Soon, we are off to the dentist in Malelane, a 35-minute drive from Marloth Park. It is always a stressful drive with a constant stream of fast-driving trucks, which is all the more stressful when we are heading to an appointment that isn’t exactly high on our list of favorite things to do.
This time, however, there is a bit more uncertainty than usual. A new dentist has taken over the practice, and we have no idea what to expect. Finding a good dentist when you are living a nomadic lifestyle can be challenging. You don’t have the luxury of long-term relationships with healthcare providers, so each visit feels a little like starting over. We are hopeful this new dentist will be a good fit, but as always, time will tell. We will report back in tomorrow’s post with all the details.
Today’s appointment is fairly straightforward. We are both scheduled for teeth cleanings, and we also plan to discuss a few procedures we know we will need going forward. More than anything, we want clarity. We will be asking for details, timelines, and most importantly, an estimate for the work that needs to be done. When you are only in one place for six to nine months at a time, planning becomes essential.
In prior years, we saw Dr. Singh, who is highly skilled and very competent. We always felt confident in his work, which made the situation all the more disappointing when communication became an issue. For several months, we tried to obtain estimates for upcoming procedures, but he was too busy to respond. We certainly understand how demanding a dental practice can be, but unfortunately, our timeline didn’t allow for that level of uncertainty. In the end, it just didn’t work out, which was frustrating for both of us.
So now, here we are, starting fresh once again with someone new. It is all part of this lifestyle we have chosen, and for the most part, we take it in stride. Flexibility has become second nature to us over the years.
Tonight, we have something much more fun on the agenda. It is Quiz Night, and we are looking forward to joining our new team, the Bush Babies. Our group includes Marlene, Sandra, and Natasha, and as always we will enjoy the lively atmosphere and camaraderie. It is a great way to unwind, share a few laughs, and test our knowledge on a wide range of topics, some of which we know surprisingly little about.
Other than these two events, it is a quiet day here. We always appreciate these slower days, especially when they are balanced with a bit of activity and something to look forward to later on. Life in Marloth Park has a way of offering just the right mix.
We will be back tomorrow with more and, hopefully, a positive report on our visit to the new dentist, along with a few new photos to share.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 23, 2016:
