Whiling away our time in Sicily

We had our initial Coronavirus innoculation early May and had to return to Siracusa in mid June for our 2nd jab.  Also, after some toing and froing with the water maker company Osmosea about why our water maker was not producing anywhere near the correct amount of water, it was decided that it needed to go back to Osmosea's workshop in Tormina, Sicily.

With all this happening and the fact that we were due to leave Sicily as soon as our 2nd jabs were done, we decided that we should hire a car and take the water maker back to Osmosea, have our jabs and then wait for the water maker to be returned.

Matt & Anna our friends who were sailing down from La Coruna were due to arrive and we wanted to spend some time with them before we departed for Greece.

The water maker was returned and to add insult to injury, even though it has only been used for 1 season, it cost us another €700.  Unfortunately, we were not able to get a answer as to what was wrong with the unit and when tested, although it was 100% better than it was, this was still only 50% of the actual production levels we should expect. We ended up replacing a valve that Steve found was broken. We told Osmosea who wanted another €120, but we ended up going to Schenker (competitors), who sold us the same part for 60% less.

Unfortunately, all of this work and money did not solve the problem completely.  We are producing just over 50% of the expected volume, which is enough to keep us going this summer, but obviously not good. We now think we need to replace the membrane- another €300!  

The initial cost of the machine was £4250, so with this additional unexpected expense we are well over £5000.  All rather annoying when we originally wanted a Rainman, but were talked out of it by the dealer and pushed towards the Osmosea.

So far water can be produced at a
cost of €44 per litre 🤣

We found a fantastic new launderette in Ortigia and made sure everything large, like bed sheets and sofa covers were washed before we left.  I had ordered an Adler washing machine, which turned up whilst we were in Siracusa, but this is only good for up to 3lb of washing.

Our 2nd jab made us a bit poorly for 24hours, but nothing too major.

After sorting the water maker out, making a repair to the engine, provisioning on essentials and fresh foods we were ready to leave for Greece.

Our final night was spent with Matt & Anna.  We were hoping they would be able to come with us to Greece, but Nomad their yacht needs a lot of work before they can embark on a holiday-like period with us.  I know we will see them again someday.  We are travelling fairly freely and they have jobs that enable them to travel.  We will meet again soon, I know it.

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