A Norwegian odyssey

Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, Nov, 2003 by Jack L. Pulec

Until August of this year, Marlene and I avoided travel by ship because Marlene suffered from mal de mer. After finally succeeding at effectively treating the condition, we were able to take a long-deferred voyage along the coast of Norway. We experienced many of the unique features of this beautiful country. Norway is modern and prosperous, with a significant income from its North Sea oil in addition to its other major industry of fishing. Norway is a major supplier of codfish to Portugal and Brazil.

We spent our first night at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, the capital. The hotel is near the university and government buildings. We had stayed at this aging, but still very elegant, hotel many years ago when I had made a special trip to meet with the famous neuroanatomist Alf Brodel to discuss unpublished research on neuroanatomic pathways. Oslo and the Grand Hotel host the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, and the hotel has suites permanently named and used for that purpose.

After a flight to Kirkenes, a town in the north near the Barents Sea and the Russian border, we prepared for our sea voyage. The following day we boarded the MS Midnatsol for our 5-day trip along the scenic northwestern coast of Norway to our destination in Bergen. The multiuse ship was only a few months old, with surprisingly elegant accommodations for passengers, resulting in an extremely pleasant experience. An excursion to North Cape by bus was a reminder of the famous World War II naval battles that took place there.

Along the way we saw reindeer grazing by the roadside and stopped to visit a native Sami wearing his typical Laplander-like costume. He proudly showed us one of his thousands of reindeer. It was good to know that reindeer transportation is ready and able to carry out the worldwide, year-end deliveries. Throughout the voyage the weather was perfect. The natural beauty of the coastline and the fjords was stunning and unique.

Having arrived in Bergen, we returned to the study of medicine. Dr. Per and Eva Moller greeted us and showed us the large Haukeland Sykehus (hospital). Dr. Moller and his colleagues do a large number of acoustic neuroma operations, and he is currently conducting a prospective study of the postoperative results in terms of patients' quality-of-life issues. As is the case in many European countries, the medical system is a combination of government-sponsored care and private practice.

Our return to Oslo by train took us through scenic central Norway. Oslo has a new ultramodern airport with a high-speed train linking the city to the airport, which has a convenient hotel.

Now that mal de mer can be controlled, all who are subject to seasickness can enjoy the Norwegian coastline.

JACK L. PULEC, MD

Editor-in-Chief

EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL