We are John and Selena on sailing yacht Betwixt, homebuilt 35 ft steel and wood ketch, maiden voyage from South Africa. John built our boat in Johannesburg, launched her in Richards Bay. Our adventure began in March 2024.
We took a short break visiting family in the UK, and on a quick tour around Scotland, I noted a number of charming marinas which will be future mooring places!
It started with a hiccup. In Namibia. In St Helena it became a physical chest pain when swallowing, occasionally. In Salvador it developed into a real problem, enough to be sent to emergency clinic. Some meds prescribed and told to get an endoscopy if no improvement. We were about to head slowly to Rio de Janeiro so big city, good place to get medical treatment if needed. The difficulty in swallowing became a cannot swallow, from a constricted esophagus. Apparently it is quite rare. First Gastroenterologist, first endoscopy (please fast for 12 hours before the endoscopy, um, what part of cannot swallow...? ). Need a dilation at another Gastroenterologist, but hospital immediately to get rehydrated. We were so unprepared for what happened next. Hooked up with a drip and told to wait for a tomography. Naively we planned to check into a hotel for the night if we got out of the hospital late as it is ...
The cancer diagnosis is cruel fate. In a foreign land with a foreign language. It was a turmoil of decisions, plans made and changed; daily. Our sons arrived from Australia and the UK to be supportive. We moved into an apartment; this meant more creature comforts but less "home". Home is our tiny cabin that rocks gently in the sea, surrounded by 360 deg view of blue water and sky, with brilliant sunrises and charming sunsets. Brazil allows up to 6 month visitor visa. In order to undergo the treatment plan of chemotherapy, surgery, and more chemotherapy; we need to extend our visa. This involves dealing with Brazilian and South African bureaucracy. One step at a time. Four chemo sessions every two weeks, each chemo is a knock down. John was determined to take the family sailing as Matthew and Bruce had both left South Africa before the boat was completed. It all fell into place soon after Chri...
Always wanted to experience big city living. Life in South Africa was living in the burbs, followed by life on a plot (5 acre agricultural holding) in Johannesburg. Here we are 8 months in the city of Salvador (where?!) on a 35ft boat on Pier A of Terminau Nautico in the Bay of All Saints. On Pier A are sailing boats, Brazilian and foreign, staying for a few days, or a few weeks if repairs are needed. This harbour is where all the action is. The Brazil navy can be heard all day, whistling and PA addressing their boys in white. The passenger ferry boats crossing daily to various islands in the Bay of All Saints. The schooners which do touring cruises to the islands and down the coast, sharing their music as they come and go. On Pier B are the motor boats, for fishing trips, or booze cruises, or both. Just around the corner are the big hulking cruise ships, pouring out tourists, and lighting up the night. Salvador is a city...
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