What a way to end the trip! Yes, it's official - I'm off the boat. The medical assessment showed torn ligaments in the knee. I need to return to Canada for as assessment and rehab. The insurance company arranged for me to fly home late Monday evening.
So on Monday, I took advantage of the hotel's morning spa discount and booked a massage and facial - 2 hours of pampering. I still can't get over the great value of services in Vietnam. Everything is quite affordable!
Then, Judith and I headed to the beach. We were awed by the luxury of the Novotel sister site "Premier Villas". We lazed on the beach chairs and sipped our favourite summer libations. The steamed mussels were devine!
It was a good thing we ate mid afternoon... After showers in the over-the-top luxurious change rooms, we headed to the nearby resort for the Clipper prize giving gala. Perhaps you saw the You Tube video in the previous post?
In all the excitement and media attention, it seemed to take forever for people to get seated and for the speeches etc to start, and finish, before the food could be served.
The floor show was amazing! Different dance and music performances of many different genres.
I was glad to have the chance to say goodbye to my teammates, but very sad to leave them. It was good to learn that there will be a couple others joining the boat for the next race. It will be tough and the extra manpower will be welcome.
Stay tuned for more sailing adventure news from Antigua in April (I will hopefully be taking on the challenge of yachtmaster training and the certification exam) and fingers crossed I can join the ClipperTelemed+ team for Leg 7 as planned in May-June.
...thanks again for the donations coming in! It means a lot.
- Lynn