LONDON: Great scenery and
wildlife but financial situation in need of repair, collect in
person.
Iceland, which is going
cap in hand to Russia for a 4 billion euro ($5.49 billion) loan to bail out its
failed banks, was offered for sale as a wholesale lot on eBay on
Friday.
Bidding started at 99
pence but had reached 10 million pounds ($17.28 million) by mid-morning on
Friday.
Globally renowned
singer Bjork was "not included" in the sale, according to the notice, but there
were nonetheless 26 anonymous bidders and 84
bids.
"Located in the
mid-Atlantic ridge in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland will provide the winning
bidder with -- a habitable environment, Icelandic Horses and admittedly a
somewhat sketchy financial situation," the notice
read.
Bidders' questions
included: "Do you offer volcano/earthquake insurance?", "Is it possible that my
payment will be frozen?", and "Will you accept C.O.D. as a form of
payment?"