To be honest, I was in two minds, whether to even write a review this year, but, this has been a particularly important milestone in my life, so it is necessary to include it. Generally one could sum up 2020 in one word 'COVID,' the one thing that has dominated all our lives and the one thing that just keeps on giving. This has been a memorable year for sure, but for all the wrong reasons and this isn't a period I want to repeat in the future. 2020 has been like a large dark cloud hovering over my head for nearly twelve months, rather like periods of depression I have suffered in the past, and it is a reminder of everything I have lost, in fact everything we have all lost. This was the year none of us want to remember and a time we all want to forget!

The last time I saw Darrell was in November 2019, when he returned home to be with his Mother, after a short stay in the UK. By January 2020, we were planning our next trip to see one another in Japan and Thailand. In February our flights were booked, itinerary finalised, and we were ready for our next holiday in Asia. At the beginning of the year, COVID-19 was a problem on the other side of the World and by the time we were due to meet, it would have disappeared. Little could I have known then, just what position I would be in today. I was optimistic about the future all those months ago and looking forward to seeing my husband once again, however dreams can shatter as quickly as they appear and circumstances destroy 'best laid plans of mice and men.'

This first quarter of the year was a far cry from the World we live in today. Things were relatively normal and like Darrell, I was in good spirits. This was short-lived; the pandemic took hold in Europe and then Britain; the tide began to change. As a country, we kept our boarders open, while Darrell's home country of Australia closed theirs. Death rates began to rise dramatically, and I felt myself falling into a situation I couldn't resolve. By the time of the first lockdown, I was feeling worn out and tired, as new social distancing measures were brought in. My working life changed markedly and the air was thick with anxiety, as all of us fought our own battles to overcome the 'new normal' we were all living through.

At the end of March, I suddenly lost my sense of taste and smell, along with several other colleagues. At the time this wasn't a recognised symptom of Coronavirus and although I knew there was something up, I carried on, very much in the same vein as I had before. Always obsessive, like I am today, I sanitized my hands every few minutes and kept as wider distance from others as I could. This virus was scaring the hell out of me; the more days that passed, the more we found out about this infection and the more apprehensive I became. Daily press conferences, twenty-four hour rolling news and scenes of sheer panic in hospitals, reinforced the nations respect for the National Health Service, as we clapped for carers every Thursday night. These were strange, unnerving and daunting days.

At the beginning of April, as I awoke one morning, after a sleepless night, I felt my temperature rising and my breathing more laboured. I immediately phoned 111 and described my symptoms. They were not classic COVID symptoms as we know them today, but they were enough for me to have to self-isolate for a week. After just a few days I felt well and able to return to work after my stretch of quarantine. People ask me today, if they think I had the virus, to which I reply 'yes, I think so.' You have to remember there were no tests available at the time and a loss of taste and smell wasn't recognised as a symptom like it is today. If I had to hazard a guess as to my condition, I would say it was virus related, but I am cautious. As someone who has many of the 'red flags' for a far worse reaction to COVID, I would have expected a more severe manifestation; that makes me unsure as to the reasons behind my anosmia; only time will tell.

I spent the summer walking across the city of Portsmouth; with time on my hands I was able to explore this great naval city I now call home. I decided to cut my hours at work and only go in when absolutely required to do so, protecting myself at every juncture. This allowed me time to myself and although I felt terribly lonely on occasion, I was grateful for the chance to do things I wouldn't normally have done. The three-month national lockdown improved my level of fitness, but left my mental state in tatters. Isolated, with very little human contact, I did my best to get through the difficulties, as I still do today.

The rest of the year, after lockdown has been much the same - in and out of quarantine, pubs reopening and closing, stopping and starting work, 'Eat Out To Help Out,' (which probably made the virus worse) and mistake after mistake from the powers that be. I have really lost all sense of reality over the last few months, unable to understand just what rules we have to follow, how many people we can have in our 'bubble,' or what all the different tier restrictions mean. After, what I can only describe as the 'continuing Government fiasco,' I have learnt to do what I think is best and always follow my own instincts. I have started to ignore the official wishy-washy approach to this virus and do all I can to look after number one. I always wear a mask, clean my hands and keep a two-meter distance from everyone else.

