The Grand Palace, Bangkok

On Tuesday we travelled the length of the river Chao Phraya, to decide where to visit the next day, in order to get the most out of our stay in Bangkok. Our first destination on Wednesday was the Grand Palace, and after a short boat ride, we arrived at this popular tourist destination. The pier was busy, full of tourists, confused, working out which way to go to get to the Palace. The sign posting was extremely confusing and with a diversion in place, we did end up walking around in circles for a while. I have to admit, at one stage we gave up and walked back to the tourist ferry to go to our next destination.

We were told in no uncertain terms, we could not enter the Grand Palace wearing short trousers, so Darrell being Darrell, decided we were leaving, and we weren't going to do what they said. Sat waiting for the ferry, I suggested we go over to the shop opposite and buy some suitable clothes; perturbed, Darrell reluctantly agreed, and we bought a couple of outfits, fighting our way back through the throng and into the palace entrance.

Security and anti COVID measures were tight as we made our way through the various check points. Our temperatures were taken on a number of occasions, and we had to wear a mask all the way through to the palace itself. The heat was almost unbearable as Darrell and I entered the first courtyard, after stepping through the entrance, but my God, as we hopped over the step and into the square, I was in absolute awe of the place; I was walking through fairy land, and it was spectacular; a feast for the senses and I didn't know where to look first.

Around every corner, there was an even more wonderful building, shining brightly in the sunlight. Thai architecture is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is garish, shiny, sparkly and brash, but its stunning beauty reminds you of just where you are. If I was a subject of the King of Thailand, I would be wonder struck at the scene playing out before me. This was a sacred site, a royal home and a place of worship; it was simply spectacular.

The all consuming heat of the day was reflecting off the golden, mirrored surfaces that adorned the majestic construction of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The sweat was dripping off us, like an uncontrollable torrent, but surprisingly, the clothes were keeping us cooler than one would have expected. Our reluctance to dress in traditional Thai attire disappeared, as we realised there was a reason people in Thailand dressed as they do. To be honest, if I had also worn a suitable hat from the beginning of the day, I would have felt even better. As it was, I was burnt from my head to my neck, and it was all my fault for not following the guidelines.

The palace complex was vast; we stopped several times, to go inside various temples, taking our shoes off and sitting for a short while, absorbing the atmosphere and just being a part of the colourful spectacle in front of us - Statues of Buddha finished in gold, surrounded by offerings from people visiting the temples, incense wafting around the hallowed halls and coloured garlands hanging from statues and smaller figurines. This was a very strange experience coming from a western culture, but it was truly humbling to be a part of it, and accepted by everyone around us, as an equal. This is very different to the way we would have treated tourists in the UK; we have so much to learn of the people of Thailand!

We walked around the vast Grand Palace for an hour and a half, eventually making our way out into a distinctly European styled park with a classically built mansion at its heart; perfectly manicured gardens and ornate topiary, set the scene for a refined private space, fit for a King. Everywhere you looked was a breathtakingly beautiful, this was by far the most impressive destination we had visited. Time wasn't on our side, however, so we made our way back to the ferry and to our next stop of the day, Wat Arun!

Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun was just another quick boat ride away. This tall, ornate structure on the banks of the Chao Phraya looks phenomenal, as the boat pulls in to the pier. It cost one hundred Baht (£2.00) each to get inside the large temple. It does seem wrong to say, but compared to The Grand Palace, Wat Arun did seem a bit of an anti climax, even though it is an impressive structure. The ornate stone carving is divine and triggered that spiritual side in me that rarely surfaces these days. It was a building like no other. There was no gold, mirrors and garish decoration, just more muted tones, which sat in harmony with its surroundings. This was traditional, ancient Thai construction at its finest, and was in complete contrast to everything we had seen before.

It was at this point I had to buy a hat, the biggest one I could find, since I was burning in all the wrong places. My shoulders, neck and head were red raw, so I grabbed what I could from a local market stall and put it straight on. OK, it wasn't the most attractive look in the World, but I really didn't care. When you are sweating like a glassblowers a*se, the way you look isn't important. Straight away I felt the benefits as I made my way around the site; finally I had some relief from the sun!

