I'd like to point out that the system for providing services to passengers with reduced mobility in European airports differs from that in the U.S. In Europe, the responsibility for these services falls on the airport rather than the airline. About a year ago, Brussels Airport changed its service provider, and the quality of service has significantly improved since then
Leffe is my preferred beer here in Calgary although a bit more expensive. As for universal health care, there are many iterations around the world. Some work, some don’t.
I read with interest your report on dental tourism and want to share my INCREDIBLY positive story. I had a failed bridge, so needed implant work. I decided to check out Costa Rica, as I had heard wonderful things about medical tourism there, and I knew I liked Costa Rica. I carefully researched dentists, and settled on Dr. Albert Meza, who in addition to all the usual credentials, had also done graduate work at UCLA. Additionally, he'd been featured on the cover of a magazine (Newsweek, as I recall) for a story on medical tourism. (Patients Without Borders, I think is the name of a good place to begin researching.) Dr. Meza provided a driver to collect me from the airport and get me to/from appointments. I wanted to ensure I would be okay if somehow I'd badly misjudged, so I took along my stepmother, a good traveler who was also a retired Nurse Practitioner. We chose a hotel from the list Dr. M's office provided, and they made our reservations at a good discount. I'm happy/sad to tell you that the care was BETTER THAN I RECEIVE in the US (which I thought was bound to be the best in the world)! There were two dentists with me at all times, they took EXTRAORDINARY care to choose the right "color" for my implant crowns (as opposed to my dentist, who chose for me and I have a mismatch as a result). The price? Unbelievable. Dr. M does not take your insurance, but he provides everything you need to file it for yourself. I had two insurances (husband's from work, and mine from work). I also had a bit of FSA funds to work with. Including our flights, my hotel (stepmom insisted on paying hers), the dental costs, I had $0 out of pocket costs once insurances and FSA funds were applied. Confession: I did use frequent flyer miles for flights, but this work required TWO trips of a few days each, more or less. For the second trip, I flew down before my hubby, who joined me later. On the weekend, I hired the dentist's driver, who was now a trusted friend, to drive me around seeing all the tourist sights I had my eye on! I paid him $100 for the day and bought his lunch, and he used his personal car.
The folks in Costa Rica are so warm and welcoming, English is commonly spoken, and the care I received was excellent. The price was unbelievable compared to US dentistry. I always encourage ANYONE who needs dental care to check out Costa Rica, and specifically Dr. Meza. There are a number of dentists in CR who specialize in treating North Americans. I rode to the dentist each day with other patients, some of whom had been Dr. Meza's patients for a number of years. They all praised him as I do.
I'm pleased you had a good experience at the Olympic Village. and that you've got to watch the women's soccer match. Women's soccer always rocks it better than the men. I am also excited for the Paralympics.
Also flew out of Brussels this week and was super impressed with their service and professionalism on disability issues. Completely easy and a real pleasure.
I'd like to point out that the system for providing services to passengers with reduced mobility in European airports differs from that in the U.S. In Europe, the responsibility for these services falls on the airport rather than the airline. About a year ago, Brussels Airport changed its service provider, and the quality of service has significantly improved since then
Leffe is my preferred beer here in Calgary although a bit more expensive. As for universal health care, there are many iterations around the world. Some work, some don’t.
Hello!
I read with interest your report on dental tourism and want to share my INCREDIBLY positive story. I had a failed bridge, so needed implant work. I decided to check out Costa Rica, as I had heard wonderful things about medical tourism there, and I knew I liked Costa Rica. I carefully researched dentists, and settled on Dr. Albert Meza, who in addition to all the usual credentials, had also done graduate work at UCLA. Additionally, he'd been featured on the cover of a magazine (Newsweek, as I recall) for a story on medical tourism. (Patients Without Borders, I think is the name of a good place to begin researching.) Dr. Meza provided a driver to collect me from the airport and get me to/from appointments. I wanted to ensure I would be okay if somehow I'd badly misjudged, so I took along my stepmother, a good traveler who was also a retired Nurse Practitioner. We chose a hotel from the list Dr. M's office provided, and they made our reservations at a good discount. I'm happy/sad to tell you that the care was BETTER THAN I RECEIVE in the US (which I thought was bound to be the best in the world)! There were two dentists with me at all times, they took EXTRAORDINARY care to choose the right "color" for my implant crowns (as opposed to my dentist, who chose for me and I have a mismatch as a result). The price? Unbelievable. Dr. M does not take your insurance, but he provides everything you need to file it for yourself. I had two insurances (husband's from work, and mine from work). I also had a bit of FSA funds to work with. Including our flights, my hotel (stepmom insisted on paying hers), the dental costs, I had $0 out of pocket costs once insurances and FSA funds were applied. Confession: I did use frequent flyer miles for flights, but this work required TWO trips of a few days each, more or less. For the second trip, I flew down before my hubby, who joined me later. On the weekend, I hired the dentist's driver, who was now a trusted friend, to drive me around seeing all the tourist sights I had my eye on! I paid him $100 for the day and bought his lunch, and he used his personal car.
The folks in Costa Rica are so warm and welcoming, English is commonly spoken, and the care I received was excellent. The price was unbelievable compared to US dentistry. I always encourage ANYONE who needs dental care to check out Costa Rica, and specifically Dr. Meza. There are a number of dentists in CR who specialize in treating North Americans. I rode to the dentist each day with other patients, some of whom had been Dr. Meza's patients for a number of years. They all praised him as I do.
I'm pleased you had a good experience at the Olympic Village. and that you've got to watch the women's soccer match. Women's soccer always rocks it better than the men. I am also excited for the Paralympics.
Also flew out of Brussels this week and was super impressed with their service and professionalism on disability issues. Completely easy and a real pleasure.