My journal of a doctor experiencing community service in under-resourced medical facilities, during public sector strikes and the world cup addresses the diffi cult and often funny experiences of providing medical care to divers and often poverty-stricken patients. The journal is a personal account and takes place over a one year period in many different clinics and types of clinics (primary health care, HIV/ AIDS, psychiatry) servicing the West Rand. It also contains photographs of the clinics, strikes and world cup celebrations in order to take the reader closer to the experiences.