Walking around Wat Arun, I was struck by the number of 'pilgrims.' Ladies getting off one of the many boats to the Wat, were dressed in their finest clothes, while little old sweaty mess me, staggered around aimlessly. I am intrigued to find out why they go here and what significance it has. What I have been told, is there is a strict dress code in all the temples, because members of the current Thai Royal Family still used these historic places, so in a way, it would be like me going to Buckingham Palace dressed in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt - it just isn't done.

Wat Arun has to be one of the most beautiful temples we visited, and I loved walking along its ancient walkways, just brushing my hand against the masonry, feeling the history between my fingers. I was privileged to be walking in the footsteps of many thousands before me, and I did feel lucky, especially after the pandemic. It felt like I would never travel again and despite Thailand's strict COVID measures in place, it didn't detract from the majesty of Bangkok!

One of Thailand's National Deserts

To end the day, Darrell wanted to visit the most expensive shopping mall I have ever been it, Iconsiam. The brands included Cartier, Tiffany and the like. This wouldn't be a place I would usually visit, but I was boiling hot and just needed to cool down, so went with gritted teeth.

Inside, this homage to excess and greed, was like walking into the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. There were fake flowers, a pretend street market and even a reproduction lake. To be honest, it looked awful and souless, and I would never choose to go there again.

We went for a meal in a Korean restaurant on the ground floor and had what I can only describe as a tasteless pastiche of Korean cuisine; it tasted nothing like the food we ate in Korea in 2019. At an over inflated price, including over four pounds for a tiny beer, I did lose my rag somewhat. It's places like this that give cities like Bangkok the money they need to grow and expand, but it really sends the wrong message to traditional Thai people, who continue to live and work here. In contrast, right next door, there was a scrapyard, where traders were making money in the best way they could; this really could be a tale of two cities, and it made me feel sad.

Luckily we left pretty soon, since even Darrell got bored with the overpriced consumerism. This wasn't the reason I came to Thailand, and I hope to never venture into a shopping mall again.

However, there was one redeeming feature, Darrell and I bought one of Thailands traditional deserts for a treat, but at a cost of ten pounds it wasn't cheap, like everything at Iconsiam. It was made of shaved ice, milk, flaked almonds, cake and sweet caviar with cream. OK, so it did taste bloody good, but I'm sure I could get it somewhere else for a fraction of the price.

Suitably cooled down, we made our way back home for a delicious meal at our now favourite restaurant, So on Samsen Road, a place we will be back to eat every day this week. The food is delicious, home cooked, prepared in a clean kitchen and the toilets are sparkling, that's a must for me. Above all, the price was right - a two-course meal and two beers for under twenty pounds.... can't go wrong!

Until tomorrow!

On Monday, I said a fond farewell to Cancer Research - 'my happy place.' I began volunteering at the shop in Commercial Road in June 2018 on my return from Spain and have always enjoyed my time there. Zerina has been a rock of support for four years, as we discussed and shared our numerous health issues, and my life would have been all the poorer without her. Despite not having volunteered at the shop for a while now, I have always maintained contact and returned when I can to say hello.

Monday was really about Darrell, who has been Deputy Manager at Cancer Research for a little over six months now. I know from talking to Zerina and the volunteers, that he will be missed and has made an impact on all of those who work there. Saying goodbye has always been important for us, because our life has always been so transient. I have lost count of the number of bon voyage parties we have attended and tears that have been shed, as we have embarked on our travels and pastures new. Despite this, in the main, the last few years have been productive and extremely rewarding. If it wasn't for everyone at this little shop, I think we would have left much sooner. Sometimes you need to stay longer than you originally plan, to establish roots in preparation for an impromptu return.

It is the people in Portsmouth who have enriched both our lives since we moved here, and are the most difficult reason against our departure.  We are leaving good friends behind for a year, as we embark on a life-changing journey. Things may well have changed out of all proportion when we return, and that may not necessarily be for the best. Personally, I have always disliked change, which is in complete contrast to my lifestyle, but both Darrell and I are fully aware of just how special our life is. Our willingness to visit new and exciting countries and distant parts of the globe, makes us the couple we have always been.

The food was as wonderful as ever at Spoon World Buffet as fourteen of us sat down to eat. Laughing, joking and reminiscing about days spent at the shop, we all had a memorable final evening together. Darrell is of course still working at the shop until the end of August, like me, and I will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Zerina one final time. However, it felt great to spend time with friends and colleagues in an informal setting, people who have helped shape my life during my time in Portsmouth. I will of miss them more than words can say, but I am thankful for the good times I've had, making money for charity and working together, even during the darkest days of the pandemic. When our travels are complete, Cancer Research will once again be our first port of call, just as it was all those years ago, making more memories to take with us, as we continue with our life, wherever we finally settle down!

Whatever television station you watch or newspaper you read, you can't fail to avoid the emerging 'cost of living crisis' unfolding before our very eyes. I can't remember a time when I have been so aware of rising prices, soaring inflation and dramatic hikes in the cost of utility bills. Using the word 'crisis' has been criticised for its dramatic, frightening cogitations, but when one looks at the economic uncertainty across the globe, it is clear this is appropriate for the times we are living though. These are momentous months for many reasons, not just the cost of living, but when looks at the different factors at play in this 'new World order,' it is clear there has been a significant shift, creating the most unstable economic conditions for over forty years or more. These are difficult days for everyone, and we need to understand just how serious this situation is. This isn't something that can be solved quickly, all of us will have to battle to keep our heads above water.

The seeds of this current crisis were sown in 2016, after Britain voted to leave the European Union. No one really expected the UK to remain the economic power house it was after we voted to leave, and if they did, they were seriously deluded. I was someone who envisaged a time of upheaval and hardship, but like most people, I believed it would be a temporary blip, and we would overcome the problems relatively quickly. Brits are a hardy bunch, and we have lived through worse periods in history. With fortitude, faith, and backbone, it wouldn't be too long before we were back on track again.

At the time of the vote, I was living in Spain with Darrell. We lived a relatively frugal existence; with my husband flying back to Australia regularly, I learnt to live on a small budget of 30 Euro a week. Life was hard, but the sun was shining and life was good. I loved my new Spanish home and believed I would remain an expat for many years to come.

Of course nothing lasts forever and in 2018 I moved back to the UK for family reasons, as Darrell continued to commute From Europe to Australia, caring for his Mother after her cancer diagnosis. These were arduous years for us, as we tried to restructure our  life to suit our changing circumstances. Darrell would fly to Britain when he could, and I would travel to Asia once a year; it was an arrangement that worked well until the pandemic crashed head long into all our lives in 2020.

The biggest factor in the current 'cost of living crisis is of course COVID-19. The money spent by Governments all over the World propping up ailing economies throughout the worst of this virus was huge, unlike anything any of us had ever seen. Locking down a country isn't a cheap option. The British Government alone spent hundreds of billions of pounds paying staff to stay at home, as businesses remained closed for months on end. Even I was paid a wage, even though the pub where I worked was closed. At the time it was great, but all that money has to eventually be paid back.

The pandemic still rages on, although as a nation, Britain is learning to live with it. It is unlikely we will ever be locked down again, but we will be living with the consequences of COVID for many years to come. The vast sums spent keeping families afloat, while they languished at home is shocking to contemplate, but the hangover from this strange period is only just beginning today, two years later. After Brexit, no one expected a public health crisis, and the British economy has suffered untold amounts of damage. Through mismanagement, waste of public money and falling tax receipts, it was only a matter of time before we started to feel the pinch; from 1 April that process of 'paying back' began.

They say bad things come in threes, well there is yet another catastrophe looming on the horizon, with war in Europe looking ever more likely! After Brexit and a global pandemic, the World is now on the brink of World War III, as Russia invades Ukraine. Yet another disaster of incalculable magnitude, after a series of bad choices and unforeseen circumstances; conflict is now unfolding on the continent, as the daily news reports, uncompromising rhetoric and threats from Russian President, Vladimir Putin become increasingly worrying and venomous. The death and destruction, economic sanctions and refugee crisis has started to reverberate across the planet; all of us have begun to suffer the knock on effects of the war in Ukraine.