On the plus side, I have been able to meet my friend Ramona over the last three months, and we had begun to rekindle our thirty-year friendship. That was at least until we headed into a new lockdown of sorts and entered the new Tier 4. Equally, Darrell and I are speaking more than ever and are beginning to plan for the future, looking towards a brighter 2021.

As we approach the New Year, the UK has started to vaccinate us against this modern day plague, after the Pfizer vaccine was approved for use. It looks as though the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine will also be rubber-stamped within days and the mass inoculation programme will pick up pace. Like most people I am hoping to be immunized against COVID-19 sometime next year. However, until then, there will likely be more disruption, as like me today, people are asked to self-isolate from the outside World, if they come in contact with a COVID positive person, and Britain moves from curtailment to emancipation in equal measure.

There will be no travelling for me next year, rather like 2020. I want to be sure I am fit enough to fly, but I am looking forward to a time, when I can get on a plane again and travel back to the Asian continent, a region I adore. Until that is possible, Darrell will hopefully fly home next year, and we can both begin the long hard slog back to normal, away from the threat of the virus. Cohabiting together once more after this strange pause in all our lives has been restarted, our partnership will return to convention and all of this will be but a distant memory. 2021, the year of the vaccine will mark the beginning of the end of COVID-19 and a climax to this dystopian World all of us now inhabit.

Kuala Lumpur 1997

Kuala Lumpur 2001

Instead of travelling to Japan and Thailand as planned this year, I have spent nearly two weeks in near lockdown at home. Remembering my time in Asia in 2019 and preparing for our eventual trip back to the region, hopefully in 2021, although I wouldn't hold your breath, has been the perfect tonic to cheer me up and give me something to look forward to. I have been scrolling through videos online, viewing travel documentaries and working out a new plan of action. Above is a video from 'Suitcase Monkey,' a travel vlogger, whose videos caught my attention on youtube. If you are thinking of flying to Asia in the future, look out for these wonderfully comprehensive alternative travel guides; they have certainly kept me entertained during the past few days.

My time in Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea and Cambodia last year, was the holiday of a lifetime, that I will never forget.  Starting off in Communist Vietnam, not a place I would have visited normally, I was taken aback by this wondrous country and hospitable people. Our time here was made more memorable, because of the generous nature of all those who looked after us, during the few short days we were there and of course the culture that delighted us so much.

Despite its Communist credentials, tradition and religion sit happily side by side. We visited various Buddhist temples, which were well looked after and preserved for future generations to enjoy and experience. There were also many western influences in this breathtaking part of the World, as one would expect. There were Americans who had settled after the Vietnam War, as well as many other nationalities, who are welcomed by this particularly progressive Vietnamese regime.

I felt relaxed and safe in Hanoi, unlike many large cities I have visited over the years. Navigating the streets was relatively easy in the centre and everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. The architecture was utilitarian in part but traditional Asian influences were everywhere. This is most definitely a destination I want to visit again; spending time exploring and travelling to other more remote areas would be something to aspire to on any future vacation. Our short taster trip opened many doors to this fascinating place, and I was left wanting more!

Hong Kong was very different to anywhere I have ever been. The small ex British colony on the tip of China is somewhere I have wanted to go for a long time. I had high expectations of this city and in many respects I wasn't disappointed.

The towering skyscrapers, growing taller around every corner, were majestic in nature. I had never seen buildings so tall and I don't mind telling you, just how much it pulled at my anxiety. The urban street life was absolutely out of the World and I have never been so in awe of a place in my life.

