Well, hello to 2021 and good riddance to the horrible year that was 2020. To help cope with the restrictions of Tier 4 that have been placed upon us, I joined up to do the January Challenges set by Lemm Sissay. I have completed days 1, 2 and 3 and I thought that I might share them on my website blog. I won’t include them all but just to give you a flavour of the types of things you too could be doing to help relieve the tedium or boredom that can come with being cooped up inside. The first challenge was to write down the words, I remember… and then to write down anything that came into your mind. When you became stuck, you had to repeat the phrase and start again. So, accepting the challenge I began to write… I remember… The joy of anticipation that came from planning our holidays. The discussions, the places, the points of interest that we could visit. I remember… The online searches, YouTube videos, downloading information and itineraries, from the cornucopia of data that is out there. Combing through brochures, travel books, and articles to check out the delicious activities, tours and trips that were on offer. I remember… The joy when the decision was made, and the booking placed and the anxious wait for the holiday time to approach. The shopping for clothes and accessories for two, three weeks away from home. (and even sometimes longer!) I remember… The panic, the worry the logistics of packing all our holiday paraphernalia into two suitcases. The nervous waiting for the taxi to arrive and the anxiety of the dreaded weigh-in at the check in desk! Then the relief that we had passed inspection and we were ready to set off on our adventure! I remember… The number of visits my husband made to the ‘men’s room’ with his words. “I’m not nervous about flying!” The incredulity of the discount prices on duty free goods. I mean honestly! Coupled with this were the food and beverage prices within the airport and the disbelief that even on an early flight time of 5am, there were people buying alcohol and drinking it! I remember… The settling into the tiny cockpit of seats on the plane and the adrenalin rush when I found the number of films which were on offer during the long- haul flight! The awareness of the leg room I had, yet the width amount was negligible! The wonder that so many passengers not only book in suitcases into the hold but also wheel on suitcases as well which fill up the overhead compartments. “What do they carry in them?” I remember… The disappointment when I can’t eat the plastic trayed food. Way too spicey or covered in cheese. The puzzlement of the stewards when asked if they have anything different. “Why didn’t you order a special category meal?” they wonder. “Mainly because they too have spice added or cheese!” I reply. I remember… The pulsating dry heat which greets me as I step off the plane. The easing of wrapped up tensions as the radiating sunbeams, filter through my body, followed by the exquisite pleasure of lifting my face to embrace its welcoming warmth. I remember… The delays through customs control, passports areas and baggage claim which leave you frustrated, and irritable. Also add on the latecomers to the waiting coaches and the relaxation that had threatened to engulf you retreats leaving your emotions spent! I remember… The burgeoning hope, as the coach travels to the hotel of your choice, that you have chosen a good one and that the brochure hype lives up to expectations. The disappointment or relief are palpable within the coach, as holiday makers are gradually dropped off at their home form home for the next two weeks. Then befuddled with tiredness you must navigate through brain fog the filling in of registration forms, rules, and information until you finally stagger to your hotel room pulling your overladen cases behind you. I remember… The relief of pure delight when you open the balcony doors and step out to be greeted by paradise! The brightness of the luscious blue sky, the glimmer of gold on the iridescent sea, the blinding light of the sun, the vast stretch of white sand dotted with elegant palm trees. All of this and more, lifts any jaded spirit! I remember… The sudden rush of giggles, as the realisation that I have arrived, sets in and everything is now just perfect- so let the festivities begin! I remember all of this as I sit, restricted by COVID, from doing any of these things and am thankful for my memories which allow me to relive this tiny bit of happiness on such a grey day. I hope it helps you to remember too! Sue Westcott (C.) 2021.
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