He arrived with pastries looking very princely in a flowing gold
trimmed robe |
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May 16,2000
Arrived in Suez this A.M. what a struggle the last
200 miles was. Into 20-25 knot headwinds the whole way. Very wet and
bouncy, but we were just watching each mile click by with relief. It took
two days and nights. Poor Hoptoads traveling with us had to bail out at
an anchorage with a blown out staysail. So they are at least 36 hours
behind us. Such a huge big deal arriving here. Five weeks to get up this
Red Sea from the Straits of Mandeb. Another boat we were traveling with
also lost their sails. The trip was very hard on the boat and we are very
pleased with Maggie and her engine. Very colorful, but very tiring and
trying, and it is just delightful to be here. So far here we have had a very
entertaining time negotiating with agents for the canal transit. Costs
US$300 for all fees and pilots etc. We have gone with "Prince of the Red
Sea" who has been in business for 30 odd years here. And we had the
honor of entertaining the Prince himself who apparently doesn't do much
anymore having passed most of the details to his son. He arrived with
pastries looking very princely in a flowing gold trimmed robe, and acting
very regal wanting to meet the children. I think he heard about Bronwen.
So we have been passing out juice while we surreptitiously have a couple
of well earned beers. His sidekick Abdullah came by in a small
dinghy to
sell us bread right away. And each time anybody comes aboard he ferries
them and comes aboard too. He has about 10 words of English, but a
delightful toothless smile and enjoys everything with enormous relish. He
actually helped us choose the Prince over his competition. And we have
been watching the parade of south bound ships this afternoon. ( the
yacht club is right within the southern end of the canal).
Plan now is to clean up and organize a bit
tomorrow, next day take an overnight to do the tourist thing in Cairo,
then come back and do the transit Saturday or Sunday. Should be in the
Med within a week. YAHOO. Looking forward to the canal transit, except we
have to do two 40 mile days with a pilot aboard in charge.
Lots of love from us all
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