Our ferry crossing from Vlore (Albania to Brindisi)

Our ferry crossing from Vlore, Albania to Brindisi, Italy was smooth and comfortable, about four and a half hours.  Heading directly to the old center of town, we quickly got a reminder of Dora’s impressive size–she is not built for navigating narrow streets in medieval-era city centers–and ducked into the first hotel parking structure we found.  The Hotel Orientale is a gracious, smoke-free place with friendly, professional staff and great plumbing, and a lavish breakfast buffet.  All of which is especially nice because it has been Jim’s home since Thursday night while I’ve been a patient in the excellent Ospedale Perroni.  

Friday morning I felt unable to continue travelling without a diagnosis and treatment plan for my symptoms, so we presented ourselves at the emergency services entrance; hours later I was admitted to the hospital, after a full blood workup, CT scan, and a consultation with a lovely, English-speaking neurologist, Dr Alessandra Bellacosa.  By day’s end Dr Bellacosa announced I would have an MRI early Saturday morning, then consult with an endocrinologist.  All came about as promised, and we had a clear “normal” reading on the MRI by noon, along with a diagnosis and treatment plan from Dr Antonio Caretto, endocrinologist.  Saturday I felt better, less dizzy and with less severe double vision.  Sunday morning I went with roommates Lucia and Maria to get a proper coffee downstairs at the hospital café, better than the stuff the nurses bring on our breakfast trays.  Also on Sunday I was allowed to bathe alone in an airy private room with a big bathtub and lovely high windows.  

Once I was pronounced out of physical danger, throughout my hospital stay Jim and I worried about the cost of all the exams, specialist visits, the hospital room, medications, everything.  When Dr Bellacosa handed me a detailed letter of discharge on Monday morning, August 13, we asked where and how we should pay the bill.  There was no bill.  Urgent medical care for anyone in need is free of charge in Italy.  

Jim and I enjoyed a few hours in Brindisi (which turns out to be quite beautiful) before we headed north, in the direction of this journey’s end.  Our first stop was Lanciano, about four hours up the coast, where our friend Linda was doing her own researches into retiring abroad.