Author - graham

Travel plans anywhere can be disrupted at times and I learnt that much in Asia.

A Bus in Cambodia can make a 2 hour journey seem (literally) like 5.

But due to the Corona Virus travel plans have taken a more serious turn.

Starting to get move things moving over the last few months has proven hit and miss.

Now the UK, much like the rest of the world is facing a potential second wave of infections which is again limiting travel both home and abroad.

We face an uncertain time and with no exact end in site of when this world pandemic will eventually end.

But it does beg the question should we accept that going back to the way things were is something we might never achieve?

At least I managed to see my brother who after 2 years of travelling for us both, we managed to find ourselves in the same place together.

Family Portrait

Always a pleasure to meet up with this guy. My brother from another mother, who for over 10 years I shared a working environment with him at a business centre I used to manage. We had some good times and some trying times including his fight for “leave to remain” in the UK which turned out to be a success and I am so proud of this guy that I am honoured to call him my Brother.

So definitely the new normal. Whatever that is going to be?

Back to Travelling again?

But with a difference I start to embark on a bit of travel around the UK. Taking advantage of being back in the UK and of course putting some overdue money back into the economy I will try and visit a few places this month.

A prehistoric site called Stonehenge and consider how it will stand up against the many temple and sacred places in South East Asia. As well as visiting some older cities like Cambridge and Oxford. Which I am hoping I will look upon in a more different light since my worldly travels over the last few years.

Also after visiting Gardens by the Bay in Singapore which houses plants from around the world so too does England’s answer the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Family Portrait

Catching up with old friends is very important, especially in this new world we are living.

It finally looks like things are changing here in the UK.

Lockdown is fast becoming a bit more relaxed and soon everything will start to open, but with trepidation I guess?

Whether it will continue back to an old normal or will carry on becoming the new normal remains to be seen.

For me, one thing is sure. The idea of returning back to Asia and to my new life of travelling is going to be put on hold until next year.

2020 will be a year that people will not only remember, but I feel it will be a year of new beginnings, new friendships and relationships not only with people but with this lovely planet called Earth.

Having been back for a while now I have been in lockdown since March. I am now looking forward to meeting up with family and friends.

Family Portrait

Sisters and Brothers don’t have to be blood-related to be important to your life. I have had the pleasure of meeting and adopting many siblings as I have travelled. I miss my Cambodian sister Kunthea and her boy Panyar ( hope to see you soon sis) but one lost is another gain. Being in the UK has allowed me to see my English sister. Who has been through a hard break up and moving house twice during Covid, has shown remarkable courage and perseverance.

Who would have thought that a simple visit to the UK back in March intended to last 2 weeks would have put me still here in July four months later with no definite date for returning?

As Coronavirus or Covid-19 seems to become a way of life and the restrictions imposed upon the world look to become a new normal (at least for the rest of the year)

We find ourselves having to re-evaluate our lives as well as our plans. As a nomad traveller it has been hard to find myself having to be situated in one place by necessity not by choice.

Going forward?

The key I feel is to remain strong, determined and above all safe. We do not realise the dangers of spreading the virus to others who are less healthy and have underlying health concerns that we don’t know about.

The longer this pandemic goes on the more you see of people and how they handle things. Normally reserved people can show signs of frustration and anger that is not seen as the world slowly moves in a different path and pace than before.

Remember we all have a level to which we can cope with things. So keep an eye on loved ones and friends. Be willing to help them if necessarily and always try and give some kind of positiveness to peoples every day. Even if you don’t know them.

Family Portrait

So, after coming back to the UK in March, primarily to surprise my mum for her birthday. I have had to self isolate and then quarantine like the rest of the country. So after many months its great to finally get out, sample a coffee that you haven’t had to make yourself and see the most important woman in your life. My mum who has stood by me for many years and once asked me when I turned 45 what I intended to do when I grew up!!

Clearly she knows me better than anyone.