So Boris has spoken and it looks as though we may be lucky enough to have some sort of normal life this year. People have asked what would you do when lockdown is lifted? There were many responses and the vast majority wanted to see their families and friends with another huge proportion of people wanting to travel and I’m with both of those, hug my family and my pals and as Chuck Berry would say, heading Down the Road A Piece.

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Maybe we will take the Eurotunnel through to France, stay overnight on the way down and then arrive in Mirepox to catch up with our pals. After a couple of days, drive along the coast road, down to Spain and stay there for a few weeks, swimming, eating and visiting all the lovely friends and places we haven’t seen for many many months.

Alternatively, turn left at Calais and head to Amsterdam to see Allan, Maite and their little boy Ander. Then on to Denmark to see our dear friends Henrik and Gitte. Back through Germany into Austria and the wonderful Spielmann family.

These are merely hopes of course, because we have no idea when Europe will be willing to accept travellers and indeed, when they will have had all their vaccinations.

Obviously, the UK is another choice. We have friends in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England, so maybe a tour, seeing family and friends could be good. The weather of course, is the bigger issue as we are not known for long hot summers in the UK whereas France and Spain have glorious weather.

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So on we go, planning ahead and making sure there is a cancellation policy for everything we book, but it’s a plan and something to hope for.

First thing we will do in France is have a lovely meal at the Chalet du Foret hotel in Vierzon, which is usually steak tartare for Ed and catch of the day for me (think he’s called Louis). Next day heading to Mirepoix where the first meal will be at the Commerce for their delicious fish soup and scallops to follow. Drinks on the square first with Pierre and a few other pals.

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On down to Empuria in Spain to the villa. Unpack and head to Tony’s bar for tapas and drinks. Over to the wonderful El Capitan restaurant for a meal of lobster ravioli and griddled squid.

Breakfast at Montserrat supermercado next day and a stroll along the beach before heading off to see our friends Grainne and Con, who have just had a lovely granddaughter. We will also catch up with Kelly and Marzouk who have a little daughter born during lockdown. Kelly’s mum Vivienne runs Captains Cabin pub and we will be drinking a few of her famous Mojitos for sure.

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So that’s our dream and if all goes to plan, we’ll soon be seeing our pals and enjoying the sun, sea and shellfish – Hasta Luego Amigos!

PS just had several invites for dinner/drinks/lunches after the 21st June – the only problem is I have no diary to write them in! I have now put them into my electronic diary, which means I’ll have to buy a physical diary to remind me they’re in the electronic diary 😊