Living through a pandemic in the south of France
328 days in Carcassonne since the 1st lockdown in March 2020
▫️ News and titbits
▫️ Now you have to hold on!
Epidemiologists continue to sound the alarm that the coming weeks are going to be very tough. And some are calling for reconfinement to avoid the worst. For the moment, the government’s strategy, banking on the 6 p.m. curfew, vaccination and the mobilisation of everyone, is not facing an outbreak of cases and hospitalisations. The curve remains at a high plateau, but it is not taking off.
Everyone is facing their responsibilities.
▫️ The efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine in question. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are reviewing the AstraZeneca and Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine on Monday, at a time when its effectiveness for older people and against the South African variant is being questioned. It is already not allowed for the over 65 in France and Germany.
▫️ Daily and weekly Corona virus statistics are now visible here . I have changed the format to make it more visible and as a result there is a new permanent link.
▫️ TIME LINE
I do not know about everyone else but I am slowly losing track of the days and what is or has happened this past 12 months. So, mainly for my own benefit, I have started a chart with the main events since the beginning of the restrictions due to the pandemic. It needs completing.
▫️ PIZZA DAY
Our correspondent in the UK just informs me that today is Pizza Day
▫️ TYPICAL CORSICA
The video of two hikers “attacked” by a wild boar that runs down a snowy slope:
▫️ CLASSIC CARS
I reported a few days ago that this iconic racing car was for sale. Indeed it was sold at
I reported a few days ago that this iconic racing car was for sale and indeed it was sold at on February 5th and fetched 6.907.200 €.
1972 Matra MS 670
▫️ Rue du Pont Vieux – (Carcassonne)
The rehabilitation of the Rue du Pont-Vieux, the Pont Vieux itself and the western entrance to the Cité, via the Porte d’Aude from Place Saint-Gimer, will be completed. The project management contracts have just been published: the first groundwork is expected by the end of the year.
▫️ ANCILLARY NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND from our correspondent in Britain
🖊 Meanwhile a crimewave in Lanasshire sparks police hunt:
POLICE used footprints in the snow to try to chase men who were trying to steal from cars. The incident took place on 4.40am this morning when officers were called.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “Police arrived minutes afterwards and located footprints in the fresh snow.
“The tracks were followed for a good while all around Briercliffe which showed the offenders had tried numerous car doors and had been up driveways.
“The offenders tracks were followed around Briercliffe, before coming out onto Eastern Avenue, where they crossed over onto Fleetwood Road/Cromer Avenue.
“The offenders tracks then disappeared on Briercliffe Road at the junction with Brennand Street due to the snow melting and the amount of foot traffic.
‘’If you have seen or know who these people are then we would like to hear from you.’’
Sleep safe.
🖊 Hands up all of you that recognise the following:
Jessica Rose is a Californian who has been living in the UK for ten years. She recently tweeted some observations that have caused a bit of a stir:
⇢ One tweet reads: “Please, why beans on toast there; are so many other lazy foods that are actually good why is this a thing?”
⇢ Another said: “People here put fish fingers (yes they mean fish sticks but I’m fine with the name part) in sandwiches which is just…why?”
⇢ “British beaches are often just banks of sharp stones by the water and people here excitedly go to them on purpose,” she continued. “When you get there you can buy disappointing candy sticks called rock and seagulls will fight you.”
⇢ “If there is a mistake at a coffee shop or restaurant British people will complain to everyone but the people who could fix the issue and if asked by those people will report that everything is fine.”
⇢ “On getting off a bus saying thank you to the driver is optional until the person leaving in front of you says thank you. Then you are legally required to say it. So is everyone behind you.”
⇢ There was also this gem: “If you mention a weird dream or nightmare, Britishers will ask if you ate a lot of cheese before going to bed.”
⇢ “People get full-on arguing mad about the order you assemble breakfast items (when you put milk in when making tea or what you put first on a scone) and it does not matter at all.”
Must say I completely agree with her.
▫️ MUSIC
ANOTHER ONE IN MY TOP 100
This musical piece brings back a lot of memories of the Hannover World Expo 2000. It was one of the themes. Expo 2000 was a World Expo held in Germany from Thursday 1 June to Tuesday 31 October 2000. It was located on the Hannover Fairground (Messegelände Hannover), which is the largest exhibition ground in the world.
We went there regularly in the evening using the free public transport made available at the time for season ticket holders. I can guarantee that fun was had by all.
The word Caïpirinha suddenly springs into my mind…
▫️ PIC OF THE DAY
Would you believe it? Many many moons ago I was Christened in the Sacré Coeur. I cannot really recollect this myself as I was 6 months. At the time, my parents used to live literally round the corner.
▫️ NEWS FROM ACROSS THE POND
▫️ WEATHER
Very pleasant February day today and fairly mild and sunny. I might go out for a short “Turtle” ride this afternoon.
Still all is quiet as far as floods are concerned in our region.
We are still “Green”.
▫️ VENDEE GLOBE
The current leading boat “La Mie Câline” is currently 436nm away from the finishing line. It sailed 286nm during the past 24 hours so an arrival within 48 hours is to be expected.
▫️ WALKS
Too wet yesterday to go for a walk.
▫️ SOME LINKS I LIKE TO USE
I do it my way 