Azamara Cruisers - How are things where YOU are

[aussie travel bird]

Life as we know it in Australia has changed, it's true you really never appreciate it until it's changed or gone.  Our situation here is changing daily but unlike our bush fire debacles our Prime Minister and Federal Government seems to be doing a reasonable job.  It's all a very depressing 'landscape though' and an unknown future for many. We are expecting our unemployment rate to rise to 30% I can only imagine those sort of figures in Italy, France, Spain, USA and the UK. 

 

I have been heartened by the fact that Captain Carl, (plus officers, staff and crew) are looking after a group of my friends  so well on the Pursuit. Now transiting Panama Canal. I also thank Carl and the Pursuit Team for my husband's personal birthday wishes for his 60th on Tuesday 24th (spent in a fashion that we could never have imagined nor anticipated).  Truly our 'Azamara Circle' and family. We can't wait to be back.

 

I fully understand we can't talk social media here but, in an attempt to control the amount of depression I'm feeling, a certain platform has a page called 'The Kindness Pandemic' which has taken off and has 410,051 members since March 14.  It has uplifting stories of human kindness in the face of this pandemic, the sort I like to think will be a positive legacy of this situation. It's Australian, but they have just this minute announced that the initiative is going global.  

 

If you're interested in it, can't find it, come and leave your email address here and I'll send you the details.  It's been my saviour in these darkest of times!

 

And brighter news, Bindi Urwin and Chandler McLeod got married (observing social distancing rules) yesterday at Australia Zoo. There were no guests, but of course lots of animals in attendance. 

 

I wish all of you the best during this difficult and unusual time.  Jenny 

 

 

[Grandma Cruising]

Thanks Jenny for giving us some good news. It’s great to hear about tales of kindness in these depressing times. The same sort of thing is happening here. For example the government asked for volunteers to do things like collect and deliver medications to vulnerable people, drive people to medical appointments, make telephone calls to vulnerable people living on their own etc. They hoped eventually to get 250,000 but over 400,000 volunteered in about 12 hours and it’s now over 500,000.
 

We know some people on the Pursuit and they certainly do seem to be looked after very well.

 

On a personal note our son-in-law seems to be starting to improve. He managed to get up and sit outside in the sun for a little while yesterday. He’s still having bad coughing fits which leave him utterly exhausted, but is managing to eat a little.
 

Look after yourselves everybody!

 

[Ithikan]

Thank you for starting this thread, HGC, and all good thoughts to your SIL and family.  I hope his time in the sun lifts his health.

Our island of Kauai is on Stay Home Stay Healthy

Edited March 26, 2020 by Host Grandma Cruising

[Ithikan]

Sorry, my arthritic little finger hit "enter" before I'd finished...  I'd intended to add:  Residents of Kauai have been tasked with  voluntary Stay at Home.  Visitors and residents who arrive are to quarantine for 14 days, no exceptions, which will include residents who must fly to Oahu for necessary medical treatments.  Our mayor has provided exceptions for some activities, one of which is surfing and I confess I have been to the beach each day this week to do just that.  Not rest on the sand, not walk in isolation looking for sea glass but straight into the waves and then out again.  Normally I visit 2 farmers markets each week - now, a CSA has started up and today I'll go to a nearby parking lot to fetch my weekly allotment.  And, I am so very grateful to the farmers and volunteers who've made this possible!

Our "Spring Break Kauai!" island now observes a strict 9PM to 5AM curfew, and, most sadly, the Aloha spirit has gone missing.  Yesterday a young man walked up to me and coughed repeatedly as I was unlocking my bicycle.  Many here are angry, and afraid.

With much sadness, I have cancelled our Feb. 2021 cruise with Azamara to New Zealand.

I will follow others' cruises with great interest, and plan to enjoy Azamara vicariously via CC.

Good Health to All.

 

Teri

[PirateWife]

In Oregon our schools closed two weeks ago and will be closed for 6 weeks.  The governor tried unsuccessfully to get people to stay home but our small beach communities were inundated with people from inland this last weekend.  Not only did they gather in large groups and leaves mounds of trash behind but they also did property damage to our public restrooms.  Now access to the beach has been restricted, all state parks closed, hotels closed, and most businesses.  Even if you live here, you can't go on the beach.  Our grocery stores are still open but harder to get restocked since everything has to come from warehouses 80 miles away.

[BBMacLaird]

6 minutes ago, PirateWife said:

In Oregon our schools closed two weeks ago and will be closed for 6 weeks.  The governor tried unsuccessfully to get people to stay home but our small beach communities were inundated with people from inland this last weekend.  Not only did they gather in large groups and leaves mounds of trash behind but they also did property damage to our public restrooms.  Now access to the beach has been restricted, all state parks closed, hotels closed, and most businesses.  Even if you live here, you can't go on the beach.  Our grocery stores are still open but harder to get restocked since everything has to come from warehouses 80 miles away.

