We arrived in Djibouti just after sunrise. We were met by two members of the coast guard who did not speak English (not surprised). We used hand signals to communicate. It seemed that they were trying to tell us where to anchor so we did what they “said.”

We then contacted our agent. He turned out to be a very young man. He is amazing! He tried to help us find a dinghy (to no avail) and he found a guy who can sell us the three house batteries we need. We ended up buying batteries, but they are the wrong batteries for the boat. They are a temporary solution until we can buy the correct batteries. Still hoping the agent (Ahssan) can put us in touch with a Yanmar diesel engine repair dude.

But this is what sold me on Ahssan: While we were riding in the car with one of many of his friends who was happy to drive us where we needed to go, he asked if we wanted a cold beer. YES!! was our reply. (Okay, maybe the enthusiasm came from me.) We also purchased two bottles of wine and one of vodka. It might be said that we were thirsty. Okay, Cindy was thirsty. 😆

We do not know how long we will be here. We will have new house batteries but the port engine needs some serious TLC. The guy who provided the batteries is also going to look at the fridge/freezer.

We met three guys from another boat while we were waiting for our visas. Well, two guys from the boat and a guy who is going to hitch a ride with them part of the way up the Red Sea. The “hitch a ride” guy has been in Djibouti three months waiting to find a boat heading in his direction. We only talked with him for a short time but we learned that he is an amazing adventurer! He started in South Africa and (I think) hiked his way up the continent. At some point he found himself in Djibouti. He is going to sail with two guys from the Netherlands (at least one of whom thinks he is a bit daft) and be let off somewhere in the Red Sea (I don’t recall where). He then plans to buy a kayak and kayak to the continent and buy a camel to take him on the next leg of his journey.

Anywho, this is part of what I love about our retirement plans: Meeting interesting people and having new and interesting (although not always pleasant) experiences.

Never look back. Well, I mean, unless you want to learn from it.  Then look back.

 

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