To Cristchurch By Order of NZMC

We barely had time to unpack our trunk in Timaru before being dispatched to Christchurch Hospital on the orders of the New Zealand Medical Council. I have been assigned to orientation with Dr. Lutz Beckert, a pleasant German Pulmonologist who has been in NZ for 10 years. He also works in Timaru, although he seems to think I am a certain "Allen Walsh" who is used to seeing "100 patients a day". Everyone feels this orientation is a good idea, especially those locums who had none, but no one is quite sure what I am supposed to do. I try to stay out of the way, meet a few of the principal doctors I will be using as consultants, and get the gist of the British-style system. I would just like to get to work, but that is not to be for now, so I am taking advantage of the time to visit this lovely city. This is considered the most English of all the major NZ cities, and you soon see why as you watch the punts poled down the Avon River past weeping willows and Tudoresque colleges and public buildings. The central square is dominated by the cathedral. Outside of town you can take a Swiss gondola up a hill for a commanding view of the city and its main harbor, Lyttelton.
The weather has been quite mild, even a bit warm. Last night we were treated to a lovely dinner at the home of Michelle Dhanak and her partner. She is an Indian-English doctor from the East Bay whom I contacted as a friend of a friend of my sister Athena. Michelle is a Gerontologist who three years ago went to Timaru to do the same job I was recruited to do. They were marvelous company, and obviously well-informed. There are so many good, gracious people in this world; we are truly blessed.