So, lockdown is unlocking, in some areas at least and re-locking in others. Belgium has put Leicester on its red list which means that its citizens are advised not to travel there. If they do happen to return from there they will need to quarantine for two weeks. This is not the only city on the list and it joins others in Spain and Portugal. Airlines have also been relaxing travel restrictions with people flying around the world once again. The Indonesian airline Garuda like many other companies had obliged their staff to wear masks. However it seems that customers didn’t like to see their flight attendants with their faces covered and so from now on they will not be used (the masks that is, not the flight attendants). It seems the customers like to see a smile when they’re served their drinks and dodgy airline food.
Republican voters have taken out an advert on Fox News stating why they will not be voting in favour of the Trump getting re-elected. The reasons were varied: being ashamed of ever having voted for him having now seen the results, the fact that he continuously lies, his handling of the pandemic and a few more. We will have to wait and see.
In Spain a British man has fallen to his death from a 7th floor balcony and sadly killed a local man who was sitting on the terrace below. The tragedy took place at 1.45 am in the Hotel Melia Don Pepe in Marbella which is one of the best hotels along that coast. I’ve never stayed there but have driven past it on several occasions. The tourist was around 50 years old and holidaying with his family, it’s not clear if he fell or jumped. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for those people enjoying a quiet drink below.
Back to the US, in a New Jersey restaurant a diner and regular customer left a $1,000 tip after spending just $43 on breakfast. The staff couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it and were moved to tears when they read the accompanying note. The restaurant is called the Starving Artist and thanks to the coronavirus closure it seems they were close to just that, starving or at least closing down permanently. The customer wanted to show his appreciation for their good food, warm smiles and great atmosphere. The owner split the tip between the seven members of staff, not including himself. Let’s hope they find a way to stay open.
In London swimmers have returned to Hampstead Heath ponds for a sixty minute swim. They said it was a wonderful privilege and the few people who managed to get tickets for the first trial run were delighted to be back in the water. They had to swim in one direction only and keep to social distancing. I must admit that swimming around in a murky pond in a park wondering what might be in there with me is not my idea of privilege. Good night everyone.