Queenie's Log

N 17.28.319, W088.14.916  Belize City

 Left Cay Caulker and made a 4 hour sail to Long Cay which was once a bird sanctuary until a hurricane came through a few years go.  But that didn't seem to negatively affect the sunsets here.  Arrived at the Cucumber Beach Marina, Belize City, on Wednesday as we needed to get Paddy in for a medical check up.  Ah, a hernia - go figure!  Surgery was scheduled and completed on Friday as an outpatient procedure.  The private clinic, doctors and staff were very thorough and friendly.  The surgeon is Indian, spends 6 weeks in North Dakota and then 2 weeks here.  Gets around.  The total cost was $1,300 USD, or $2,600 Belize $$.  Sound cheap? So he's now recovery nicely.
  
We met some Rotarians from New Mexico.  They are in Belize along with a group from 2 other states to distribute the wheelchairs pictured below.  The Rotarians got together with a company in California that was able to order these chairs from......where else? - China.  Over 200 were shipped here, assembled and are being distributed to the needy throughout this country.  Do those white chairs look familiar?  Well they should since we probably all have a few!  The chair is attached to a structure that has bicycle tires (allowing the user to better navigate on dirt and cobblestone roads).  The kit includes a seat belt, bicycle tire pump and a wrench in the foot plate to change positions for adults and children.  It is always a humbling experience to see in person the good works of other.  All you Rotarians and other volunteers can be proud!

Things are quiet for the time being until the Captain is fully recovered, as his 1st mate is still in major training! 
Book recommendation:  The Tiger's Wife, a novel by Tea Obreht.  Very interesting mix of legend, magical realism and reality.  (thanks for the bookmark Gail P.!)  Any reading suggestions would be appreciated!
And I'm now addicted to Mahjong - playing that on my new laptop.