“Tunisia – it’s wonderful, and so close,” they advised. “You should go.”
Why not? I had never been, and the flight from Nice (my airport) is just 1 ½ hours in duration.
I booked a 10-day “discovery” trip.
Ruins at Carthage, ancient site founded by Phoenician settlers in the 9th century BC, later destroyed and rebuilt by Romans.
Day # 1, Highlights of Carthage, the ancient archeological site dating back to 900 BC, and an all-too-quick visit to Sidi Bou Said, the picturesque blue-and-white town.
Sidi Bou Said
Days #2 and 3, HOSPITAL. I did not book a tour of Tunisian medical facilities. This was not on the itinerary. But I had terrible stomach pains during the night. By morning I knew I was not fit for sightseeing. I asked the hotel to call a doctor.
A friendly doctor who spoke perfect English arrived in record time. He told me his name in English means “falling star.” Appropriate. I felt my star had plunged.
I related my history of intestinal obstruction – two previous instances and two surgeries. Dr. Falling Star whisked me off to his clinic, then had a charming assistant accompany me to a lab for a blood test, and on to another facility for X-ray and echography. Doctors, lab assistants, technicians, secretaries, drivers – all were so kind, considerate, understanding.
Verdict: Another obstruction. I was devastated. My fabulous trip down the drain and yet another surgery. I assumed I could return to France for treatment, but was told it would be too dangerous to fly. ???
This news almost sent me flying. I was worried, nervous, depressed. My angel assistant accompanied me to the hospital where I was given a spacious private room and TLC from the hospital staff. Their compassion was soothing in this troubled, frightening time.
A gastroenterologist examined me and evaluated the situation. Not so fast with surgery, he declared. This bit of good news brightened my spirits. Think positive, I told myself.
He ordered a scan, actually many scans. I had to drink an enormous quantity of a mysterious liquid. Throughout the night, every two hours, I had another intestinal scan.
In the wee hours, after scan #3, a miracle: the blockage had vanished. All OK.
What an enormous relief, no surgery! My star surged. I did need to spend a day in the hospital to make sure all was in order. I was wiped out and slept most of the day, with the exception of a welcome interruption. A staff member from the travel agency arrived bearing an outstanding bouquet of roses. I was overwhelmed with the blossoms and the thoughtfulness.
The crisis had been avoided. What next? I asked the doctor if I could continue my trip or if it would be better to go home to France. “It’s up to you.”
A no brainer. I came to see Tunisia and would travel on
With two missed days, the itinerary had to be altered. The agency felt that after this episode, I should eliminate travel to southern Tunisia as originally planned (lengthy travel times) and focus on the north where there was plenty to experience.
Tunisia Part II: Grand Mosque in Kairouan.
This meant lots of extra work in rebooking and rescheduling. I had numerous phone calls and What’s App messages with agent Joella who patiently and diligently rearranged all. Thank you, Joella.
I was most impressed with my medical care in Tunisia – very thorough, professional, reassuring. And, cheap. My 2-night, 2-day stay in the hospital, including scans, medications, doctor’s fees : 798 euros or $925.
Compare that to the $6,780 I paid a few years ago for a night in observation in a San Francisco hospital after a bad fall. Details: “I left my $ in San Francisco”
Northern Tunisia is fun and fascinating. In Shallah. I will return to Tunisia to explore the south.
Tunisia Part II: Markets and souks
Don’t miss Tunisia Part II: Mosaics, Markets, Souks – and cats. To be followed by Part III: Food, Fabulous Tunisian Food.
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