We have even managed to venture out in the surrounding area for some fun. Two weeks ago we went to Cambridge. It is a large University town approx. 25 colleges within the University system. There is a river cam running through the city and we took the opportunity to go punting on the river.
Punting involves cruising the river on a flat bottom boat while the punter pushes off with a pole. We were on a guided tour, but you can rent a boat and try it yourself. It was quite entertaining watching people try to navigate...and run into the side of the river or other boats. I think we will just stick with the guided tour.
Here is a pic of King's college.
The tour was 50 minutes long and we learned alot about Cambridge history. A definite stop when we have visitors...yes, you can drink while punting.Then, last weekend we went antiquing and to the horse races in a nearby town. There is quite a bit to do just in the neighboring towns. We are going to London this Sunday on the "tube" (train) to explore. Hopefully visiting some of the castles and Piccadiliy Circus.
I officially started work/seeing patients last week. I absolutely love it! A refreshing change after residency...I actually enjoy going to work! The 48th fighter wing (RAF lakenheath) where I am stationed is the largest F-15 base outside of the U.S. and is considered fully operational. Being such, I have been assigned to a deployment cycle, with deployment likely next March - August. But, just because my group deploys does not mean I will. Currently, the only Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons going to Iraq are from 5 different bases in the US. However, I may be deployed for a humanitarian mission to Africa. We will see though.
It is definitely more laid back here...anything would be after residency. We get out at 3:30 MWF for mandatory fitness, which is nice. I am on call every other week with one week of the month being Trauma. I managed to go the first week (non-trauma) with no calls! Brad Turner, the other surgeon, is extremely nice and a pleasure to work with. He is a Lieutenant Colonel and its nice to work with someone with experience. I will be doing all of the cosmetic cases because he does not have an interest in them and we will split the surgeries for patients with braces (orthognathic surgery).
Aaron is trying to find a job...wanting something part time to give us time to travel. My sister Brittany is arriving mid-September so they will both be able to job-hunt together!
I do not want to post our phone number on line, so I will email it. We got a very nice calling plan with unlimited minutes to the U.S (as long as the calls are less than 60 minutes, which you just hang up and call back). So, please call us (remember we are 6 hours ahead) when you are available and we will hang up and then call you right back.