However, this isn't somewhere I want to visit again. I have been to many Asian cities in my life and this was really much the same as any other. There was a rather gritty feel to its nature nevertheless; staying in Kowloon, allowed us to get down and dirty, experiencing the way real residents live. This was the part of Hong Kong where people lived, in small, tiny apartments, surrounded by blocks and blocks of flats and that made the stay special.

Hong Kong has sparked my interest in visiting China. The people we met in the bars around our hotel, were approachable and full of stories, about this busy metropolis in the South China Sea and their friendliness and warmth made our stay memorable.  The character of all cities are only as good as the personalities who live there and real, down to Earth folk make for a better stay. If I was returning to Hong Kong in the future, I would most certainly stay in Kowloon again.

South Korea was a Country I fell completely in love with. From the moment we arrived in Seoul, I was bowled over by its modernity and tradition coexisting together. The contrast between the two married in a perfect union could be seen flawlessly in the capital city. Modern superstructures towering above traditional Korean homes and villages; Perfectly manicured gardens, the gentle sound of water flowing over rocks, bird song in the branches of trees, shading commuters and tourists franticly running for a connecting train. The divergence of two cultures so distinct, yet so felicitous in their goals

The modern city of Seoul was beyond imagination. The clean, contemporary apartment we rented near the centre felt like a home from home and the inviting enthusiastic nature of the Koreans we met was infectious. Yes we looked lost at times, but without a second thought, we were approached by local residents who were all to willing to help us find our way around. These are people who are proud of their country and want tourists to have the best of experiences when they arrive. Like all parts of Asia the gracious nature of those who live and work in this continent of contrasts, is clear to see, an epitaph to their generosity of spirit and pragmatic outlook on life.

I will most certainly return to Seoul one day; in fact as I said to Darrell at the time of our visit, this would be a place I could quite easily live. With our future direction uncertain, this could well be on the list; what ever happens, I am glad we chose to spend the longest part of our journey in this vibrant location. The memories I have here, I will always hold dear!

Our final destination was Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This is another Country I had never thought of visiting before. I had seen programmes on the famous Angkor Wat before and wanted to visit it at some point, but it wasn't on my bucket list of places I really wanted to see, for the life of me, I don't know why; this last leg of our trip was spectacular.

From the hotel and restaurants, Pub Street and Angkor Wat, the lotus and crocodile farm and amazing culture, Cambodia did not disappoint.

As a 'good old days' buff, I was amazed  by the living history that surrounded me. Of course Angkor Wat was the most memorable site I visited during my stay, during the whole of the holiday, this place is a true wonder of the World, but there were many more poignant stops at religious shrines, Buddhist retreats and the more sombre killing fields. There is so much antiquity to admire, you literally don't know where to begin.

The streets of Siem Reap were rather like Vietnam, third World in complexion, but that just made the experience even more thrilling. Vendors selling spiders and snakes for unsuspecting tourists to eat, with a one dollar pint of beer and less than salubrious market stalls with a vibe unmatched anywhere else. There were people from all walks of life, from different corners of the Earth, mingling together enjoying the sights, tastes and smells of this unforgettable, remarkable, striking community on the edge of Asia. At times, it did feel rather lawless and bewildering, walking through the narrow ancient streets; I certainly kept my handbag close to my chest, but within a short space of time, I felt comfortable and composed, once again yearning to return at some point in the future!

Remembering the good times, will certainly get us through the bad and recalling a holiday last year, when I was able to see Darrell and spend quality time travelling through Asia was amazing. It isn't until you are unable to do the things you normally do, that you realise just how important they are. Travelling is a big part of mine and Darrell's life, so it is a double blow that we can no long see the one country we have always dreamed of, as well as one another of course. Until we see each other again, we do have the memories of very special time in both our lives!

It was an early start for my Aunt and I in Hanoi and a trip to the hotel restaurant, with views looking over the city. The vast amount of food for breakfast  was impressive and it was hard choosing exactly what to eat. Like my Aunt I chose an English breakfast, with eggs cooked to order and it wasn't at all bad, I thoroughly enjoyed the Light Hotels offering, it certainly set me up for the day!