The cost of everything is going up. As the fighting intensifies, oil prices have skyrocketed, causing massive increases in the cost of oil. Gas, electric, and petrol are all significantly higher than they were and people, already feeling strapped for cash, are now feeling the squeeze tightened further. Inflation is creeping up and looks likely to top ten percent by the end of the year. As sure as night follows day, interest rates will undoubtedly rise, causing a drastic increase in mortgages. Food prices are exploding; as someone who shops in a supermarket daily, I am well aware of the increases. The new European war has curtailed the flow of trade between Ukraine and the rest of the World, making resources scarcer. The breadbasket of Europe is no longer exporting wheat, and the rest of us will have to pay sharply more for a loaf of bread and other products once transported from Ukraine.

I am well aware of the cost of the things I buy; I have seen my shopping bill nearly double since the pandemic, and it isn't going to change anytime soon. When the price cap on gas and electric was abandoned yesterday, utility bills rose by 54% immediately. I am luckier than most, because I do not pay bills where I am living, but will contribute more in other ways, helping to alleviate the costs involved. With higher tax and many of the measures introduced during the pandemic coming to an end, ordinary people are feeling the economic pressure. The cost of living crisis is causing the biggest drain on incomes since the 1950s, and none of us are fully aware of the consequences of circumstances, that are compounding the intensity of this dangerous crossroads. Whether or not families survive the next few years very much depends on the different factors at play. The biggest concern for everyone now is the Ukrainian war and just how long it goes on for, affecting all our lives.

For now, Darrell and I are fine. However, we don't have a home to keep and can save money relatively easily. My goals and aspirations still remain on track, with the possibility of early retirement in four years time, funding a new life in Portugal or somewhere a little more conventional. My future plans are very dependent on how well my pension does and my scope to save the maximum amount of money in order to buy a home. I can only rely on my own frugal abilities, rather like I did when I lived in Spain, but ultimately remain at the mercy of events beyond my control. As usual, being the realist I am, I expect the worst but hope for the best; lets pray the World returns to normal soon and all of us can finally breathe a sigh of relief, restarting where we left off in 2019!

It has been nearly eighty years since the end of the Second World War and during that time, Europe has enjoyed relative peace, free from conflict and tyrannical dictators, that really defined the last century. I suppose my generation was the first to enjoy life, without the prospect of having to go to war. On Thursday 24 February 2022, all that calm and tranquillity was shattered, as one man's dream, to build an empire after the fall of the Soviet Union, came to fruition. The increasingly dictatorial President Putin of Russia, invaded his neighbour Ukraine and began a fight to restore the old communist satellite states to Russian control; while the World was distracted, Putin prepared for invasion on a scale that no one has seen since the 1930s.

I am like everyone, every sane, normal person that is; I am appalled and shocked by the blatant criminal act against a sovereign state. This is 2022 for God’s sake, have we really learnt nothing over the last eight decades; we are at a terrible crossroads in history, that none of us thought possible. The evil dictator in Russia has crossed a line, and it feels like there is no going back. Once you let the beast out of its box, it's very difficult to put it safely back in. This tyrant has unleashed a war on the continent that could be the catalyst for something far worse, the consequences of which, don't bare thinking about. There are never any winners in armed conflict, just the casualties left behind; lives broken, homes and livelihoods destroyed and a nation in mourning for its dead. I don't mind admitting, I cried on the day I heard the news and I have a feeling, many more tears will yet be shed!

It feels that Putin has taken advantage of a terrible situation and used it to prepare for war. I am of course talking about the pandemic. While countries fought hard to save their citizens during the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak of 2020-2022, this psychopathic mad man spent the time building up resources, capital and military supplies, in order to unleash his inhuman fighting machine on Ukraine. In some respects you could almost, yes almost believe, that the last two years were a smoke screen, staged by communist China as a catalyst for the ushering in of the new World order. One has to remember just how much nations were preoccupied with COVID-19; yes, they did take their eye off the ball and didn't think for one minute that Russia would launch an attack in the heart of Europe. Of course this is just speculation and whatever the circumstances behind this new war, the fact is, the west allowed it to happen, and the consequences will live with us for generations to come.

