Did the medical yesterday - for those following on, this the drill:
Off the tube at Bond street on the central line - came out onto Oxford Street. If you turn left and go 30 yards there is a little square with a pub. In that square is snappy snaps so I went in and got 2 USA visa for 9.99. I know other people do even cheaper but it was right there so I got them.

ok when you come out of the station and you are looking for Bentinck mansions for the medical:

Turn right along oxford street for 120 yards or so and you will see Marylebone Lane going off to the left - so you cross Oxford street and go down Marylebone lane. Bentinck Street is quite aways down there and you will cross another junction where Marylebone Lane becomes narrow and winding. Although its only a few hundred yards from Oxford Street, the turn off for Bentinck street seems further than it looks on the map.

You turn right in Bentinck street and Bentinck mansions is a couple of doors on the right. There are some buttons on the door and one says 'medical'. You push that and it opens auto without anyone asking who you are - no point in having it really.

At reception they take your form that the embassy sent you and 1 UK sized photo and your inoculation records.
They dont ask you to pay as 'there might be extras '

I had all my inoculations up to date from K1 so nursey said I didn't need to see her. I said 'good' and she went 'Oh thanks !'
Then they call you for xray and its shirt off and big breaths (dont need the old gag thankyou)


Then, this is the knockout !

Out comes this gorgeous young woman - total stunner. I could see from the intelligent look in her eye that she was FRAU DOKTOR and no receptionist. Then 0.1 nanoseconds later I realised she would be checking the crown jewels !
She filled the form in and asked about a few extra things which seemed routine.

Then it was time to doff off down to my Mark's and Spencer's. I was prepared of course and I had been saying the 'Margaret Thatcher, Margaret Thatcher ' mantra in head for some time so no problema there. She felt my neck glands and looked in my eyes and mouth and took a quick butchers down into the shady regions of my keks but didn't linger . She looked up and said 'just a little prick' and took a very small blood sample from my arm - didn't hurt.

I asked a few questions and she confirmed that they were really looking for infectious diseases like the old siff and 'looks like I am a goner-here' and AIDS and TB.

The fact that I have been going to the U.S. on business and pleasure with an unlimited visa since 1981 seems to escape the comprehension of the US authorities. I think the law was brought in before anti biotics and international jet traffic. What percentage of K1's haven't already exported their 'bio - profile' to the U.S. before they even file for K1 ? Get real man.

There was a couple of VJers there - Chris 6ft 8" who is off to LA and a nice lady who is going to Seattle. Didn't really have time to speak. Then its pay your £200 (yes increased) and off to the pub for 2 pints of lager on an empty stomach. The effects of that and having done the medical are quite euphoric !


Anyway, piece of cake, relaxing atmoshere and friendly and professional...

another hurdle completed and I can get back on the ale now ! If they call me and say I have AIDS then I will have more to worry about than the stupid visa ! In fact you wouldnt get me away from the NHS with chains and a tank !
alan

Well it's good to know at your age that the doc thinks you will last long enough to actually get here.

Was she the very nice South African one?

Congrats You should have taken pics of the 'Doc' and shared with us

I wouldn't have let her insult you like that!

Seriously, though, glad it went well, Alan!

Too funny! Glad it went well pal! One step closer. You're almost there! yippee

Couldnt hear her accent as I was staring into her eyes and nodding and all my other senses went numb !

Suddenly, I'm now looking forward to the medical.

Yes but I NEVER want to see her again and I DON'T want to hear from her ! haha !