We had the same happen in Northern California so our governor has ordered all state beaches and parks closed. It is an unfortunate situation. In my little 'bubble' I hadn't heard about Oregon beaches. I'm sorry your beaches are closed, as I'm sorry our beaches are closed. Seems there could be a system to allow XXX number of visitors per day instead of zero visitors?

Stay safe PirateWife!

Bonnie

[PirateWife]

Bonnie--our local city governments are closing access to the beach.  The beaches are owned by the state but the access points are owned by the cities and counties.

[Grandma Cruising]

We’ve been told we shouldn’t go out in our cars to get exercise in the countryside. We’re supposed to exercise from home. That’s a bit worrying for us as we’re far more likely to encounter others walking in our village that we are where we’ve been going for our walks.

Last night we had a national “applaud the NHS & health workers” event. Everyone came to their front doors, balconies etc and applauded - many also banged pots and sounded car horns. It was quite moving to see most people in our street taking part and to hear the applause all around us.

[Werangels]

20 minutes ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

We’ve been told we shouldn’t go out in our cars to get exercise in the countryside. We’re supposed to exercise from home. That’s a bit worrying for us as we’re far more likely to encounter others walking in our village that we are where we’ve been going for our walks.

Last night we had a national “applaud the NHS & health workers” event. Everyone came to their front doors, balconies etc and applauded - many also banged pots and sounded car horns. It was quite moving to see most people in our street taking part and to hear the applause all around us.

it was a very proud and emotional moment.  Lots of cheers, clapping, whistling, etc in our village. Our neighbour is one of the local hospital consultants and I hope he and his family heard it.  
 

I am grappling with trying to get supermarket deliveries and the strain and stress of not getting what we need because the public have stripped the shelves.  Our shopping arrived last night but there were still quite a few items missing.  I am part of the ‘shield’ group and DH has taken unpaid leave to isolate with me.  It is a very frightening time.  
 

keep safe everyone.

[Mackdogmolly]

One of our daughters, who lives locally, and hasn’t been feeling well for weeks, was just tested. Here in Vermont it can take at least 7 days to get results. We haven’t been in close contact for a couple of weeks, so are probably ok, but very worried about her. I am finally working completely remotely at my Health Department job, including answering the help line through my computer. State schools are now closed for the rest of the school year. 
Hope everyone is safe and well.

Betsey

[Mrs.Dukes]

I Live in NY (Long Island, just outside of N.Y. City). Our area has been hid very hard, lots of cases. We have been staying in our house, as have most people. My husband is working from home. One of his co-workers does have the virus, but fortunately it has now been 2 weeks since he has seen them so looks like he has escaped this time. I have a good amount of food at home. I haven’t gone out to a food store in 2 weeks. I placed a delivery order, first date I could get is next week. I usually take care of my grandkids while my daughter works, but she has been working from home now so I haven’t seen them since last Thursday, and I miss them (and they miss me), but their health is of paramount importance. My other sons and their families live in Virginia, so we won’t be able to see them for awhile. 😕 My niece is a first year medical resident, who now is working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wishing everyone good health. HGC, I hope your son-in-law continues to feel better. Be well!

[Grandma Cruising]

Betsey, I do hope your daughter is OK.

Thank you for your good wishes for my son-in-law Mrs Dukes. I know what you mean about grandchildren, I really miss seeing mine too.

[Mackdogmolly]

3 hours ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

Betsey, I do hope your daughter is OK.

Thank you for your good wishes for my son-in-law Mrs Dukes. I know what you mean about grandchildren, I really miss seeing mine too.

Thanks Denise. Glad your SIL is feeling a bit better. We miss our grandchildren terribly. Thanks for your good thoughts for our daughter. Terrible times.

Betsey 

 

 

 

[Foggyzx9r]

On 3/27/2020 at 7:37 AM, Host Grandma Cruising said:

We’ve been told we shouldn’t go out in our cars to get exercise in the countryside. We’re supposed to exercise from home. That’s a bit worrying for us as we’re far more likely to encounter others walking in our village that we are where we’ve been going for our walks.

Last night we had a national “applaud the NHS & health workers” event. Everyone came to their front doors, balconies etc and applauded - many also banged pots and sounded car horns. It was quite moving to see most people in our street taking part and to hear the applause all around us.

Hi HGC

 

we are just “down the road” from you in Sheffield.

 

Whilst it would be great to be able to travel to the countryside, it makes sense as one would be more isolated. Unfortunately  the great British public had similar thoughts and we ended up with crowded areas in the beauty spots. 
 

My DW is an ICU nurse at the Sheffield hospitals. They are fortunate that the Trust took immediate action when rumours of pandemic started and ordered sufficient PPE in. The wards are a different matter as they only have basics.

 

So I take her to work and pick her up again as a break from the house and a once a week shop.

 

Shopping, now the idiots have settled down from panic buying, has been okay here. Shelves generally well stocked.

 

We have a cruise booked for Jan 2021 albeit not with Azamara unfortunately but have been with them twice so thought I would have a look to see how people are.

