The Meanness of an Urban Setting

The office is a mile from downtown San Jose.

My opthalmologist whom I liked very much, retired a few years ago, and the doctor who took over his practice seems to be competent.

However, lacking the personal connection with the new fellow, I find it hard to justify driving 30 miles to San Jose when there are other skilled opthalmologists nearby.

Our visit yesterday tipped the balance. We asked to use the restroom, and the receptionist told us to go to the Starbucks a mile away. At Starbucks the baristas said that the restrooms were not for customers (we offered to purchase something) but for employees only. They directed us to a Chipotle across the street, where we bought a burrito and used the facilities

A half an hour later we were back for the eye exam, which went as expected.

We don't blame the opthalmologist or Starbucks for the unhappy experience. The responsibility rests with COVID-19, public health regulations, and most significantly the homeless population that makes it difficult to find a restroom in an urban setting.

The businesses in the suburbs are far more relaxed about these things, which is why we will be changing doctors.