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(Photos from Maria:)

(Photos from Frankie:)

(video from Maria)

Hello from Naples Florida

After the difficult journey here Monday I have moved from isolation and ICU into a regular hospital room. Many specialists have been interested in me including pulmonary, cardiology and infectious disease. Physical therapy began yesterday (though a bit under the table due to the attention of my Nurse Brad and physical therapist Chip)…. I walked, even with a walker for a step or two, and sat up for dinner.

I again have a double window though no mountains. Its flat. I understand I am 2½ miles from the Gulf and if there were no buildings I might even be able to see it.

Landmark Hospital seems to be a very good hospital. The food is plentiful and good. The chef visited me dressed in his Toque this morning and hand delivered a fresh cup of coffee.

Nursing care has been excellent, attentive and caring.

Next time I blog I will ask about many of you, but I am tired now.

Love, MS

Monday we left Colombia.

Sad feelings leaving mixed with eagerness to be back in USA or Usa as some Colombians pronounce it.

It was long trip and an even longer day. We left Santa Marta with Tracie a “rescue nurse” flown in by On Call International who turned out to be a blessing, and drove 2 hours to Barranquilla. The drive was very interesting with a traverse across a thin strip of land  feeling similar to our east coast’s  barrier islands  that split the Caribbean Sea from Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.  My brother Graham has shared with us some of why this marsh is of great ecological and biological importance.

The drive also revealed  poverty and  sadly lots of trash along the road and
marsh. There were  lots of market stalls selling souvenirs, foods and also fresh fish. None of us understood why there were so many and who was buying the goods?

In the airport getting through customs included many searches though thankfully no detainment.

Flight to Miami was  clear and smooth and provided view of Colombia’s coastline as well as coast of Haiti and Cuba. However, the flight was hard on me  but Tracie’s careful attention made it possible. Then another 2 – 2½ hour drive to Naples and finally admission to Landmark Hospital.

I have  gotten much needed quiet and rest….though where’s the doctor??

I’m so very glad to be back, more later.

[Picture from Beth]

Random pictures taken from window of car going to Barranquilla:

[Photos from Beth]

Evie asked an interesting question about the food here at Perfect Body, and I though this would make a fun blog topic.

It isn’t the usual American fare, and I must say it’s a cut above.

Breakfast has always been the same until yesterday when I was delighted to get 2 hard boiled egg whites and 2 slices of ham!  Every other day breakfast has  been cheese, potato–though at times a corn based dish not dissimilar to pressed  grits/hominy, a cooked plantain, and fresh fruit and always fresh juice. Juices are made from every kind of fruit and they are abundant here,  many we don’t get on East Coast. The juice drink is not as sweet as home and always come with a pack of sugar to add. A juice is served with every meal!

Dinner, midday meal is the main one of the day. There is always Sopa, arroz, with  usually pescado  though at times pollo. I always made a very nice stew.  Fish seems fresh and likely to be what was recently caught.  The seasonings are interesting, different and flavorful. I know at times it includes cilantro, and much more. Fish are delicious and different. Often flavored with what we think is turmeric and lemongrass.

Supper is light, usually simply grilled chicken or some kind of carne. I had a shish kabob last night.

Beth still brings in some little Colombia chocolates but now she has found Flan to give an additional treat and variety along with yummy vanilla Ensure.

So here you have it, but I’m beginning to look forward to a cup of good Colombian coffee or a rich hot chocolate.

Love to you all

Hello everyone

I’m being well coached from near and far…from all corners of the world. I couldn’t have gotten this far without everyone’s support. Even that Iguana ? cheers me on!

Days here are warm and sunny, blinds pulled all the way up give me a grand view of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains which also provide me strength.