Today would have caused me to have a mental break down five years ago. However, since I have adapted to this culture my expectations have changed. Let me explain.

Miki’s car would not start in the sub zero temperatures this morning, so I took him to the hospital. He was TOLD to be their for an 8:00 am appointment. When we arrived, Miki noticed that their was a sign hanging on the office door where he was to have his stitches removed. “Hours: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm”. Hmmmm. We contemplate, “Why would they tell you 8:00 if it doesn't open until 9:00?” Well, we can wait an hour–no problem. Being the FIRST ones there, we found a comfy spot on a wooden bench opposite the door and began...well, waiting. As 9:00 am approached, the hallway began to fill with people. First a young woman with a limp. Being frustrated herself, she asks us to watch her things while she goes outside for a smoke. Then, an older woman with an arm cast is escorted by her son. Then a man who chooses not to sit, but stand directly in front of the door. Then another sitting on the very edge of a bench closest to the door. I am surprised the bench didn't tip over. By 9:15 am all the benches were lined with heavy winter coats, fidgeting people and Miki and I telling stupid jokes. Miki tells me giggling, “In Hungary, you haven't been to the doctor unless you have waited until noon.”

Wait, there is a woman in a uniform. It’s almost 9:40 am now. All the people gaze in expectation. She unlocks the door, not saying a word, for example not saying, “just another minute” or “sorry that we asked you to come in at 8:00 and are running an hour and a half late opening the office doors.” But hey, no big deal. After going in and out of the room (for reasons unclear to me) about 10 times, she finally stands at the door with an announcement. “I don't know when any of you got here, so hand me your papers and we will go in that order.” Ummm, what order? Everyone jumps to their feet and stacks their papers in her hand faster than you can say “hey I was here first.” Actually, Miki did get his paper seemingly second in her hand. But most comically, they began calling names in reverse order. People that showed up just 10 minutes ago were strutting into the office while Miki and I could only say to each other smiling: It is written, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”