Number of stories: 725
There is More to Iceland than Scenic Wonders
by Eric Plow - Aug 23, 2010
After weeks of planning, our eagerly anticipated 14-day vacation to see the beauties and natural wonders of Iceland was tragically cut short only 3 days after arrival. Although we fortunately caught a glimpse of the volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers on the Golden Circle tour, we were lucky enough to experience something even more amazing that was not mentioned in the guidebooks. That was the kindness and hospitality of the Icelandic people.
My wife, Susan, fell and broke her leg when almost at the top of Mount Esja. To our amazement, two kind gentlemen assisted her all the way down, one on each side. The return trip took almost 3 hours and was exhausting for everyone. Susan thought she had only sprained her ankle, so we debated about whether or not to continue our trip. But our new friends urged us to go to the hospital just to make sure Susan’s leg was not broken.
To be seen in a United States emergency room for this condition, one would expect everything to take at least 6-8 hours, and cost at least $250,000 ISK. The Icelandic hospital proved to be much more efficient. We were in and out of the hospital in only 2 hours at a cost of only 40,000 ISK ($333 US)!! This included the exam, X-rays, interpretation, and the cast.
We were advised to not fly home until after 48 hours, so we earnestly wanted a wheelchair for Susan to get around. Since it was Sunday, and we were headed to Stykkisholmur, getting a wheelchair was going to be extremely difficult. However, one wonderful patient in the waiting room who no longer needed his wheelchair offered to let us borrow his, and he trusted us to return it on our way home. This would be almost unheard of in the U.S.
The nurses also took the time and trouble to call ahead to our hotel to advise them that we needed a ground floor room. The owner of the establishment not only waited for us until late that evening, she also prepared for us sandwiches and drinks to greet us after our long drive. And, most astonishing, she offered to clean our muddy clothes at her home so that we didn’t have to pack our muddy mess in our luggage.
We sadly left Iceland after 48 hours, but were enriched by the wonderful treatment we received from all the Icelanders with whom we had contact. We hope to return next year to finish our vacation, and when we do, we will view the country with great affection and respect.
And, by the way, Iceland has the best hot dogs we’ve ever had in our life!
My wife, Susan, fell and broke her leg when almost at the top of Mount Esja. To our amazement, two kind gentlemen assisted her all the way down, one on each side. The return trip took almost 3 hours and was exhausting for everyone. Susan thought she had only sprained her ankle, so we debated about whether or not to continue our trip. But our new friends urged us to go to the hospital just to make sure Susan’s leg was not broken.
To be seen in a United States emergency room for this condition, one would expect everything to take at least 6-8 hours, and cost at least $250,000 ISK. The Icelandic hospital proved to be much more efficient. We were in and out of the hospital in only 2 hours at a cost of only 40,000 ISK ($333 US)!! This included the exam, X-rays, interpretation, and the cast.
We were advised to not fly home until after 48 hours, so we earnestly wanted a wheelchair for Susan to get around. Since it was Sunday, and we were headed to Stykkisholmur, getting a wheelchair was going to be extremely difficult. However, one wonderful patient in the waiting room who no longer needed his wheelchair offered to let us borrow his, and he trusted us to return it on our way home. This would be almost unheard of in the U.S.
The nurses also took the time and trouble to call ahead to our hotel to advise them that we needed a ground floor room. The owner of the establishment not only waited for us until late that evening, she also prepared for us sandwiches and drinks to greet us after our long drive. And, most astonishing, she offered to clean our muddy clothes at her home so that we didn’t have to pack our muddy mess in our luggage.
We sadly left Iceland after 48 hours, but were enriched by the wonderful treatment we received from all the Icelanders with whom we had contact. We hope to return next year to finish our vacation, and when we do, we will view the country with great affection and respect.
And, by the way, Iceland has the best hot dogs we’ve ever had in our life!
