Twenty-twenty. It's been a traumatic, often terrifying, yet strangely transformative year few will forget in a hurry.
the time when the world changed
MIQ Day 13 – Preparing For Release
It's difficult to believe we've almost completed our fourteen days of Managed Isolation. Weirdly, I'll miss it!
MIQ Day 12 – Ten Tips To Thrive In Managed Isolation
We fully appreciate that being able to return to New Zealand at this time of the world's history is a precious gift.
MIQ Day 11 – Happily Connecting And Eating
This morning began early. My alarm was set for a 7.15 am start to get ready for a House Party at 7.30 am with three friends ...
MIQ Day 10 – A Bit Of Excitement
Under 'normal' circumstances, I'd be posting a blog Wednesdays' and weekends. For me, daily blog reading can become rather tedious ...
MIQ Day 9 – A Quiet Day
There are only five sleeps to go now before our expected 'release' day on Saturday 5th September. So long as our day 12 COVID-19 tests are negative ...
MIQ Day 8 – Feeling Spring-Like Again
I recall watching the trees budding and blossom sprouting as winter turned to spring during late March in the UK when we were 'locked down’.
MIQ Day 7 – Enjoying A Day Off
That sounds odd, doesn't it? A day off Managed Isolation? How can that be? No, just a day off 'work' with far less screen time
MIQ Day 6 – In Trouble At Almost Halfway
Time in MIQ is speeding by. Tomorrow morning will be our halfway point. We still haven't worked out a way to get back to Gisborne on 5th ...
MIQ Day 5 – Productivity And Connectivity
Five days into our Managed Isolation, and we're over a third through the requisite 14 days already. I don't think we're 'suffering' at all.
MIQ Day 1 – Settling In Nicely
In case you're not aware, MIQ stands for Managed Isolation and Quarantine. Part of the NZ government's 'Unite Against COVID-19' plan ...
Feeling Welcomed Home
Have you heard of Dave Dobbyn? He sings a very 'famous in New Zealand' song called 'Welcome Home' which I've been listening to rather a lot recently.
A Most Welcome Sight
Well, that was weird! I've flown to New Zealand and back to the UK at least 14 times since 2001. So far as I can recall, every flight was almost full. Sitting in a massive plane with hardly any passengers felt wrong. Conversely, it was out of this world amazing! To have the luxury of … Continue reading A Most Welcome Sight
Second Stage Successful So Far
We enjoyed a good night’s sleep in the huge Premier Inn bed last night. My timing for the alarm could’ve been improved - we didn’t leave sufficient time for a half hour wait for breakfast to be served! But never mind. That’s a minor point. The hotel was extremely well managed with hand sanitiser freely … Continue reading Second Stage Successful So Far
A Taste Of Things To Come
Today we began the long journey 'home' to Aotearoa. Of course, we have two home countries now. The UK and New Zealand. Only one 'home' though, and that's NB Areandare.
Market Drayton To Norbury Car & Boat Hopping
After such a magnificent blue-sky day on Sunday, the British weather resumed it's grey and damp outlook. You have to grasp sunshine while you can here!
Leaving Nantwich Behind
We’ve now well and truly left our lockdown location behind, having made tentative plans with our three-month bubble buddies to return for a reunion in 2021.
The England Lockdown Easing Experiment Begins
Yesterday, Saturday 4th July, marked the day the people of England start to ‘enjoy’ more freedom again. Boaters who don’t live aboard can stay aboard ...
Challenging Times Continue
The mixed messaging and new challenges seem to be continuing here confusingly in the UK. One minute the government says one thing, the next it's all change.
Living On The Edge At Times
We relished the quietness of a few of night's mooring near Bettisfield, watching the spectacular sunsets once again, right on the edge of the Welsh border.