Helen writes...well there is only so long you can put off the inevitable.
Bryan has been cruising now for nearly 6 months and myself and kids for
nearly 3. It seems hard to believe that the adventure is coming to a
close...but what an adventure!!
I arrived back in Dubai mid day on Thurs 3rd Sept. 38 degrees of heat met
us as we landed, though thankfully the humidity is starting to drop at
this time of the year. We had an uneventful flight back and after a brief
stop in the Duty free at Dubai airport to stock up on beer for Bryan's
return we finally returned home to air conditioning, washing machines,
endless running water - oh and the ultimate luxury - Ruby, our Maid who
had even stocked the fridge for me with bread, milk and fruit. Bliss!
Bryan, on the other hand, still has 2 weeks to go. His crew, Nik from
Bristol and Joff from UAE, arrived as planned and they were all set for an
early departure yesterday morning. Unfortunately, Maldivian bureaucracy
soon saw to that! One of the "essential" documents (the extension of the
sailing permit) had been mislaid by the agent. No way, no how were they
going to sign Bryan and crew out without it. To add insult to injury, the
Maldives Tourist board, who had issued the initial document, were going to
be shut the next day (Sat) so they had to wait till today (Sunday) to
finalise it all.
An hour ago, I got the awaited text from Bryan to say they had been signed
out and were heading back to the boat to set sail. Hurrah! Maldives, and
Chagos in particular, have been wonderful experiences. The last few weeks
in Maldives have presented some unique challenges though and the time is
right to head back and try and regain some normality in our lives.
So the job hunt is on - thank heavens for the internet - and Bryan is on
his way back.
I daresay there will be a few blogs coming direct from the boat, but I
will be updating their position also. And in just a few weeks we will
upload the pictures from the homecoming party!!!!
Here's to Bryan, Nik and Joff - fair winds, good speed and a safe arrival.
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