The last few visits by friends and family to the Sandpit have usually been preceded my a marked increase in regional tensions. I am sure that this is just a coincidence but it does seem quite unfortunate that a slight question-mark has hung over whether or not my recent visitors would actually be able to travel.
Last time this happened, it coincided with the visit of E and my cousin K and his wife A earlier this year after Christmas. In the weeks leading up to their flight, I was inundated by enquiries as to whether it was safe to come out. Having lived here for over 16 years, a certain degree of geo-political uncertainty has always been present and for the most part, given absolutely no cause for alarm and this was the message that I conveyed.
As I will explore in later posts, this time my confident response to their enquiries was perhaps somewhat misplaced although in the event they had a very pleasant and successful visit, and had safely returned to UK by the time things kicked off in earnest out here in February - much to my (and certainly E’s) relief.
However, my son A’s imminent arrival for a holiday has also coincided with an escalation of rhetoric from the various warring parties. I am hoping that the results of the recent mid-term elections will have sent a sufficiently salutary message to the President that his escapades in the region have not been completely successful so I am keeping everything crossed that there he will be dissuaded from further action for the time being and that there will be no last minute hitches.
Meanwhile, in other news I have not only managed to keep up with publishing a post a day (recognising we are only 4 days in to the 30 day writing challenge) but also with undertaking 30 minutes of daily exercise although yesterday’s lunchtime walk around the Trade Centre certainly brought home to me how hot and humid it still is at Noon despite the recent cooling of the weather. My bike ride this morning in the (relative) cool of the morning was definitely the better option.
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