We Are Who We Say We Are!

Sorry for the delay since the last post, but I was back home for the holidays and never really found the time or desire sit down and make an entry. Besides, most of you were there anyways and so probably remember it better than I do. I must say that we had a fabulous time at home with family and friends, and we look forward to doing it again in September for the wedding.

That is if we are still who we are. Confused yet? Me too! Why? Someone may change our identity on us. It was the weirdest thing yesterday as we went to the doctor’s office and then the bank. Before the time comes when we actually need a doctor, we made an appointment to register with one yesterday. It is just a quick meeting with the nurse to give medical history and for them to take your weight, height, blood pressure, etc. Seems simple enough, and it was. Too simple perhaps. We walked in and told the receptionist our names and that we had an appointment, to which we were asked to take a seat around the corner. Once beckoned by the nurse, she pulled up our names on the computer, entered our answers into the database and saw us on our way. We were not once asked to show our passports or a piece of ID? Not only that, but we didn’t have to pay? Our entry clearance for the UK does not entitle us to public funds and so we should not be entitled to health care, which is why we have a medical plan that covers us. When we asked about this, the quirky lady at reception said “you should be fine, if not we will catch up with you”. Ummmm, ok then? Looks like we have a doctor and health care without providing proof of who we are.

After that experience at the doctor’s office we walked downtown to close our old bank account as we no longer needed it now that we have one that actually lets us spend the money in our account (don’t ask!) We strolled in and told the tall gentleman that was greeting people of our wishes, which is when it got weird again. He said that we could simply draft a letter indicating that we would like to close our account with our account details and hand it to him and he will take care of it. So, after he handed us a piece of paper, we proceeded to do just that, starting it with “Dear HSBC,” as per his instructions. Again, no passport or form of identification was requested and we just walked out the door.

In a matter of about an hour, we were able to get a doctor and (apparently?) health care, as well as close someone’s bank account without ever once proving who we were. So, if sometime down the road I ask that I be referred to as Juan-Pablo Estaban, you now know why. Someone has changed my name on me!

Tags: health care, NHS