April 30 – August 29, 2026; 21071 nm and 2718 days after departure from La Rochelle
Oh well, it has been a long time since my last blog! I guess I have to squeeze the happenings of the past months a lil’ bit. So let’s jump right into the most important part which had happened lately. Jana’s and Benoit’s big event. What can I say? It was by far the best wedding I have ever experienced! Yeah I know, every proud mom would probably say that. But it is true! We were witnesses of a dreamlike wedding! Honestly, I thought I am in a movie, my mom thought we were all in a fairytale. However you might think, or each guest felt about the wedding, for us it was definitely magical!
But before I keep showing off let me give you a quick summary of what had happened before the exciting wedding week. May 11th we left for the last time Banedup. It felt a bit strange to leave but also very exciting to finally move on. It took us 8 days to arrive at Shelter Bay Marina (SBM) where Altimate was going to stay, while we were in Europe. We stopped for 4 more days at our beloved Sibadup and were lucky to say hello and goodbye to our Israeli friends Pnina, Bar and Yoaf. Two days later we were in Linton. Once again we needed our gas bottles refilled, but we also needed to pick up our Panamá Cruising Permit from Silvi at Panamarina. We weren’t very excited about staying two days at Linton just because of the gas bottles, but the prospect of eating at Silvi’s French restaurant put us back in a positive mood. On top of that we run into Orhan our Turkish friend we had met in Cuba. At SBM we had 9 days to take care of the usual tasks to get Altimate ready for her unattended stay while we would be in Europe.
Like always and maybe even traditional by now, we spent the first week with Jana and Benoit. Recovering from the time difference, and enjoying prime time with the kids. Oooh, and not to forget indulging in the delicious French cuisine. But then, off we were heading to Essen to visit my parents. Since my Dad has been living in a nursing home, we were now able to stay with my mom. That was nice as it bought us more time together. We were able to do fun stuff like looking for and finding wedding outfits as well as visiting my Dad. Taking him out to find cooler and shadier areas and spoilt him with ice cream. I have to mention the weather was absolutely crazy! Since we arrived the temperatures were almost always far above 35 degrees celsius. It was unbearable hot. (And it is not common at all to have ac in private apartments or at least in care homes.)
My mom has been wanting to sort through old papers for a long time. With plenty of time before the wedding, Norbert and I accepted the challenge and started the task. We rolled up our sleeves and were busy sorting out papers. Within a couple of days we had gone through all the papers and had proudly reduced from 10 binders to 5! That again started the idea of getting rid of a few things, like books, bells and whistles and stuff which is there but not of interest anymore. After a couple more days we had gotten rid of so many things (in consultation with my mom, of course) that we were even able to spare a complete bookshelf. The latter was moved to the basement- which, by the way, we had also tidied up and decluttered beforehand. With the space we had now gained, Nonna was able to buy a small, cozy rocking chair. We were all very happy about the result and celebrated ourselves.
Then time was due to get ready for the big event. Holy moly were we excited! At 7am the 26th of June, we were already at the main train station Essen looking forward to travel to Levallois-Perret for the civil wedding the next morning. It was another extreme hot day. So we were all the more grateful for the pleasantly cool train. Happily reading or just enjoying the excitement of the wedding we didn’t realise at first that the train had stopped in the middle of nowhere. But latest when it got warmer, it was clear that was not a normal stop. Then the announcement confirmed: the loc was broken. Shit! (No, I’m not excusing my language!) Somewhere in Belgium not far from Brussels we were stuck ’cause the train didn’t have any power anymore. Within minutes it got really hot in the train and it took the poor conductor long 20 minutes to finally open the doors. Another 20 min until helpers from outside were able to mount stairs to the train so people could get out. The trouble was we were between tracks on an uneven surface just before midday with no shade whatsoever. It was not fun at all! I was extremely concerned about my poor mom. No shade (38 degrees celsius), nowhere to sit and not knowing what would happen was awful. I have to admit the helpers did their best and provided us with water but still we had to wait 2 hours until another train arrived. Super worried about Nonna I made sure that we belonged to the first persons boarding the replacement train. That was important as it took almost another hour until all passengers were on the train. The reason was they could only let us in from the front door. Then we moved on to Brussels were they made us wait again. This time for the broken train to be pulled in as our luggage was still in that train. I can’t recall how long that took but instead of arriving at 12.30 pm we arrived rather exhausted at 8:30 pm at the hotel. Nonna went straight to bed after a cool shower and we went shortly over to see Jana and co. What a day! Yet we were relieved that we finally made it – even with our luggage. We were already joking as bride and grand-parents wearing sweaty, casual clothes for the ceremony.
