Well - two very similar announcements from President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Boris Johnson:-
In South Africa, we have a 21 day lockdown from midnight on 26th with only essential services and a list of basic activities allowed; while in the UK it's an immediate 3 week lockdown with very similar restrictions.
Having thought about the consequences, and the risk of being stuck here for a lot longer, we decided that we should try to get back to Edinburgh if possible.
Unfortunately, there were no seats available before the lockdown starts here but we managed to get booked on a BA flight to Edinburgh via Heathrow on Saturday 28th. Bit of a comedy of errors as we tried to book the flights when both Bank of Scotland and Lloyds refused to authorise the payment despite clearing all the security checks. Not sure what caused the problem but thankfully the third attempt - M&S of course - went through without further problems.
Currently trying to get confirmation that the flight will actually go and that we will be allowed to make the journey to the airport. For the first time in my entire travelling life, I have been in touch with a British Consular officer to deal with a travel issue. Like BA, they are all waiting for clarification from the SA Government but hope that we'll have an answer soon and be able to get home on Sunday.
Meanwhile, we have sunshine and 31C here this afternoon and an hour or so at the poolside made everything feel better. Even managed to find the Kindle that Linda had left behind last Friday - thanks to Kusta, the pool attendant. Think Kusta had the biggest smile when he saw his reward even though Linda was happy to get the kindle back, and I avoided the cost of ordering a replacement.
So for the time being, we'll be heading to the airport on Saturday - unless something changes.
Keep safe and well.
In South Africa, we have a 21 day lockdown from midnight on 26th with only essential services and a list of basic activities allowed; while in the UK it's an immediate 3 week lockdown with very similar restrictions.
Having thought about the consequences, and the risk of being stuck here for a lot longer, we decided that we should try to get back to Edinburgh if possible.
Unfortunately, there were no seats available before the lockdown starts here but we managed to get booked on a BA flight to Edinburgh via Heathrow on Saturday 28th. Bit of a comedy of errors as we tried to book the flights when both Bank of Scotland and Lloyds refused to authorise the payment despite clearing all the security checks. Not sure what caused the problem but thankfully the third attempt - M&S of course - went through without further problems.
Currently trying to get confirmation that the flight will actually go and that we will be allowed to make the journey to the airport. For the first time in my entire travelling life, I have been in touch with a British Consular officer to deal with a travel issue. Like BA, they are all waiting for clarification from the SA Government but hope that we'll have an answer soon and be able to get home on Sunday.
Meanwhile, we have sunshine and 31C here this afternoon and an hour or so at the poolside made everything feel better. Even managed to find the Kindle that Linda had left behind last Friday - thanks to Kusta, the pool attendant. Think Kusta had the biggest smile when he saw his reward even though Linda was happy to get the kindle back, and I avoided the cost of ordering a replacement.
So for the time being, we'll be heading to the airport on Saturday - unless something changes.
Keep safe and well.
Fingers crossed that they will allow you to come home.
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