In another universe

We would be on our way to Tilbury to join the liner Marco Polo, for 17 nights of cruising to Norway and Svalbard.

Instead, we have to battle for a refund on the whole trip, as it has been cancelled.

As we enter the second week of June, I have had three days off this year, and in other years I would be weary and needing a break. And yet this year, of all years, I am fine.

Though, when to take any time off is another question.

We hope to have a week off in September, and maybe another in October, but that still leaves four weeks to take.

This is a mere trifle, obviously. And there is a good chance to carry some over for next year. And with our hopes to travel to the other side of the world, that is tempting.

Sometimes, it seems the world is getting back to normal; there are no shortages, shops are open, garages are open, KFC and McDonalds are open. But non-essential shops are closed. Pubs are closed. Hairdressers are closed. Restaurants are closed. Non-essential travel on public transport is not allowed. We have not left the county since March 13th.

Elsewhere, there is more than a chance that infection rate is climbing and there might be a second lockdown. Or not.

The Spanish Flue epidemic of 1918-19 lasted 500 days before it faded away, if COVID has the same life, then we have still nearly a year of this to cope with. Who is to stay what will be left when this is all over?

I was looking forward to the cruise, I mean, who wouldn't? Bing with Jools, Jen, Mary and her friend, all photographers and young at heart if not actually young (Jools excluded). And ending up on Svarlbard, all that midnight sun and exciting. But not now. And maybe not next year either.

People has suggested that they will head down the pub once they open. Not sure if I will be in the first rush. What will I do first? Not sure, maybe go for fish and chips in Deal, a pub meal at The Lantern? Go to a gig at The Booking Hall. Something normal. Then a pub.

Then another one.