Greetings from Santa Marta

[Dictated by Mary Sherwood to Beth]

Greetings from Santa Marta,

This morning when the doctor came in I heard clearly that my health was deteriorating. Asked Beth when she arrived for noon visitation to remember the phrase “she died in the steamy equatorial jungle of South America;” and then was sort of disappointed to learn that this was not so, instead there was good news. Day after tomorrow I may be promoted to a hospital bed, this means a bathroom!

Temperatures are a little cooler than normal here, last night it got to a low of 79!

The food I get has been splendid, breakfast consists of 2-3 slices of thin cheese, several boiled potatoes,  sometimes a plantain, and always fresh squeezed juice and a heaping bowl of unidentifiable but delicious fruit. Beth is jealous.

Drugs are not a two-way street in Columbia, we understand it is easy to get out though not so easy to come in. Time is spent “making my medicine” as many of my Rx are illegal here. This morning the dear nurse who administers meds, arrived with a new plump pill for which she then gave me the “antidote” to swallow right after….or so she said. Yesterday they gave me too a foul tasting substance and the nurse said “dulce, dulce” for which I said “nasty, nasty.” We gagged with laughter. Beth later learned it was pure Potassium.  I have confidence that the drug making skills here are first rate.  They know what they are doing with drugs here.

Water temperature does not vary whether one turns faucet to cool or hot so my baths are a bit cool, though wonderfully given by thorough and kind nurses.

There is no spoken English here, there is no French, there is no Italian, there is Caribe and Spanish. So at times it’s difficult to really know about my medical status, but it is a fun challenge daily and has afforded some times of hilarity that even rendered the nurses to giggle.

I may not be going around the world but I’m enjoying myself and having my big adventure. Beth, on the other hand has had to struggle with morning  swims in the Caribbean Sea, drinking the best coffee in the world ( wish I could get some) and exploring a lively night scene.

We both feel very supported by a whole cadre of supportive, warm, and knowledgeable people and agencies; Princess cruise line,  the Port Agent, On Call International, insurance agents, and all the many medical professionals.  I have found the health care is excellent (and also seems like it is very inexpensive, according to USA standards.)

I will sign off now, but more stories to follow as my strength improves.

Love to all
MS