Watching the scenes unfold from Ukraine on our television screens, I was as shocked as anyone at what I was witnessing. The sirens sounding across the city of Kyiv, people running for cover to underground shelters in the city's metro system, echoing the scenes from London during the Blitz in the 1940s, a bygone era. Cruise missile hitting civilian areas, blocks of flats and refugees heading west on trains out of urban areas. Carrying a few belongings, children in hand, pets in carry cases with a single suitcase would not have looked out of place in Hitlers Germany, as Jews were transported to concentration camps. The emotions I feel now, as I write this, are real and bring yet more tears to my eyes; this is a war like no other and a fight all of us will have to endure.

These last few years have been traumatic for all of us living through the pandemic. We have all had to make sacrifices for the greater good of our friends and neighbours, each of us protecting one another living through lockdowns, restrictions and draconian measures, designed to stem the tide of COVID-19. As we move out of this terrible period in history, it seems we are now entering yet another even more agonizing, anxiety inducing time, with the beginnings of a European war. These dangerous days herald the start of what could be a World destroying event, that will result in catastrophic loss of life and the end of our planet as we know it. This is probably the most perilous period in modern history, and none of us know where it will end.

My biggest fear is a wider world war, as Russia crosses the boarder into NATO territory. Part of the NATO charter states that any action against one NATO nation will result in a swift, decisive action against Russia from the other NATO members. If President Putin is as mad as we are told, then he will not think twice about launching attacks against other states bordering Russia. The word unhinged is being used to describe this egotistical maniac, and after the events of the last few days, it is easy to see why. The attack on Ukraine has clearly been planned for a long time and constitutes war crimes not seen in Europe since the late 1990s. With his finger firmly on the nuclear trigger, Putin could single-handedly destroy the World whenever he wants. This would of course be a worse case scenario, but alarm bells are already ringing. Mr Putin wants the old USSR back, and it seems he will stop at nothing to achieve it.

These are indeed dark days for the World, as all of us hold our breath. Sadly I don't have a crystal ball, but I am aware of my own anxiety and that of friends, family and colleagues. The next few weeks and months are going to get bumpy; I am scared for the future, but just like I did in the pandemic, I will carry on, doing what I have to, to survive. At the moment there is no hint of what's to come, so like the rest of the World, I pray for a positive outcome and continue to look forward to a future that may or may not exist. All of us have to do our best to support our Ukrainian friends, donate to charities in the region and keep the message of hope alive. At this fork in the road, it's time to stand up and be counted, don't bury your head in the sand, wake up to what's happening on our doorstep. Evil exists in the World, it's time to confront it head on!

With Storm Eunice causing havoc across the UK today, I have decided to stay inside with Darrell. Each year I have a 'personal day,' time off from work, over and above my normal holiday, and it just so happened to fall on the day, the biggest storm in a generation hit the south coast of England. To be honest, it has just given me the opportunity to relax, chill and take some much-needed time for myself. I am mindful of just how bad this storm could be, however. Looking outside the window, the strong winds are clear to see; rubbish and debris is blowing in the air during strong gusts and walls and fences have collapsed in the street.

Sitting, reflecting on today's storm force winds, I am left wondering just what is going on, in this chaotic World we are living in. If you could transport me back to 2019, I would gladly leave tomorrow. The last few years, since the loss of my Mother, have been terrible in every respect. The Pandemic emphasises just how awful the planet has become. The scenes on our television sets, recording mounting deaths daily, brought home the scale of mother nature. I have suffered from low mood and depression for quite a number of months now; with more and more bad news, from every part of the planet, highlighted on our television screens daily, there are times, I just want to hide away and forget this time exists.

As a child, I was always fearful of war. Growing up in the 1980s, during the height of the Cold War, I was always aware of what could happen. I would spend night after night worrying about nuclear war, especially after watching the film 'Threads.' This film documented a fictional nuclear attack on the city of Sheffield; its powerful imagery has always remained with me. As communism collapsed, so the Cold War ended and the World seemed a much safer place to live. The threat of war quickly receded and the nightmares I had as a child disappeared; finally, I could breathe a sigh of relief.