 

Stay safe wherever you may be.

[Mackdogmolly]

Our daughter  has tested positive, and grappling with feelings of guilt over who she might have infected before she was aware. So far, our grandsons are fine. We will drop off supplies and a meal (with treats) to leave outside their door later today. Stay well everyone.

Betsey

[Grandma Cruising]

Foggyzx9r thanks for posting. It’s interesting to hear how things are with you - isn’t Sheffield a bit of a COVID-19 hotspot? Glad that your hospital trust had some foresight and got PPE for those on ICU. Hope you both continue to stay well and say thanks to your DW for her service to those who are ill.

[Grandma Cruising]

8 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Our daughter  has tested positive, and grappling with feelings of guilt over who she might have infected before she was aware. So far, our grandsons are fine. We will drop off supplies and a meal (with treats) to leave outside their door later today. Stay well everyone.

Betsey

So sorry to hear that Betsey.  She shouldn’t feel guilty, we might all of us be in that position at some time. I hope she only has a mild case and recovers soon.

[Foggyzx9r]

2 minutes ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

Foggyzx9r thanks for posting. It’s interesting to hear how things are with you - isn’t Sheffield a bit of a COVID-19 hotspot? Glad that your hospital trust had some foresight and got PPE for those on ICU. Hope you both continue to stay well and say thanks to your DW for her service to those who are ill.

Indeed it is according to the local paper. 2 suspected were in Hallamshire ICU Monday, Northern General 0.

DW now saying 6 at the Royal Hallamshire, 4 at the Northern General by yesterday in ICU.

Funny I was just chatting with my mother in law and pointed out my DW is probably safer at work than when we go out for a walk as she has the correct protection.

 

Stay safe.

 

[Foggyzx9r]

20 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Our daughter  has tested positive, and grappling with feelings of guilt over who she might have infected before she was aware. So far, our grandsons are fine. We will drop off supplies and a meal (with treats) to leave outside their door later today. Stay well everyone.

Betsey

So sorry to hear about your daughter.

One thing we have to accept is that for many you may not show any symptoms at all and therefore not even aware you are potentially passing on the virus. Easy said though and guilt occurs irrespective.

 

The very best to your family and be safe.

[Mrs.Dukes]

2 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Our daughter  has tested positive, and grappling with feelings of guilt over who she might have infected before she was aware. So far, our grandsons are fine. We will drop off supplies and a meal (with treats) to leave outside their door later today. Stay well everyone.

Betsey

So sorry about your daughter. Hoping she recovers quickly, and your grandsons stay well. 

[Werangels]

2 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Our daughter  has tested positive, and grappling with feelings of guilt over who she might have infected before she was aware. So far, our grandsons are fine. We will drop off supplies and a meal (with treats) to leave outside their door later today. Stay well everyone.

Betsey

So sorry to hear that.  I hope she recovers well and no one else has any real issues.  Take care.

[Werangels]

There are some benefits to being on the ‘vulnerable’ list in the UK and being confined for 12 weeks.  
 

This morning, I’ve had two young hunky fireman on my doorstep seeing if I’ve got everything I need 😁.  It really brightened my day 😁.  

 

I just wish I’d had my teeth in 😬🤣🤣(joke)!! 

[Mackdogmolly]

1 hour ago, Werangels said:

There are some benefits to being on the ‘vulnerable’ list in the UK and being confined for 12 weeks.  
 

This morning, I’ve had two young hunky fireman on my doorstep seeing if I’ve got everything I need 😁.  It really brightened my day 😁.  

 

I just wish I’d had my teeth in 😬🤣🤣(joke)!! 

Thanks for the laugh! 😀

[blag]

Here in Italy, things are scary.

 

We live in a small, fairly isolated community in Le Marche, near the Adriatic Coast. Our Province (Ascoli Piceno) has few cases, but our town has suffered one death and there are 4 persons who have tested positive in the last few days.

 

I haven't left the house in nearly a month, and it now seems strange to think of people socialising Yesterday we had a major internet outage. Amazing how isolated we then felt, despite our self-incarceration!!

 

Let's pray that people behave sensibly, listen to the advice, obey the rules and STAY SAFE!!

 

W3e have a cruise booked in July, but that may be in jeopardy.

[Werangels]

2 hours ago, blag said:

Here in Italy, things are scary.

 

We live in a small, fairly isolated community in Le Marche, near the Adriatic Coast. Our Province (Ascoli Piceno) has few cases, but our town has suffered one death and there are 4 persons who have tested positive in the last few days.

 

I haven't left the house in nearly a month, and it now seems strange to think of people socialising Yesterday we had a major internet outage. Amazing how isolated we then felt, despite our self-incarceration!!

 

Let's pray that people behave sensibly, listen to the advice, obey the rules and STAY SAFE!!

 

W3e have a cruise booked in July, but that may be in jeopardy.

Stay safe and take care.