GHOST

Well I am finally free from the hospital after 3 days and nights. The latest thinking was not Salmonella but something viral, which I guess means that my cooking is off the hook! I am feeling much better though am still on the antibiotics, taking things easy and eating a very bland diet. In hospital I was on a "Bianca" diet of grilled chicken, potatoes, rice and pasta - sounds ok but no flavouring or salt means you get tired of it very quickly! Also we now know that you have to take you own toilet paper to Italian hospitals - unfortunately it would have been good to know this before being admitted with my particular symptoms....

Generally though it has to be said that the medical care in Crotone was good and the atmosphere in the observation unit was fun and lively as the Italians argued passionately with each other one minute and were slapping each on the back the next - interesting even if you couldn't understand what was being said! I left on Monday afternoon to "ciaos" from all of the staff and it was great to be back at home on GHOST where I received a very warm welcome from the marina guy (who called the ambulance for Brad and gave us a nice sympathy discount on marina fees) and all the crew on the boats around us who Brad has been chatting to over the last few days and who have been cooking for him in my absence!

In the introduction of the sailing guide Rod Heikell says "Italy is a country of contradictions and idiosyncrasies that can make you laugh for joy at one moment and fume the next. You will never forget it and you will be sorry to leave." This has certainly been true in my case where the people have been so overwhelming helpful and friendly at what could have been a really difficult time. It was certainly lucky as it is very unusual for us to be in a town with a doctor, let alone an "ospedale".....

We are now late to meet my cousins in Sicily, hopefully they have been enjoying themselves and doing the touristy Etna bit. We'll unfortunately miss that bit and they can meet us on the mainland tomorrow in Reggio, at the point of the Italian boot. Then we'll head through the Messina straight and north west to the Aeolian islands for some picturesque snorkling and anchoring. They have a reputation for being windy but the forecast for the next week is calm so fingers crossed.