Wow, how the world has changed since my last blog post.
Social distancing and self isolation are phrases that have unwittingly entered my daily vocabulary and our only social plans are via Skype.
Adventures are on hold and the only allowable reasons for leaving the house is for essential supplies.
We’ve all got our own individual ways of getting through – and there are some really fantastic articles featuring ideas for what you can get up to while in lockdown – but I’ve personally found keeping a diary super helpful, as emotions can be all over the place, so it can be good to untangle your thoughts on paper.
We’ve also been keeping a ‘post-lockdown’ wish-list of adventures, together as a household, with friends and with family. And so I thought I’d share just a few of those things with you!
Visit The States (I’ll need an ESTA)
David and I had the BEST adventure a few years ago when we stepped out of our comfort zone, jumped in a mini-van with 13 other people (at the beginning, they were just strangers to us) and camped all over the West Coast. And since we arrived home, we’ve been making noises about going back. However it’s always been one of those things we’ve popped on the back-burner. Reminiscing during lockdown has got us thinking about actually making some firm plans, although I’ll need to get a new ESTA permit for the US as I’ve recently renewed my passport. I was worried about whether this will be more complicated then it has been before due to all the travel restrictions, but I’ve found a pretty simple ESTA form here. After being cooped up at home for so long, being able to roam around in the great outdoors freely would be the best feeling, so it’s definitely something on our wish-list. ESTA la vista, baby!
Get Married
Of course, 2020 was to be the year David and I officially tied the knot. We had our wedding planned for this summer and every plan was *almost* finalised before COVID-19 hit. We are taking things day by day at the moment, and are waiting for further official advice before we postpone but we’re only about 30% sure our wedding is going to go ahead when planned. So of course, at the top of our wish-list is to actually get married as planned, even if it’s at a later date. Of course, it’s disappointing but several of our family members would fall into the ‘high risk’ category and so if there’s any chance of their health suffering or being put in jeopardy, then postponement is the best thing. Ultimately, health supersedes any plans so we’re keeping a watchful eye on this!
Punting in Oxford or Cambridge
Our home is equidistant from Oxford and Cambridge and so we used to find ourselves visiting the latter especially quite often during the summer months.
This summer, we have plans to head back with friends, hire our own boat, bring a picnic (complete with bubbly and strawberries) and spend a *hopefully sunny* afternoon on the canal!
Take Ralph to the Beach
When Ralph joined our family in October, he had to wait for his jabs before we could take him out on a walk.
By then, it was November and far too cold to take him to the beach.
But as the weather gets warmer, I keep getting a craving to take him to the beach, specifically Brighton Beach.
I’ve no idea why as it’s not often I crave a trip to Brighton – but I suppose we may have to postpone this wish-list until next October because dogs are only allowed on the beach until 30th April!
Book a Holiday
Alongside a adventure trip to the States, we’d also love a really relaxing break – somewhere where your only plans are sun, sand and sea and the only question we need to consider is ‘where shall we go for dinner‘? Our absolute favourite place for the ultimate break is Mexico. We booked a holiday there a few years ago and stayed at the Silversands resort and quite honestly, we didn’t ever want to leave. It was the perfect balance of luxury, without the pretence and formality that some ‘luxurious’ hotels have.
The food was epic, the beach was gorgeous and the cocktails were incredible. Again, we had to stop in Atlanta on our way to Cancun last time, so invariably I’ll need to get that ESTA sorted, but it’s one of the first things we will be doing. I guess as soon as international travel is permitted again, there will be a huge surge in travel bookings (and indeed ESTA and visa requests) so we may be waiting a little while!
David and I had planned that our honeymoon would fulfil this relaxation need, but depending on whether the wedding goes ahead or not, we may end up booking a trip to Mexico instead!
What post-lockdown adventures are on your list?
