Easier said than done, our decision. So many variables that we started alcohol consumption earlier than usual. Where can we leave from? How do we get there? If we do manage to get a flight will the one remaining train to Paris run on time? Should we get an Uber but are they operational? Do we drive but will they let us through check points? Which airlines are operating from Paris, if any? We went through three pots of coffee during this time. My faithful travel agent said there's tens of thousands of Australians trying to get back. Are we all the glass half full ones, the ones who thought it'd all be over soon. Would have been great had we been the glass half empty type of people. We'd be in self isolation in another location by now. We tried the Australian Consulate in France and couldn't get through and the Australian consulate hotline. They told us to try and get to London and if that failed to stay where we were until things calmed down. No idea when that might happen, although the curve is flattening slightly in Italy, Spain and France but there's still quite a way to go.
Woke at three again last night. Unfortunately I checked the phone (I know, I know) and happened upon a story about how the virus is also causing cardiac arrest, a new strain that is killing people in New York without having previous heart conditions. The hypochondriac in me awoke fully. The trip to Paris ( if a taxi turns up), if they don't cancel the train, then to Doha and being in airport lounges, then bundled into crowded buses to get to a hotel quarantine, will be a minefield, with corona virus hot on our heels. Mainly mine as a woman of mature years with breathing issues. So attractive to a Corona virus.
The day didn't help us, the sun didn't appear. And after two weeks my paint, brushes and paper order arrived but by the time I'd unpacked them all and washed my hands at least three times (in case some corona was hiding there, waiting), I was totally not in the mood to paint. No one wanted to go for a walk, we thought maybe we should start packing our bags in the off chance we'd get a plane out sooner rather than later.
The daughter even suggested that she watch Coraline, her all-time favourite when in a bleak mood. I even wandered off during the clapping! It's strange how quickly, when you're not in the flow of life as you were previously, that you can so easily just switch off. I'm sure everyone else is feeling the same. That's Day 21 and we're the lucky ones.
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