11 April Kolaamafushi

00 55.89N 073 11.21E 19m sand

Entering the north west channel in to Kolamafushi after sunset was easy. We had a full moon, accurate Google Earth cache and the pass is wide. The shallowest point being a very comfortable 15m. We anchored alongside Luna Blu and Alba, had dinner and went to bed. Next morning there were spinner and bottlenose dolphins playing around us.

town centre

For the last few days David has been complaining of a 'gluey' ear with slight pain. We think it is a return of the outer ear infection which he has suffered on and off since last November and we hoped there was a clinic on the island where we might ask to see a nurse or a doctor. Walking past a cafe by the harbour we were greeted by a smartly dressed man; crisp white shirt, tie, tailored trousers and leather shoes seem incongruous in a village with sand roads. Zia, as we found he was called, was the administrator at the health clinic and speaks perfect English. Hearing of David's problem with his ear he said we should definitely come to the clinic later. First his colleague, one of the two ambulance drivers on the island, showed us where to buy fresh produce (limited supplies) and a top up for the phone. When we came out of the shop Zia and another smartly dressed colleague, the financial officer from the clinic, had come with their motorbikes to take us to the clinic.

Ahmed, David and Zia

Zia took us straight in to see the doctor. Doctor M from Egypt who came for a short stay four years ago, married a local lady and is now a permanent resident was absolutely charming. He inspected the bad ear, diagnosed infected ear wax and took us into the treatment room where he and the nurse removed the wax. There is some closer to the ear drum which was too delicate to attempt and gave a prescription of ear drops to treat this. And we both had our blood pressure taken – David spot on, me borderline low, possibly not drunk enough water in the heat.

The last part of our visit was a tour of the wards and facilities of the clinic. It is all very impressive, very clean and government funded. We asked for the bill and were told it was their pleasure to be able to help us. The kindness and generosity we were shown by the people of Kolaamafushi, not just the people at the clinic, was amazing.