While Roy spent his day downloading waypoints and charts for various parts of the world which will cover all the bases for us and started another yacht project; redoing the sealant in his head (aka bathroom), Elaine continued on our “Magnolious Malaysia - Penang Island” video. However, besides bringing back wonderful memories of life before the pandemic and socialising with cruising friends, she also realised we have an awful lot of footage, testament to the fabulous time we’ve had on Penang Island. As a result, she’s decided to split this video into multiple ones in order to do the area more justice, all of which means a bit more work, but will certainly keep her busy for a while.
Our day ended with the news that Penang State, along with a few others, were to remain under the Conditional MCO (Movement Control Order) until 14th April, but there was no word on the extension of the visa amnesty or the overarching MCO, which could provide the amnesty. Additionally, we received information regarding the East Malaysia rally, which was still up in the air because interstate travel was still prohibited and the uncertainty regarding the visas still swirled. Then, just before bedtime, we received word that Thailand had extended their STV (Special Tourist Visa) for cruisers and, with that, our anxieties lifted instantly; we had options!
Needless to say, the latter was very unexpected and has introduced a slight timing issue, given that we have a few balls in the air that require resolution first. Regardless, it was fabulous news and gave us a plan of action at last or did it!
Yesterday we woke to the news that the overarching MCO had been gazetted and was extended to 1st August 2021, but still no word on the amnesty. Then, Elaine’s followup appointment with her specialist resulted in the recommendation to have the COVID-19 vaccine, given a change of policy by Malaysia’s Academy of Medicine, aligning with the decisions made by other medical experts around the world. So, given that we’re registered for the vaccine and we are in the next group to be vaccinated from mid April, it now makes more sense to stay put, if possible, in order to get vaccinated.
On the downside, unfortunately Elaine has developed symptoms related to the length of time she has been on the corticosteroids, all of which required further investigation and diagnosis and all of which put us straight back into limbo, but a lunch at our favourite Vietnamese restaurant was a great way to celebrate all the good news we’d received, nonetheless.
So, today, while Roy completed the sealant in his head, Elaine was back at the hospital, but, as her folks rightly pointed out on a video call yesterday evening, we’re lucky to be in a country where access to fabulous medical treatment is immediately available and has been throughout this pandemic. Fortunately, after a scope procedure, nothing sinister was found and what was found can be resolved without too much fuss. Another huge sigh of relief, followed by a celebratory lunch at our favourite Japanese restaurant, Nomiya. After lunch, Roy set out to get the battery replaced on his iPhone and Elaine set out to collect her new glasses. At this point, she’ll be a whole new woman by the time we leave Malaysia. Cherry blossoms, exceptionally high spring tides improving our view and mango smoothies were the cherry on the cake!
All in all, it’s been a good few days and we’re extremely grateful for all the options that have opened up for us, although all require a little more patience to see where exactly the cards will fall.
