As far as our confinement goes, we are all going a bit stir crazy. Non-essential travel is now banned with fines being issued if you are caught out and about. Shopping, banking, doctors, dentist and going to the hairdresser (what is all that about?) is permitted. I suppose we are luckier than those stuck over here without family, they must be having a hard time not knowing which way to turn.
Today is also my brother Andy (Andre) and my birthday. This is only the second time in nearly 50 years that we have celebrated together, the last time being three years ago. That day was so different from what we are all experiencing now. Who would have known eh? As a special treat Sally made us a cake, or should I say cupcakes. No going out for a meal tonight, impossible with all social gathering places closed, just kebabs and champagne, far cry from the revolving restaurant at Sydneys tower on our last birthday.
I trust everyone is still coping okay in the UK and as I still get CRT updates, the ban on cruising must have had an effect on all liveaboards. Hopefully, all managed to moor close to shops and the facilities.
And if you wondered what Kookaburras eat,
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| Big juicy grub |
16 comments:
Happy Birthday Irene & Andy :)
Look after yourselves, no nipping out for a quick shampoo and set though!!
I still have everything crossed that you manage to get home Irene. In the meantime we wish you and your brother a very Happy Birthday. I cannot understand why hairdressing is still allowed - one of the first things I did when this started (well before they were shut down) was to cancel my appointment that was due today. Heaven only knows what we will all look like in 3 - 4 months time!! Take care and stay safe. Jennie and Chris xx
Take a look at David John's CruisingTheCut video - he was in a very similar position to you but eventually made it. All the gory detail is there . . .
To right Kevin. I couldn't understand why the Australian government allowed that, oh and Thank you for the birthday wishes. Hope you are well and keeping the required distance from everyone. Xx
Thank you, Jennie. You stay safe too. Xxx
Hi Irene and Ian.
Good decision to get back to Sydney. Flights are being cancelled often. We have friends staying in our place in Perth trying to get back to New Zealand and twice flights have been cancelled with no real warning. They hope to get the last scheduled flight out tomorrow but with us stuck on the boat not able to get back to Perth at least they could continue to stay in our place. Happy birthday Irene from us two.Trust for a good outcome for you getting back to the UK.
John and Dawn
Thank you, John and Dawn, Unfortunately, it looks like we are now stuck in Sydney for the foreseeable future. No flights can be found going back to the UK so goodness knows how long we will be at my brother's. In a way, I'm glad we have family to stay with but it is difficult for them as well with two extra mouths to feed. We have registered with Qantas and the British Consulate to see if they can do anything for us but we don't live in hope. Seems you to are in the same position so looks like we must all just make the best of it. Take care of yourselves, we send you both our love. Xx
Hello Mike, Watched the video with interest. Seems he was a few days earlier in his bookings than us and managed to get that Sydney/Darwin/London flight. I think this flight is no longer going so we are now stuck here.
Oh bugger! I had wondered whether you should have upped sticks and got on your tandem broomstick before heading to do the Ghan. I guess you have too ... But hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Be safe, drink wine and you will be fine.
Do you have space where you can all be on your own to preserve sanity?
Big hugs and lots of love, Mxx
PS Perhaps you'll be able to get to NZ before you can get home to the UK, so you may be able to do more exploring here without waiting another few years...
Hi Marilyn, I wondered that self-same thing but the money spent on the Ghan holiday was huge the assurance that the excursions and trip would be taking place, we decided to go. Little did we know what was in store!
Our sanity is still very much intact. Upstairs at my brother's house is almost a separate flat in itself, no kitchen but we have a sitting room, bathroom and bedroom all to ourselves. Mealtimes are great fun with plenty of the alcoholic stuff keeping the spirits up. We couldn't have chosen a better place to ride out this pandemic.
As for NZ, no I can't see us making that journey this year. To be truthful I'm missing England, especially FS and the idea of not getting back on the water for months fills me with dread. The sooner we get a flight the better! Anyway hope you and David are okay and weathering this storm the only way I know you can...plenty of laughter with friends, booze and those fab card games. (: Sending much love. Xxx
Hi Irene and Ian.
Fingers are very tightly crossed that you do manage to come home. But if not you seem to be in a really good situation compared to some.
Okay so I wonder why you can still go to the hairdressers, when there would definitely be a social distancing issue. That is definitely not being allowed in the UK, so we are all going to be long haired hippies, well the ones who have hair anyway. Keith will be fine, because I cut his hair and I can do my own. Keep smiling my lovely friends. FS will welcome you back and hug you tightly when you do manage to get back as will all your family and friends.
Sending you much love. Stay safe and well.
Love and hugs Jo & Keith xxxx
Irene
The UK Gvt has this afternoon announced that it will be chartering a load of aircraft to bring stranded nationals home. I assume from what you've said earlier that the Consulate there is aware of your situation, but it'll be worth hassling to get your name on any lists they are compiling if necessary. Needless to say, good luck, and stay safe.
Paul
Qatar Airways seem to still be flying. Our sister in law got a flight from Melbourne via Doha a couple of days ago. She's home now. Might ne worth a try. Also Dominic Raab (our foriegn secretary) announced this afternoon that there is going to be a big effort to get stranded travellers like you home. Don't give up just yet! Good luck.
Mick NB Oleanna
Thanks, Jo, you are right about the hairdressers and one of the big chains over here are doing the right thing and shutting down.
We are doing okay and checking on airlines daily. We may have found a way to get home...watch this space!
Glad you are still okay, nothing quite like still being on the water and enjoying the solitude away from those that flaunt the '2-meter' message. At least on your own mooring, you are safe.
Love to you both
I&I Xxx
Hello Paul, Pip and Mick, We had registered with the Australian Consulate over a week ago but nothing as yet had come of that. Qantas has been marvellous and it is purely by their efforts that alternative flights were sourced. We now await an outcome to see if we can get onto a Qatar flight.
Just a quick note to say thank you for posting and keeping us all in the loop. My fingers are crossed that you and Ian make it home safely and soon.
Happy birthday! Stay safe, stay well,
Love Jaq xxx
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