointment.

Then we visited the USL (Unità Sanitaria Locale) which is the local health services. It is that time of year when all immigrants like us are renewing their Tessera Sanitara, enrollment in the National Health system. The lady who gives these cards, named Laura, is said to be the meanest woman in Umbertide. She scared the crap out of us the first time we went.

Since we received our Permanent Residency two years ago (🙏🏼), we now do not have to pay for the Tessera. It is good for five years, so we do not have to renew for a while. But there is also a mechanism that tells the health department what income category you’re in which affects any co-pay necessary. And ours was expired. We expected to have to deal with Laura for this but happily, we could use the nice young women down the hall to do this for us. I should add that Laura came out of her office and greeted us like long lost friends. So funny, since we got the five year Tessera and we brought her flowers we are best buds. I gotta tell you. She is no longer the meanest woman in Umbertide. At least not to us. But she still is to most!

The only problem was the computer system for all of Umbria was down. So we had to leave without getting it done. Then we returned the next day and the system was still down but this time she took our info and said she would call when done. Today, we got a call and we went to pick up the new document. It is a typical experience with getting anything done in Italy. Three times. Much waiting. But it’s done…until next year!
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The bathroom demolition started today. They are making a lot of noise. It can carry through this entire row of adjoining apartments. But it won’t last long. It is not a big room, but there were a lot of tiles to remove. Also a small wall. The appliances all had to be transported out as well. We are excited to be getting a modern bathroom with things that actually function. I don’t like renovation work but it must be done. Pictures to follow.