Like so many other people, my travel plans have been affected by the virus that is currently sweeping the World.
In a few short days I was to be lacing on my hiking boots and taking my first few tentative steps in the Himalayas, Nepal. But not anymore.
The backpacks have been unpacked and put away, and all the medicines and bits and pieces stored in a separate tub in the hope that the trip will be rescheduled one day. Ever the optimist.
While I am very disappointed, it is time to be a bit philosophical and grateful for all that I do have – a full belly, clothes on my back, a roof over my head, loving family and good friends. Many people don’t even have that.
So in the meantime I will focus on sharing my travels around Australia and have everything crossed that my next camino in Spain, scheduled for early May, comes off.
Take care everyone and stay safe. Melx
Life...one big adventure 
Sorry to hear about your trip cancellation. We sure do live in an uncertain world these days. I’m in the same boat; fingers crossed that we will be free to get back to our adventures abroad in a few short months.
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I get the feeling that no one will come out of this unaffected. I really feel for all the small businesses and casual employees who will lose their jobs. It was announced on our media last night that a travel agency company will be shutting 100 of its stores! The economic flow-ons are going to be HUGE. Take care and dream on, Mel
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Spain is now on lockdown as is New Zealand. I too feel for small businesses. Even big companies like Apple have closed down their retail stores! As many countries rely on tourism for their income it is going to have a big impact. I am sure there are a few Resthome companies that will be shaking in their overflowing profiteering boots 🙂
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Yes, although it is incredibly depressing listening to the radio, it seems to be changing by the hour. I worry that it is going to be the ‘little’ people who don’t have a voice who will affected the most ie the elderly, the disabled and the poor. In the meantime our National Rugby League association is asking for a $200million hand out as the competition is going to be affected!! People have their priorities all wrong!
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To be honest, I am less concerned about the elderly has most who have died with it were at the end of their lives and pleased that it is not targeting children. What is more of a concern for us is those with low immune systems like my husband. I can’t stand Rugby League and what money is paid to those sportsmen and women are over the top.
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Fingers crossed the whole thing peaks soon and it becomes just another Winter flu. Take care, Mel
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You too, Mel.
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Covid-19 link
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Thanks for the link to the Covid-19 update. Things are changing so fast that I suspect that information is out-of-date as soon as it is released! Stay safe, Mel
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Bugger bugger bugger … onward! xx
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Exactly! Sing along with me Nella….”Always look on the bright side of life. Ta dum, ta dum de dum de dum de dum dum” Melx
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I’m so sorry Mel. That is a big, big loss. I’m glad you’re able to keep a positive attitude, but I wouldn’t blame you for doing a good deal of pouting. (Even if it achieves nothing, sometimes it just feels right for a while.) Our Spain-France trip in July is up in the air, too. I do hope your camino is a go, both for your sake, and because that means my trip is probably a go, too!
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Yes, I had a downer of a weekend, but I am trying to keep everything in perspective. There is an Aussie saying “We’re not playing for sheep stations here” – meaning it is not so serious in the larger scheme of things. Chocolate and a nice pinot noir are helping my perspective no end!! 🙂 Melx
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So sorry about your trip Mel.
These are terrible times but things will get better.
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Yep – I know they will and on the bright side, I now have a pristine two-week period ahead of me. I wonder what I can do with it?? Take care, Melx
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That’s hard when you’re looking forward to ti. But the Himalayas will always be there. What hikes or climbs were you planning?
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Yes, it is all very disappointing, but not worth the risk of getting sick or creating additional pressure on the Nepalese health system. There is no place like home in times of uncertainty. We were planning to do the 11-day hike to Everest Base Camp, flying into Lukla. I am going to call the tour company this morning to try to reschedule. Fingers crossed! Have a good day, Mel
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For when you are able to go consider doing Everest 3 Passes trek with Base Camp. We wrote about it a year or more ago in our blog. It’s better than just EBC. Or at least do one of the 3 passes.
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Fabulous. Thanks for the tip. I will check it out. Have a good day, Mel
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👍
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I had just come back from a long trip in Africa and was looking forward to being back in the United States and being able to travel freely about the country and then, the virus restrictions hit. Not quite the disappointment of missing out on a trip to Nepal and the Himalayas but I understand. Sorry for the forced cancellation and hope you will get to go in the future.
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I think at times like this it is important to be philosophical and just roll with all the changes. Not being able to travel overseas for pleasure is truly a First Word problem and I am thankful to live safely and healthily in my own home. Not everyone has that privilege. In the meantime I dream of all the travel adventures that lay ahead in the future. On an exciting note we have been able to reschedule our Everest Base Camp walk for late November this year…Covid-19 permitting! I am nothing if not an optimist! Take care over there, Mel
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Can’t wait to follow you through Everest Base Camp trek once things go back to normal! Take care 🙂
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Thanks so much. I can’t wait either. I hope to blog along the way with plenty of photos, but I understand the internet is pretty scarce. I will just have to make up for lost time when I get home! Have a great day and keep dreaming of travel! Mel
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Hi Mel, I haven’t been posted or been in the reader for so long. Wanted you to know that we are preparing for the Camino Frances in early September. We have been training and are flying into Santiago from London and then catching buses and taxi out 140KM to walk back in. We are going to see our daughter in London for the first time in two and half years. She is coming too and our daughter here decided to come too. So its family affair. It seems very busy with alot of accomodatoin booked out. Did you get back tot the Camino in May? Louise
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Hi Louise – lovely to hear from you and your exciting news. I am very envious! No doubt you are going to find the path very busy, but that means lots of interesting people to meet. We found a real culture/atmosphere change in the last 100km as a whole new swathe of pilgrims joined the Way. I remember looking at a woman with scorn as she was wearing white tracksuit pants and joggers! I should NOT have been so judgemental, but maybe I was jealous of her freshness and cleanliness! 🙂 No, I didn’t get back there this year, but look out mid-May 2023 – planning the Madrid/San Salvador/Primitivo combo. I am so excited for me and for you! Have a wonderful walk. Buen Camino. Mel
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