On the roof of Nobel Hall! - 2003

The Swedes call this beautifull place "Stadshuset" it is situated in Stockholm, the City Hall, and is also the venue where the Nobel Prize is given. (The prize shared by Nelson Mandela and FW De Klerk after the 1994 elections in South Africa.)

The tower structure is about 6 to 7 storeys high and provides magnificent views of Stockholm. In 2003 Marlene and I were privileged to visit this place and see the views from the tower top, only catch was that I had at the time severe infection and respiratory failure. So there I was snailing up the tower slowly, very slowly, with swollen ankles and heart racing, blue, and gasping for air while Marlene raced up and had her look. Being slightly afraid of heights she did not want to stay too long and decided to descend just as I appeared at the top. I heard nothing of it and had her stay a while longer so we could enjoy the views together. Neither of us appreciated at the time how seriously ill I was!

Me taking a rest on the way down the spiral. There are no stairs, just a brick spiral. The top of the structure holding the bells and golden "crown" is made of timber and covered with copper sheeting. A brilliant piece of structural engineering! Our stay was short lived as my health was rapidly deteriorating. We had a short 1 night stay in another town and then headed back to Goteborg where I was hospitalised at Salgrenska University Hospital and put into ICU to stabilize. By that time I could climb only about three steps before having to sit down. It was also the first time a doctor suggested I consider lung transplant. Needless to say I was scared out my wits and was not sure if I would see our beautiful country, South Africa, again. But by the grace of God I had visited a country where Cystic Fibrosis is well known and the team treating me were excellent, they saved my life in 2003. Thank you to Dr Anders Thylen, Sister Ulla, nurse Frieda and many others!