However after a restful night of sleep, a nice cup of coffee and delicious croissants we were ready for the exciting day ahead. The ceremony took place in the beautiful “Mairie”, the city hall of Levallois Perret. (A fancy building completed in 1898 in Louis XIV style.) The guests gathered in front of the Marie at around 10:30. About 15 min later we all were invited to step up the impressive stairs of this building and were leaded by a man in a tailcoat to the ceremony hall. He then handed over to the mayor, who officiated the wedding ceremony. Our limited French didn’t help to understand much of the mayors words. I’m sure it was important but all I got was that he talked a lot about France. I thought that was funny. Not sure if I was right, but either way it was very different to a German ceremony. And it was fast! If I remember right in less than 10 minutes the whole ceremony was done! Maybe because the French people focus more on getting fast a nice glass of Champagne and delicious canapés, than sitting in a Marie? I should have asked! Well, only 40 minutes after the official appointment, including taking fotos and the walk to Jana and Benoits apartment, we all toasted the bride and groom. Bam! Jana is married!!! We have a son in law!!! Suddenly we are parents in law. Yeaahhhh.
It turned out to be another long day. Only that this one was an extremely fun one! Champagne helped to speak better French and better English, which made conversations between the language shyness much easier. Also we got to know some of Janas French friends. That was very nice as we finally could put faces to the names Jana had told us about in the last years. The day finished late after dinner in a close by and air-conditioned (it was one of the hottest weekends in Paris) restaurant. Very tired, a bit tipsy and extremely happy we all (Nonna, Luis, Norbert and me) went back to the hotel to get a good night of sleep and to process all the beautiful moments of this wonderful day.
The big party was going to take place close to Nîmes at a beautiful estate the following weekend. Sparing us travelling and enjoying the beauty of Petite Camargue we had booked a nice Airbnb not far from the party location. So the next morning Luis, Nonna and us jumped in a train to Nimes and rented a car from there to get to our Airbnb. We had four relaxing family days. Unfortunately Luis had to work so he couldn’t join our excursion to Nimes and some other places. Yet we made it up to him with taking care of food and drinks so we could have nice dinners together. Wednesday the freshly married couple joined us too in the afternoon. That was really lovely to have them all to ourselves for an entire day!
Friday morning we all moved over to the party estate. As I already mentioned, it was a stunning beautiful place in the Provence. Nonna and I felt a little bit like royalty. Though first we were all involved in duties to prepare the place for the wedding. Things like setting up tables and chairs that were delivered, preparing and decorating the wedding arc and more. My duty was preparing the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets as well as the flower table decoration together with Janas old gang and bridesmaids. I loved doing that! It was so much fun seeing and chatting with Janas old and new friends. I have seen them growing up but hadn’t seen them for ages. There was a lot of catching up and I was admiring what they had become!
The later it got the more guests had arrived and the more could help. We loved having so much time to help and get to know everyone. It was a busy and very fun afternoon. For the evening the lovebirds had organised a Mexican food truck and invited everyone to join. Mexican food because they had met in Guadalajara where they both studied one semester abroad.
The next day was of course super exciting. Everybody and everything had to get ready for the big event. As it was super windy and still extremely hot, Jana and Benoit had decided to place the ceremony to a slightly better sheltered area than originally planned. So the boys were moving and placing all the benches as well as the arc. Decorating the latter was a big challenge due to the constantly strong blowing wind. But in the end the best men and girls managed to make it look perfect as well as everything else. Starting from about midday Jana and Benoit were getting ready for their big ceremony. Which meant for Jana getting make up and her hair done before putting on her wedding dress. And for Benoit? I have no clue. Anyway we were more than happy to join Jana while getting ready. Like that we could entertain our little girl and enjoy the pretty apartment with comfy sofas and ac.
At 5 pm everybody was dressed up, ready and excited for the ceremony. I’m not sure who was more nervous – the father or the bride? But I can say for sure it was very emotional to see Norbert give Jana the way down the aisle. And latest when Norbert gave his speech to the bride and groom it was obvious it was very emotional for him too. More very thoughtful speeches followed and after the vows, the big questions was asked by the marriage witness. Both said of course yes, rings were exchanged and a big kiss united the two. Such a pretty moment!!!
Then the relaxing part started. Everyone got champagne, canapés were served and everybody could congratulate the two lovebirds. A Mariachi band was playing and highlighted once again where the two of them first met. Sometime later dinner was served and after the cake was cut the dancing party started.
The next day started late. Breakfast was organised for everyone. Slowly the youngsters managed to get up. It seemed like it had been a very long night. Some did look as if they hadn’t been to bed at all. Some were already relaxing at the pool and enjoying the morning. Others were getting ready to leave. However it was nice to see them all again and be able to properly say goodbye. We stayed another night and enjoyed a calm evening at the estate before heading back to Essen.
