The seventysecond week of the pandemic

The main event of last week was the IMT World Congress that I attended remotely on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The main topic, apart from World Perspectives, was the one on The History of Philosophy. Alan had written a book on the History of Philosophy, which is coming out at the end of September, then the following year he is likely to write specifically about Marxist philosophy, of which he is a world authority. It was fascinating, as philosophy is not my forte. I like lectures during which I can learn things. It would be fantastic, if by next summer we could have a World School again that we can attend in person. I do miss them a lot, almost as much as I miss both my English and Canadian families.

 

Hamid leading off

Due to the audience at the Congress listening and watching from 5 continents, it started in the afternoon and went on until late at night in Europe. Unfortunately, there were some evenings when I couldn't stay up all the way to the end, and on Sunday, we were invited to lunch at the Mill by our Dutch friends, Heino and Manet, so I missed a bit then as well. No problems though, as everything was recorded and we can watch the bits we missed later.

 

Antonio making a few comments

The lunch at the Mill was tasty, but a bit uncomfortable. As all restrictions are now removed, there were lots of people milling round the buffet, which I didn't think too safe. Admittedly, we were outside, but under a roof and on our side there was a big piece of plastic stopping air circulation. It was OK, but I wouldn't like to do it too often.

The fishing lake at the end of my hike

I was busy sorting various problems for Heino this week, as this being their first longish visit, they had to sort out lots of problems. Our idea of recommending Pali as their new caretaker is working out splendidly. He has cut down a dead tree for them, helped in relation to some building works, organised their sewerage removal and is able to communicate somehow. This week Heino's car has been misbehaving, so I helped to find someone to sort it in Bercel and later for the oil change I recommended the local mechanic in Bér. Heino's last bill, from the electricity board, has also arrived, and he is now dealing with it.

The forestry logo

Yesterday, as the weather was quite nice and we fancied an outing, as well as we had to go to Bercel to order our fire wood for the winter, we spent about 6 hours away from home. Ordering the wood was an interesting experience, which I hope I will not have to go through ever again. The forestry, who sell the wood, obviously had not noticed that it is the 21st century nowadays. Memories of the worst days of Stalinism came to mind, suffering their procedures for the purchase of wood.

Straw bales awaiting collection

 

You first had to go to their office, which was almost impossible to find. Nobody knew the address, all explanations that we got as to the location of the office were complete nonsense, and I was just about to give up when a really nice bloke in a car, seeing my frustration, helped me out. The lady in the office listened to what I wanted and made out a paying in slip. That had to be taken to the Post Office, paid and returned. Then when I asked for delivery dates, the answer was: "no idea". This week? Oh, not likely! - she said. Then when, I asked. We only deliver on Fridays - she said. Due to our planned outings in August, we will not have a Friday until September, and even then only about 2.

As I got out of the forest

Thankfully, transport was not involved in the price, so they will have to ring in the morning before delivering, to check if we're in. That cheered me up, as if we are not in, we'll say on the phone, not today thank you, until we are. We have had deliveries in the past when they just dumped it, so we couldn't drive into our courtyard until we rustled up some strong blokes to shift it. Strong, or even weak blokes are thin on the ground nowadays, so I am glad that having to be paid for the transport will hopefully stop them delivering while we are not hat home.

The lookout tower

 

Following this unpleasant experience, came the fun bit of the day. I went and found two geocaches, which were not too far, although one of them I had to do in two bits, as it involved far too long a distance for my joints and heart. So I did the second half of that first, followed by one which was only about 2 and half miles to a lovely tall lookout tower.

Peek-a-boo

After a frustrating and annoying start to the day, I recommend anyone to go and have a hike in the forest. Quiet, peaceful, fresh air and relaxing. I loved it. Roy waited for me at the end of the hike, in one case sitting by a fishing lake, in the other actually coming with me all the way to the tower. It was really beautiful, even though the weather was  really hot againn by the time we finished.

Roy supporting the tower

The next stop was to one of our favourite little restaurants in the country, where  Roy had a gypsy roast and I had noodles with spicy vegetables. We sat outside, on our own for most of it, enjoyed the lovely breeze and the good food.

Roy and his beloved gypsy roast

Upon our return Roy faded out and slept for 2 and half hours. I suppose he did all the driving and the heat is now so intense and has been for so long, that it is getting us very tired. Global warming is here and with a vengance upon an ignorant population who denied it for too long. Many are still convinced that next year will be cool again, and I am hoping they are right, but suspect that they are wrong.

Close-up of Roy's gypsy roast

 

My Asian spiced veg. noodles

Today we had a short visit from Heino and Joop, who has arrived a couple of days ago with Margreet, to stay for a couple of weeks. Joop is a hoot, lovely sense of humour and fun to be with. We are all six of us are going to the Mill tomorrow for lunch and I have just found out that this time it is a la carte, not like last Sunday. I am really looking forward to it.

Stephen at work in the great outdoors

Today, we also had a long Messenger call from Stephen, who has put us into the picture as to how he is envisaging his immediate future, which has got a bit hectic due to the cancellation of his contract with the Brighton comedy club, Komedia. He has many many options, each of them having an up and a down side. He should decide in a few months and then we will see if we can help him. He was definitely upbeat, which was good and we are keeping our fingers crossed for him.

Meaghan, Callum and Alex eating sushi

 

As for Alex and his bunch: he wrote a few days ago that the Canadian government seems to be opening up a bit and hopefully fairly soon there will not be a need for quarantineing arrivals from Europe. At that stage he quoted that probably they will demand a PCR test, which doesn't make me feel at all pleased, but let us hope that we might be able to go in October, without that test and just with our EU digital vaccination certificate.

Callum growing up fast

Alex put up some gorgeous pictures of them eating sushi on a terrace of, presumably, a Japanese restaurant. They look so well and happy, it was a joy to see the photos. On the other hand, it highlighted how much I miss them, as well as sushi. It was always a tradition when we went ot visit them, that at least once, but usually at twice, we went to an "all you can eat" Japanese restaurant and stuffed ourselves with sushi and sashimi. Never mind, this too shall pass, as Alex keeps saying. Let's hope he is right.

Yum, yum!!!

 

Must go now as I am hungry. Next post, hopefully, next week.