It's crazy out there

We live on the edge of a small village, we don't go to pubs much, only three times since the lockdown started. We haven't eaten out, except for a sausage butty that one time. We go to Tesco once a week to do our shopping, and apart from going to Jen's every now and again, we mix with no one.

And I suppose that's how I thought the rest of the country was.

How wrong I was.

For the past three days I have been staying in Southampton. Southampton is a city, not huge, but a typical, provincial English city. And it was like Mardi Gras in Nawlins.

On Tuesday night we ventured to a small Italian place, so saw little other than those on the main street, seemed quite sensible, apart from the drunks who were shouting and singing until dawn.

Wednesday, was very different.

As I wrote in my blogs, the Government is subsidising eating out to a max of £10 a head, to encourage folks to get out and support businesses. So far, so good.

For two hours I tried to book something online and on the phone: nothing free.

So we went out walking, to the West Quay shopping centre, where I had seen many large eateries and chains; there must be some tables free there?

No.

Everywhere was packed, needing an hour's wait, if they would let you. Most were booked all night.

Some had gaps between tables, many seemed not to.

Most shocking was Wetherspoons. It was rammed. People lining up to get in, no social distancing, people singing, shouting, like there wasn't a pandemic on.

If this is normal in cities and towns up and down the country, and with enhanced lockdowns in many places, and another threatened in Birmingham, there is little hope of keeping the virus under control.

We had no choice but to travel on the ferry to the Island. Going over there was hardly anyone on board, but coming back, it was full. People from different groups were sitting at same tables and benches. Children were running around, banging into strangers, like their parents didn't care.

I am home now, but will isolate at least for a week here, and not go to Jen's for two weeks, just in case.

The week was a real eye-opener, but not in a good way. Sadly.

Stay safe, people.