Sunday is spent travelling to Iceland, arriving late afternoon. We are gradually joined by the rest of our group comprised of a Slovenian, a Swede and a Bulgarian MEP - this is really Europe. Monday is comprised of meetings from 8 o’clock through to a dinner in the evening. We meet representatives of all political parties, business and trade unions and local authorities; even joining the protestors outside the central bank for a brief moment. They call it the “kitchen revolution” as they are banging pots and pans to secure the departure of Central Bank chief, and former Prime Minister, David Oddsson. He seems unwilling to get the message but it must surely be just a matter of time.
Iceland has always fascinated me. It is also the place where some important research into endometriosis has been taking place. As they have records of families back to the twelfth century settlement of the island, they have a controlled population through which to trace the disease for any evidence of an hereditary element. It is just possible; and this just reminds me why co-ordinated international research is so vital.
After a thought-provoking day in Iceland we leave very early for Oslo for another round of meetings before another early start back to Brussels. My impression from Iceland is of collective trauma, a people still in shock and in great need of a communal ‘cuddle’. I just hope they will have the courage to apply for European Union membership. Seen from my perspective it seems like the only long term option, but ultimately it must be their decision.
Back in Brussels for two days of committee meetings - more seals, combined with consumer rights! Back home to an even more snowy Yorkshire and it’s not possible to run on Friday or Saturday: not good. St.Valentine’s and I recall it is now 18 years to the week since my hysterectomy sort of cured my endometriosis. As I at last prepare for a short run on Sunday I realise I still use the same exercises I was given by the physiotherapist all that time ago, to warm up or down - well so something useful did come out of it. I complete a short fast run round the village with the hope that next week will allow me some rather more serious training.
Diana Wallis
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Tags: diana wallis, endometriosis, european parliament, london marathon, werf, world endometriosis research foundation