Feest Isolation Days – 20 July
This weekend there was a distinct feeling of a new normal in our lives with a few old ways served up in a different package. It started on Friday at the hairdressers. Getting a hair cut used to be a social occasion and a place where you were pampered for a bit! This time there was no tea served, no magazines to peruse, no chatting with the staff. There were only three people in the salon when there once would have been about ten. Everyone wore shields and Perspex kept the receptionist away from the clients. I took my mask off for the wash and cut. While different than it used to be, I still managed a great cut with the superb Karla at Trevor Sorbie. I shall head back there again in a few months time!
Before and After
Outside on the street, in one of Bristol’s shopping areas there was no parking. Parking spaces have been replaced with barriers and signs telling people to walk in a socially distanced way. I walked home which takes about twenty-five minutes. Very few people were in the shops that I passed and the city felt…tired. And perhaps a little depressed. I didn’t – but the city did. The buzz seems to have gone. People carefully walk away or around each other. Socially distancing is in force and smiles are off the agenda.
On Saturday morning I ventured out to our local outdoor market. About half of the stall holders and customers, including me, wore masks. A one-way system was in place into and out of the market, and Farro, the bakery that sells the best croissants in the world, has returned. Hence my visit! The stall was now facing the street and a low wall separated the goods from customers. Perspex had been placed between the food and streetside and a space was left open where you collected your goods. Payment was by contactless card which I’m getting used to once more.
The cheese stall was also well organised with tape and cones keeping customers two plus metres away from the cheese. The stall holders wrap it and place purchases in a basket on a table where it is easy to pick up while not being close to the stall holder. Again, contactless payment was the only option. The time of corona virus could be the death knell for cash!
Wearing a mask at the market makes it impossible to smile at people. Your eyes can smile but no one can see your face.
The next new normal was dinner at our dear friends’ house. After 126 days, someone else did the cooking! It was strange going out at 7 in the evening. That too was a first. Our friends set the table so we were socially distanced as we drank our celebratory champagne and ate their delicious food. It was nearly like old times. We elbow bumped our affection as we left and plan to meet again for a meal at ours very soon.
Rounding off the “new normal” weekend we headed to visit the kids who live near Salisbury. The last time we saw them in our garden we were less good at new normal. This time it was easier. We were all relaxed and sat around a warm fire that kept us cosy as the wind came up from time to time. People came and went from our fireside circle and we were able to chat to the kids one on one sometimes, as well as to their parents. Our oldest granddaughter made us a delicious cake. It all felt, if not normal, at least nearly normal!
Life has taken on a different tempo and we have all made adjustments. Just as well we are an adaptable species. We will be living with a new normal in this part of the world for some time to come. Kiwi friends enjoy your freedoms! We aren’t there yet, but we will get there eventually!
With love,
Kathy x