Nothing is forever, as they say; with a despot like Putin in charge of Russia, it looks like we are heading into another Cold War. Tensions are high in Ukraine and Western nations have warned we could even be on the cusp of a dangerous European war, at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a time in history that appears to be the most dangerous in my lifetime. 2022, isn't a great time to be alive, I have never felt so uneasy. I believe we are heading into a period of great turmoil, but more importantly, change; a crossroads in all our lives.

If I was a religious man, I would say that it really does feel like the 'end of days' at the moment. The World seems chaotic, directionless and, with the rise of dictators like Putin, without moral compass. The pandemic has highlighted just how vulnerable we are and how easy it is to upset the delicate environmental balance that keeps us in check. I have never understood the inhumane nature of people. Whether a tyrant ruling a country or a sociopath at the top of Oxfam, these individuals exist, to the detriment of the rest of us. There is very little we can do on the surface to rid ourselves of cretinous leaders who lord over us, but we can distance ourselves from the worst influences in our own lives.

I have tried very hard to change my life for the better, especially during this pandemic. The last two years reminds me very much of my own struggles in life. Just as you think you have turned a corner for the better, something else comes along to push you right back to where you started. The next few years will more than likely be more of the same, so it looks like we will have to batten down the hatches and make the most of what we have. I very much look forward to a time, when we can live in peace and normality, but until then, we can always remember the good times… Times that will most certainly return once again!

It's been nearly four years since I returned to the UK from Spain, and during that time I haven't stopped working. The busiest period for me was always on the weekends, especially a Saturday night. I would often go from job to job, starting early in the supermarket and finishing at midnight in the pub. Fifteen-hour days were all well and good when I was living in Britain on my own, but now Darrell is home, my busy lifestyle has had to change. No one can keep working at such a fast pace, without burning out. A few weeks ago I made the decision to stop working at the Newcome Arms on a Saturday night and the reality is, it has been just the tonic I have needed to finally relax and unwind once again.

I have found it particularly difficult to chill and take time out since arriving back home; with so much on my mind, it hasn't been easy to forget my woes, especially with Darrell being in Australia. Of course, I have never been a person to do nothing, I have to keep busy, which usually involves blogging or going out for a long walk. Having at least part of the weekend free can only be a good thing, as I finally take a step back and enjoy the time I have to myself.  I work more than enough hours to pay for Darrell and me now, and the last thing I want to do is get ready to go out and work on a bustling Saturday night.

Last weekend, for the first time in years, we went out for a meal at what has become my favourite Chinese restaurant, Yan Woo in North End. This small unassuming establishment, set back from the road, offers amazing home cooked food, in an authentic setting, The staff are always friendly and welcoming, making this a great place to unwind after a long day. It did feel good to be sat quietly talking with Darrell, as we always used to, and not having to worry about rushing home to get ready for work. This first Saturday off was a great introduction to normal life once again, and I thoroughly enjoyed being free.

I do use the word free loosely; I never felt trapped working at the Newcome, but rarely having time out on a weekend became a burden towards the end. I haven't needed to work in the pub, in a monetary sense, having enough income to survive, but it was a part of my life I enjoyed. Socially, working in a pub was a wonderful experience, especially on a Saturday, which is usually football day here in Portsmouth. Meeting some incredible people, I cherish some amazing memories, made over many years. I am also still beavering away behind the bar on a Wednesday evening, not wanting to give up bar work just yet. I want and need to keep that contact with a pub I regard as my own and a group of people I have a remarkable bond with. In time, I may decide to knock it on the head completely, but until then, I am happy to be a part of the Newcome team, looking forward to a productive year ahead!

This weekend I was able to spend time with family, going out for the day, eating lunch out and enjoying a home cooked meal in the evening. It was great to do 'normal' things on a Saturday, which I wouldn't have usually done otherwise. It is more important for me now, to have this time to myself, especially with Darrell home from Australia. As 'normal' service resumes, I hope to continue to scale back the amount of shifts I do in the coming months. By the time we approach the end of the year I want to be in a position, where I can pick and choose when I work, without pushing myself too hard. One has to remember, I have had a lot of health concerns over the last four years and after suffering from COVID recently this month, it is time to take stock and realise, life isn't just about working. It is also about spending quality time with the people I love and enjoying life once again.