On our first full day in Hanoi Aunty T and I were out and about for most of the day. The 1st of May is a public holiday in Vietnam, like nearly everywhere else in the World. In true British Bank Holiday form, the sky was grey and cloudy with a distinct chill in the air. We left the hotel early at just gone 9am and headed down towards Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the city centre.

The roads surrounding the lake, on every side were cordoned off, people were strolling along the large open boulevards, chatting, holding hands and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. With fantastic views across Honoi's historic centre, the day began gently, calmly, as we explored this beautiful part of the city. On one side of Hoàn Kiếm, large imposing Government buildings dominated the skyline, directly opposite the beginning of construction for the new 'Four Seasons Hotel' and further on down the road, grand opulent properties left over from Vietnam's colonial past; a bygone era.

My Aunt and I were heading towards Ngoc Son Temple, just across the Huc Bridge, a beautiful 18th century building honouring the 13th century military leader Tran Hung. Jostling with the locals, who were out in force, we made our way over the bridge, greeted by stunning Vietnamese architecture, like I had never seen before. Vast rooms, richly decorated in gold, statues of buddah, iconography adorning the walls, the smell of incense and 360 degree panoramic views across the lake. The red Vietmanese flag, with a golden star in the centre fluttered peacefully in the slight morning breeze, as people looked in awe at the spectacle of oriental history on display.

Inside the Ngoc Son Temple people were laying offerings of food on the altar directly in the centre of this vast open space. A Buddhist monk was chanting in Vietnamese, what I can only imagine to be prayers of some sort, though I can't be sure. As I walked around the room, I noticed more and more art work, beautiful artifacts and cats lounging lazily in doorways or corners, sheltering from the outside. Inscriptions of dedication, silk coverings and ancient books neatly on show for visitors to browse and ponder about the history that made up this delightful, atmospheric structure, a homage to Vietnam's past!

The red flag waved to us as we bid a fond farewell to the temple, situated in the middle of this modern metropolis. I was struck by the number of people out and about on the national holiday, some much needed family time in this busy part of the capital. Everyone looked happy, kids enjoying a go kart race outside a row of restaurants and singing from school children opposite the school they would otherwise be seated. This was the peoples day in Communist Vietnam, not dissimilar to Labour day in other parts of the World.

Our next destination was another temple a short distance away, equally as enchanting, set back from the road between two unassuming office blocks. A local lady approached my Aunt and asked if I would take a photo for her, which I duly did. In return she offered to do the same; I don't mind telling you how reluctant I was to hand over my phone, in case she did a runner with it; not very trusting I know, but you can never be too sure these days. After a brief few moments of hesitation, I gave her my camera and  she took our picture enthusiastically. Believing we were a couple, she asked us to stand in a rather awkward way, that only couples would normally do. We obliged, not wanted to offend her and she was delighted with her work. Handing the phone back she waved goodbye, as Aunty T and I laughed and joked about what had just happened!

After a long 20300 step walk, we arrived at our next destination, Hao Lo Prison, a rather macabre venue, where we learned about acts of barbarism committed against the Vietnamese people. Walking through dark, damp, cramped cells, we realised the horror of this countries past. The tiny prison cells made me feel down and depressed, philosophical and quite upset. I spent time sat on a bench reflecting on mans inhumanity to man. You think we have moved forwards in life as a species, but nothing really changes, wars and conflicts continue.

I wouldn't have chosen to go here normally, but am glad my Aunt made me. As human beings, we should all have a connection to past events, bad or not, to learn and grow and understand circumstances that shaped our World.

After a brief trip to the Catholic Cathedral and getting lost on the way back, we finally made it to the hotel, where we both collapsed. While my Aunt went for a further evening walk, I decided to relax for the rest of the day until we both went out for dinner in the evening - Fine dining at its best, overlooking the city skyline, chatting about our experiences so far!