Norbert stayed another 10 days in Essen and a weekend in Paris before he left to prepare Altimate for the Panama Canal and the Pacific. I stayed another month with my mom. We took care of a lot of paperwork and other errands which needed to be done. And of course we visited my dad every day. As we still had a car from our dear friends I took my mom to Lemmer in the Netherlands one day. I knew she would loved to visit once again as my parents used to have a little vacation house there. A friend offered to look after my Dad so mom could enjoy the day without feeling guilty. It was a great day! We had left early and arrived just in time when the cafes opened. First we needed a coffee and then we urged for “Kibbeling”, a dutch fish snack. The funny and hearty part was, that after years the Kibbling man still recognised my mom. They chatted for a while and my mom got all gossip from the last 20 years. We both enjoyed Lemmer, it was like coming home. Just a pity that we had to drive back the same day.
Then it was soon time for me to leave as well. Sadly I had to say goodbye to my parents but on the other hand I was looking forward to stay with Jana and Benoit for a few days and of course I was excited about the Canal transit. While I was still in Essen, Norbert had prepared and organised everything for the transit. Things like, making sure that the engine was properly working (would be a very costly disaster when it would stop working while in transit), the administrative organisation (a lot of online paperwork and paying), organising the line-handler as well as the lines and fenders. Since we had already been in Panama for such a long time, the last two tasks were less challenging. We knew that Roger, our reliable driver, also provided lines and fenders. Easy peasy and tick in the box duty. Suzette and Paul from Altaire had already offered to be our line-handlers. Only one more person needed as the Canal officials require 4 line-handler plus captain plus adviser. Natalie, a young woman from Belarus, who we had met before in SBM was very keen and very happy to help. Perfect for us, especially as Natalie had done the transit already 11 times!!! Paul and Suzette three times. What could go wrong with such an experienced crew? Nothing!
Only 10 days after my return to SBM we went through the canal. Our experienced crew joined us at 3pm on the 27th of August, my mums birthday. Only half an hour later we left the marina and anchored in the flats of Colon waiting for the advisor to come. Natalie had told us that they usually come later than scheduled, so we were not surprised when the guy didn’t show up in time. The weather had been nice and sunny but somehow just after the adviser arrived, the weather turned bad, very bad. Still he asked me to get going direction the first lock. Only 5 minutes later the sky was black. Thunder and lightning were at its best, showing off very close to us and doused us with plenty of water. Within seconds the poor guy and I were completely soaked. The visibility was close to zero. I was happy when he decided to turn and we put the anchor down again. As Norbert was in charge of the anchor, he was then soaked as well. What a start! At least we weren’t wet from sweating anymore. About two hours later the rain had almost stopped and we could start again. Off we were to the first lock. The adviser was a very nice guy and explained everything which was needed to know for the lock. Shortly before the lock we had to raft up with another catamaran. That is a normal procedure for leisure boats as they are just a kind of “fill up” with the big boats. Once in the lock the exciting part began. The lock guys throw a thin line with a fist, the line-handler had to catch those and make a knot around the big line so the guys can pull up the bigger line. Simple as that. That all went very smooth with our crew, which made it an easy, relaxed and enjoyable experience. Two more locks and we separated from the catamaran. Due to our delay it was already pretty late when we docked at the buoy in the Gatun lake. Our adviser left, we had dinner and went straight to bed.
Early next morning the second adviser arrived in time! We were all very relieved when we found out that he was as nice and friendly than the previous one. We all had experienced that this is not always the case. Some are very special, don’t explain and make the transit very awkward. A nice adviser, a good crew, good food and sunny weather, just perfect conditions for the second day! It was a 20nm trip to the next locks. Fortunately everything went as planned and we could all enjoy the trip. Due to a hazard tanker we had to wait for an hour at some point but at about 1:30 pm we arrived at the Miraflores locks. We tied up again with the cat and then we went into the first lock going down. The only difference this time, the leisure crafts went in first and then the big boat entered behind us. They do come very close and they were very big. About three hours later we were through all the three locks and had reached the PACIFIC!!!!! When the nice adviser had left us at Puerto Balboa (he was picked up by a push boat), it took us another hour to finally arrive at Las Brisas anchorage in Panama City. Tired but very proud and happy we celebrated our transit with champaign, sponsored by our dear friends Suzette and Paul. Natalie had left us immediately. She went off with a friend to party in the big city. Youngsters! The rest of us (the plus 60 generation) was so tired that we went to bed just after we had dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast Paul helped Norbert to put all the lines and fenders in our dinghy. Roger was ready to pick them up right at the dock from Las Brisas. As our dinghy would have been a bit overloaded with all the fenders IN the dinghy they had tied them around it. That looked so very funny. When Norbert returned from his fender excursion we all went ashore. Knowing the area Suzette and Paul gave us some good advises regarding restaurants and chandlers. But then it was soon time to say goodbye as they needed to go back to SBM. Thank you guys so much for your help and knowledge regarding Colon and the locks! We will miss you and hope to see you sometime somewhere.
Sorry about the long blog. Next one will take as well some time. We are ready to move to French Polynesia. If you like to follow please use this link:
