The period of recovery and realignment following the Covid-19 Pandemic is a challenging situation for all.

Jeanette and Ken have had all of the vaccines required and are due to have the 4th vaccine in June 2022 which is a second booster.

Our restrictions and bans are almost all lifted. But the situation re the daily cases in our home city is something like 10,000-12,000 and hospitalisation are somewhere near 400-500 and icu numbers are in the 20-40’s.

Shopping restrictions are almost all gone and the wearing of masks remains voluntary and not arbitrary.

We have been holidaying in Queensland - Gold Coast for the period 3rd - 27th May 2022. We know the area and the environment. We could fly without tests but were required to wear masks for the trip duration.

In Queensland the whole process appears much more relaxed than in our home State of Victoria and in particular Melbourne.

Overseas travel is resuming with the issue of testing still mandatory on departure and arrivals using PCR or RAT varieties.

We intend to go to UAE and then Europe in August/ September.

This is our first trip away from home for any time. We have stayed in Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. It has been an enjoyable 3-4 weeks although the weather has been almost continuously wet with heavy rainfall and squalls.

In the Gold coastcRegion there have been 22 weekends for the first part of 2022 and of that number, 19 have been wet and usually heavy rainfall.

We have been regular visitors to this part of Australia and have never experienced anything other than near-perfect days with clear skies and temperatures in the range of 23-27 degrees Celsius. On this visit, we have had most days slightly cooler in the range of 21-24 degrees Celsius but the regular rainfall has been a significant challenge.

We have reestablished our desire to travel and the importance of travel in our overall lifestyle. The Timeshares we have used have been fine and of good quality.

But our life is different we are more cautious and we are more sympathetic to the health and ongoing concerns as to Covid and related illness.

Similarly, we are conscious that our health and ages remain essential ingredients in considering and developing our travel plans and priorities.

We are blessed in so many ways and in having each other in good health.