18/02/2025
Often, I'm asked what the downside of living in Sicily is! My answer is usually evasive as I am fully aware that every place has amazing "pros" and a variety of "cons". As long as the pros outnumber the cons, I consider it a perfect place!
Today however, I had a strong reminder of one of the "cons" of living in Sicily! Anything bureaucratic is a nightmare! Especially if you have lived in an organized country and are used to a level of efficiency.
Today's events are purely for entertainment purposes!
I needed a copy of my son's emergency file from a recent hospital visit. I expected some complications but went into this task bright eyed and bushy tailed! The first issue was finding parking. This hospital is smack in the middle of a rather large city and the pay parking lot, for reasons unexplained, is closed. Winding down the narrowest streets in traffic, I eventually find a parking spot, albeit a bit frazzled.
I make my way to the records office. The staff was very friendly, and filled out my request and explained the fee. I pull out my cash to pay. The hospital does not accept payment. I must hike down 3 blocks to a shady gas station and pay it there (or take my car and find a post office and pray to get back by 12.15). I am willing to walk! But wait, this request only covers his admission to ER, for his x-rays, I need to hike to the other side of the hospital and submit another request.
I find the radiology's office with closed shutters. I realize someone is working behind the closed shutters and ring the bell. Another request and the same payment instructions.
I hike to the gas station and wait my turn patiently (unlike the other 4 people who cut in front of me). I pay 10 euros in hospital fees and 5 euros in processing fee to the gas station. I hike back to the hospital and bounce back and forth between departments until, magically at closing time (12.15pm),I am handed my files (after begging them for same day service).
This ordeal took 3hrs and my stress meter was high😂
Back in Canada, I had parked in the parking lot, filled out one request, paid on the spot in less than 20 min and picked up my file a few hours later.
Good thing wine is cheap😊
Buongiorno! My name is Tabi. I am a personal travel planner for Sicily and Italy.
