(no subject)

 

A year gone by

noadvertising

March 1st, 2021

On February 22nd hubby and I were off to what we thought another journey to explore places we had not yet been to. Little did we know that it might have been our last one for many years. Yes, there had been talking about a new sickness that spread in China. And that Italy had become the hotspot in Europe. But Havanna airport was bubbling with the energy of the island, and it was kissing and hugging when meeting a co-worker. Three weeks later things had drastically changed, with everyone wearing masks, most kiosks closed, people ordered to stay on their seats if they had one. Till then no one in Cuba had talked about Corona, just as if it did not exist. We flew back home wondering what would await us. First shopping was awesome, when we were not able to purchase toilet paper because people here thought that this item surely had to be vital. For hubby and me it was vital, because number four and five had used up hubby´s stock. And then, two days later - lockdown, the magical word for fending off the illness, at least in our country. After one year not much has changed. We are still in lockdown, though I do not know up to which number we are now. Vaccination has not yet picked up space, because vaccines are rare, and the one the EU thought to be cheap enough no one wants all of a sudden. Plus the younger folk is weary, no more ready to stay at home behind closed doors. Behind closed doors they now have big parties, and no day goes by without police moving out to burst those. I am so angry now. I want my life back. They always talk about young people losing the best time of their life. What about older people losing the years they originally planned for catching up on things they had to put last because of work? None can tell how long pensioners will stay healthy enough to travel, or spend their money by lunching out instead of doing daily cooking at home! At that age you stand with one foot near the grave already! So, dearest politicians, get your ass in gear and ensure that our country gets vaccine enough (the good one, the not so good ones, it does not matter what I will get offered) to protect your citizens, and don´t tell me there´s money enough to have all hotels and inns stay closed. You have flung away money enough by miscalculating the situation while at the same time (in times like these!) you reduced sick beds in hospitals...No wonder not many believe you any more! Phew! I really, really needed this rant, sorry!
There are also nice things to report: On Saturday we will do a trip to son number three, to celebrate Elsa´s birthday. As long as we are back home at eight no one will be able to stop us. We will pick up lunch at the inn for all of us, and the prospect of lunch made number five join us. Now that aunt Lil will come with us the wardrobe will have to stay at home. Not room enough in the car! Oh, what a shame! Now we´ll have to do another road trip at the soonest!

• 
  

A year gone by

On February 22nd hubby and I were off to what we thought another journey to explore places we had not yet been to. Little did we know that it might have been our last one for many years. Yes, there had been talking about a new sickness that spread in China. And that Italy had become the hotspot in Europe. But Havanna airport was bubbling with the energy of the island, and it was kissing and hugging when meeting a co-worker. Three weeks later things had drastically changed, with everyone wearing masks, most kiosks closed, people ordered to stay on their seats if they had one. Till then no one in Cuba had talked about Corona, just as if it did not exist. We flew back home wondering what would await us. First shopping was awesome, when we were not able to purchase toilet paper because people here thought that this item surely had to be vital. For hubby and me it was vital, because number four and five had used up hubby´s stock. And then, two days later - lockdown, the magical word for fending off the illness, at least in our country. After one year not much has changed. We are still in lockdown, though I do not know up to which number we are now. Vaccination has not yet picked up space, because vaccines are rare, and the one the EU thought to be cheap enough no one wants all of a sudden. Plus the younger folk is weary, no more ready to stay at home behind closed doors. Behind closed doors they now have big parties, and no day goes by without police moving out to burst those. I am so angry now. I want my life back. They always talk about young people losing the best time of their life. What about older people losing the years they originally planned for catching up on things they had to put last because of work? None can tell how long pensioners will stay healthy enough to travel, or spend their money by lunching out instead of doing daily cooking at home! At that age you stand with one foot near the grave already! So, dearest politicians, get your ass in gear and ensure that our country gets vaccine enough (the good one, the not so good ones, it does not matter what I will get offered) to protect your citizens, and don´t tell me there´s money enough to have all hotels and inns stay closed. You have flung away money enough by miscalculating the situation while at the same time (in times like these!) you reduced sick beds in hospitals...No wonder not many believe you any more! Phew! I really, really needed this rant, sorry!
There are also nice things to report: On Saturday we will do a trip to son number three, to celebrate Elsa´s birthday. As long as we are back home at eight no one will be able to stop us. We will pick up lunch at the inn for all of us, and the prospect of lunch made number five join us. Now that aunt Lil will come with us the wardrobe will have to stay at home. Not room enough in the car! Oh, what a shame! Now we´ll have to do another road trip at the soonest!