Well we have now been self-isolating for nearly forty days and we are still here - alive and kicking. If this scenario goes on until December 2021 (according to a statement from a minister in the government here) then the economy will be ruined for a generation. Cyprus depends on international tourism and confidence in flying to destinations in the sun will be low. But the alternative is to ease restrictions too early and allow the virus to flourish. This is not a decision I would like to make.
In the meantime the sun shines and we can feel summer approaching. There is a danger that we sit in our ivory tower thinking things are not too bad, whilst Cypriots across the island face destitution and financial ruin. Being a great believer in Stoicism, we ask ourselves if there is anything we can do to change matters. As things stand, we cannot and Stoics believe you should not worry about matters you cannot influence. But that is easier said than done.
We have been keeping ourselves busy - Ann more than me - and as a result our garden has never looked more lovely. Mornings tend to be when we do things and afternoons tend to be for relaxing, and having the occasional glass or two. Our experiments in the world of cookery become slightly more adventurous as time passes.
Our plantings of spring onions, chilli, courgettes, strawberries and tomatoes may not make us self-sufficient but it is marvellous to see things grow. Strawberries and ice cream for breakfast the other days was hedonistic in the extreme.
Monday 20 April 2020
Sunday 5 April 2020
23 days and counting ...
So we have been self-isolating for 23 days now and it is instructive to see how the rest of Cyprus and also the UK is reacting to increased restrictions on movement. To us it seems that a considerable proportion of people in both countries are just not following the “instructions” their government is issuing. The result here in Cyprus is that for the second time in a fortnight the government has issued stricter proclamations. The end result is that people who were obeying the original proclamation have now had their freedom further restricted by the actions of the thoughtless and the entitled.
What a pity. Anyone with half a brain cell can surely understand that this pandemic is potentially fatal - if not to them, then to their family and friends. There has always appeared to be a part of the Cypriot mentality that means people only obey laws if they think they are either sensible or likely to be enforced. Driving to Polis to shop at 06.45 in the morning and the coast road was akin to a Grand Prix.
I like to feel we have dealt with this curfew well and we have behaved sensibly. And, of course, we enjoy our own company which is a bonus. We are experimenting with all sorts of cooking and the shelf of Jamie Oliver cookbooks is being delved into more than we might have expected. We also set ourselves a target of not wasting any food at all, and so all sorts of leftovers are being recruited for experimental cookery.
As the weather becomes warmer then the easier it will be for us to enjoy having “fun in the sun” which was our raison d’être in moving to this beautiful island. It should be warm enough to swim in the pool in about five to six weeks, and that will be a daily pleasure until October. I trust that by then the restrictions will be lifted but in my heart of hearts I fear it will be more like this time next year before life returns to something like normalcy.
Businesses (especially anything related to the tourist industry) may not survive and others may struggle for years to come. Tourism requires trust and many people will not willingly step onto an aircraft or board a cruise liner for a long, long time. But, with optimism and sense, mankind will come through this crisis.
What a pity. Anyone with half a brain cell can surely understand that this pandemic is potentially fatal - if not to them, then to their family and friends. There has always appeared to be a part of the Cypriot mentality that means people only obey laws if they think they are either sensible or likely to be enforced. Driving to Polis to shop at 06.45 in the morning and the coast road was akin to a Grand Prix.
I like to feel we have dealt with this curfew well and we have behaved sensibly. And, of course, we enjoy our own company which is a bonus. We are experimenting with all sorts of cooking and the shelf of Jamie Oliver cookbooks is being delved into more than we might have expected. We also set ourselves a target of not wasting any food at all, and so all sorts of leftovers are being recruited for experimental cookery.
As the weather becomes warmer then the easier it will be for us to enjoy having “fun in the sun” which was our raison d’être in moving to this beautiful island. It should be warm enough to swim in the pool in about five to six weeks, and that will be a daily pleasure until October. I trust that by then the restrictions will be lifted but in my heart of hearts I fear it will be more like this time next year before life returns to something like normalcy.
Businesses (especially anything related to the tourist industry) may not survive and others may struggle for years to come. Tourism requires trust and many people will not willingly step onto an aircraft or board a cruise liner for a long, long time. But, with optimism and sense, mankind will come through this crisis.
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