The Ups and Downs of Trying to Beat COVID-19

Since early October we've been champing at the bit to get back to chez nous. The time seemed to drag until the last few weeks and then it has flown by as our return date, 18 March got closer.

The plan was for me to fly out with Sally on Thursday, get the front door lock (with the snapped off key) sorted, and the fly back on Sunday; leaving Sally working on the place until I rejoined her, for a fortnight over Easter, a couple of week later.

Then Coronavirus started shutting down services and countries, left, right and centre.

Even before the flight was cancelled (happened last night) we had revised our plans. I had spoken to my boss who had very kindly agreed I could work from home, in France, for the two weeks I had intended to return home. So, now our intention was to drive down, cross using Euro-tunnel, and stay for a full month. I would do my day job during the day (for the first couple of weeks) and work on the house at night and at the weekends.

This not only saved me from a 1,300 mile round trip, it also meant that Sally and I wouldn't risk being separated should borders be closed - and we would be together should one of us succumb to the virus. Near perfect!

I was now even more excited.

Then, last night, 48-hours before we were to cross the channel, Monsieur Macron announced he was closing the French borders. I was gutted.

Then a ray of hope! This morning it appeared Euro-tunnel remained open and it appeared that it might be European (not French) borders being closed and, despite Brexit, we would still be able to cross into France. In fact, as I type (7pm, Tuesday night) Euro-tunnel passenger services are still running.

Alas. hopes were then dashed when it became clear we might be able to get to France but government restrictions would mean we could not then travel down to Uzerche; it appears getting to one's holiday-home is not one of (just four) justifiable reasons for travel in France for the next 30 days.

So, flights, chunnel, hotels, car parking, car hire and lock smith are all now cancelled and we're resigned to the fact that we will have to wait to get back 'home'. How long, who knows? Hopefully by June. May would be even better.

Stay safe and well, our French neighbours. 


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