The Escape

Whoa! Where are you going?

Thought we’re doing staycations!!!

When we saw Mum taking out her luggage, George and I were wondering where we might be going next. The day came when the piece of luggage moved from the bedroom to the hallway – and there was a certain level of activity that signalled that the departure was imminent. But when Joanna turned up to take us for a walk – we realised then that we were not going with her.

I stood close to Mum while George went barking mad – literally. He was angry. I was sad. Nothing we said would change things so we watched her roll her bag out the door.

Given the first opportunity, Mum escaped!

Where did she go?

May’s comment: During all of Lockdown and we kept busy and took on challenges and before we knew it, six months had floated by.

Some of you had asked if I was going stir crazy or if I found it hard not to be travelling. I wasn’t. It was a nice change for once not to be packing bags every few weeks and off to different places. The restrictions gave me the time to do things I never seemed to have the time nor incentive to do. We took on ‘challenges’ and was all about “dancing in the rain” while waiting for the storm to pass.

But we all have our up and down days. And sometimes all that bravado just caves in. I guess Sylvia caught me on one of those days when I was feeling just a little low and asked if I would like to join them in Corfu. I had already accepted that travelling abroad was not an option and had planned staycations instead. But she caught me off guard. It took me one second to say, “Let me think about it.” And three seconds to say, “Let me check the flights.” LOL! I took the opportunity to see her and my godson, Edgar.

It wasn’t just about packing my bags and jumping on the next flight. Preparations were needed for Darcy and George as a four-day quick trip wouldn’t be feasible to take them with me. Besides, getting to Greece by train and then ferries to Corfu would take at least two extra days of travel each way – and I didn’t want to go through France and other countries which required a two-week quarantine on our return.

But nothing are certain these days. On the day before departure, there was news that Portugal and some Greek islands were being added to the quarantine list in Scotland and Wales but not yet England. A week ago, it would have been fine. But which islands?

At Heathrow, it was surprisingly busy.

And everywhere precaution was taken.

At check-in.

The BA Lounge had reopened since 4 July – but what a different scene …

No buffet, meals were ordered electronically and served.

In the plane, we were seated at least one seat apart.

Corfu had no deaths and very few cases. But with the influx of tourists, they needed to be more on the alert. Whenever we were in public spaces, wearing of masks were required.

This was what we had to wear when we went to the buffet breakfast.

Though a short trip, it was the first opportunity for a change of scene to clear the cobwebs! And really to see my godson and his family.

We shared stories, discussed EVERYTHING going on in the world today,

we laughed and watched sunsets together.

While Greece remains on the green list, the travelling was full of caution. And in a place where once people relaxed by the pool and enjoyed each other’s company we were constantly reminded that the world was not the same. We wish 2020 to be over with but unfortunately Covid-19 doesn’t understand calendar deadlines.

In the meantime, back in London, looked like the monkeys had a good time!