It's been a few weeks since I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and I have started to get back to normal. Looking back at the ten days I had this wretched disease, I can confidently say, It was, in the main, quite mild. When I compare my symptoms with other peoples, I am fully aware of how lucky I was, to recover relatively unscathed, with mostly no enduring issues. However, I am left with a few annoying problems, that just won't go away.

I still have a cough, that just lingers and lingers. I'm not coughing constantly, but enough to cause concern. All of us cough for a reason, it's usually because we have an irritant in our throat, that just will not go away, and I suppose that is the case with me. During my bout of Coronavirus, I was given antibiotics to help clear, what the Doctor thought was a bacterial chest infection. Apparently, according to him, coughing up dark green phlegm was the key to this diagnosis. Having finished the medication, although much better, I am told I have 'post COVID-19 bronchitis,' which could take a while to shift.  I am still bringing up mucus, just not the thick substance I was earlier.

One of the biggest ailments, for want of a better word, I am left with, is fatigue and tiredness, as well as constant dizzy spells that just will not go away. I have never been someone who sleeps particularly well, waking up numerous times during the night, but since COVID, my sleep is far worse. I am tired every day and often feel nauseous and disorientated. My joints ache far more than usual, making it difficult to carry out tasks I would usually find easy. These are not life limiting manifestations, but they do make my activities a lot harder than they already were.

There is very little I can do about the niggling post COVID symptoms I am suffering from, but they are a reminder of how bad things could have been. After explaining my brush with Coronavirus with my Doctor, he told me, how I had got off lightly. For me, this virus went straight to my chest, but luckily no further. Had I not had the vaccinations, I may well have been in trouble, COVID could have moved further and deeper into the lungs, causing extensive damage and my outcome could have been very different.

I didn't suffer from classic Coronavirus symptoms; I had no temperature, could breathe absolutely fine and experienced only mild traits. Other people were not so lucky and are racked with lasting pain. In many respects I am glad I have had the disease, as I now have many more antibodies than before. I would hope not to get it again, but there are no guarantees. None of us really know where this virus will go, and it is likely many more variants will be discovered over the following months. I am still trying to take greater care around people and will always wear a mask in public places to differing degrees, but for me, it's time to move on, and live life once again. Coronavirus will be with us for a long-time yet and as it becomes endemic within our boarders, all of us will have to learn to live alongside it. The only thing to fear, is fear itself; COVID isn't the killer it used to be!

It has been a little over four years since Darrell was granted his Spanish residency in December 2017, and my God, a lot has happened since. In 2017, we were very much looking forward to our new life in Gran Alacant, enjoying living on the continent and the Spanish way of life. Today in 2022, we are firmly but in many respects reluctantly committed to settling in Britain; not what we planned, but at least we are together.

Today, Darrell received his UK settlement status for a second time, after what has been the most turbulent five years in our life. Darrell was originally given 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' in 2001, but after changes to immigration law, the introduction of a new biometrics card and dramatic changes to our circumstances, he was forced to reapply for the same status yet again. Living outside Australia for nearly two years, caring for Mum, only complicated our situation further. When one adds Brexit and a Worldwide pandemic into the mix, you can see, just how precarious our situation was.

Since his return to the UK in September, we have both been living under a cloud, not knowing if he would be allowed to live here permanently or not. However, after consulting a solicitor at great expense, we were able to establish a legal basis for settlement, and he was finally given back his right of abode. It has been a long, difficult journey getting here; despite our current situation, we are both determined to make the most of our life together and forge a future at least in part based in the UK.

Being around family has been amazing over the last four years, especially whilst living through a pandemic, it has given us both a reason to stay in this part of the World. We have grown close to our cousins and family in a way we haven't before and for that reason, I couldn't be happier. There is nevertheless a profound sense of disappointment that we couldn't continue our journey in Spain, and I will forever wonder what could have been. Despite the sadness we feel, we are both well aware of just how much the World has changed over the last two years in particular, and believe our life in Spain would have been cut short in any eventuality.

Today we both have the luxury of planning for yet another new future, whether on the south coast, or further afield in Lancashire, an area we know well. Neither of us know where life will take us from now, but we are determined to make the most of the opportunities we have and hope the next five years will be a little easier than the last!