Things are all a bit strange here at the moment. I’m back in Portugal, but the World has changed.
The virus is spreading and people are dying. It’s not good. It’s not good at all.
Everywhere, governments are locking down their populations, asking them not to socialise, asking them to stay at home except for essential errands.
This is understandable.
It’s a truly horrific state of affairs.
But what does this mean, on a purely selfish note, for me?
It means that here in Portugal, the bars are all closed.
Bummer!
The restaurants are all closed.
Bummer!
The shops are all closed – apart from Supermarkets.
Bummer!
But none of this really matters, since I’m not even allowed outside my front door anyway – 14 days compulsory self-isolation after flying back in from the UK.
Double bummer!
So I can’t go for a walk. I can’t go for a cycle ride. I can’t stroll down to the beach.
I can’t see my friends.
I can’t wander round the market buildings in Olhao, enjoying the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So yes, things have changed.
I know that this seems like nothing. People are dying, and that is much more important than what is happening to me, but I did say that I was writing this from a purely selfish point of view! So bear with me!
At the moment, all this makes it rather difficult for me to write about my life here, since I could be anywhere right now – except that when I head up to my roof terrace, the sky tends to be blue, and the sun strong on my back.
Apart from that, I’m stuck inside four walls, with my laptop and phone for communication and the TV for comfort.
So what am I doing with my time?
Well, I’m still doing a lot of writing – about the virus mainly. Feel free to check it out (viralchitchat), some of which I’ll post on here too.
I’m also doing a bit of web design and reading a fair bit too.
Time is actually going faster than I thought it would, which is a bonus.
But I don’t get to see Sue and the kids (except via the occasional Face Time) and I have no idea when I will see them again. I don’t get to see my family, nor my friends in the UK.
This is a very strange feeling and one that I’m not used to.
And it’s one that I don’t particularly like.
How long will this go on for?
Who knows? Only time will tell.
Every day, the message is changing.
Things get better or worse daily, then the next day it’s the opposite.
I’m not holding my breath.
This will go on for as long as it takes.
I just hope that the world hasn’t changed too much once it is all over – and that everyone stays safe. I know that’s a big ask, but it’s the best I can do for now.
If you want to read more about my experiences during the Coronavirus lockdown of 2020, click on the logo below – this will take you to viralchitchat.com
