Hello friends.
By Gary Marsh
@garymarsh6 (23405)
United Kingdom
March 17, 2020 3:00am CST
I did pop by yesterday for a short while and after reading a few posts I decided to write a post. I never write in word first and just go for it on the page. After writing for some time I clicked on the close button by mistake and lost the lot. Oh well C'est la vie. But I am back this morning.
I was not going to write any posts for the time being as I was only home for a short while before I would be jetting off again on holiday but over the weekend I had emails telling me my flight had been cancelled and cruise had been cancelled. Oh well they say third time lucky but apparently not as that was the third holiday cancelled.
It is a very worrying situation and I know many of us are getting on a bit in years and some have health issues which are likely to make people very vulnerable to catching this wretched virus. Trust me this is not going to be over in weeks but months at the very least. Governments are making difficult decisions and drafting policies in the best interests of their citizens. You would be wise to follow advice. Avoid crowds and wash your hands with soap frequently. Minimise touching your face and if possible do not go out if you can avoid it.
We had a fantastic time in Mauritius and I had made special plans for my wife's birthday. We had a wonderful dinner on the beach and I had taken table decorations that lit up at night. I also took professional glow sticks too which were a great hit because after dinner we went to the hotel show who were dancer and singing the local music. My wife was overjoyed. The kids loved it and the spare glow sticks we gave to other children who were there too. Sadly two weeks went in a blink of an eye!
So I wish each and every one of you best wishes and keep safe.
The photo is of the kids in the pool!
15 people like this
17 responses
@topffer (42156)
• France
17 Mar 20
It looks like you had a very good time in Mauritius ! We are locked at home since today by the will of the state, and anyway all public events where I wanted to go have been canceled in the past days. I have to get a refund of train tickets now, as all travels are forbidden except for shopping and for some workers having an authorization. This world is turning mad.
2 people like this
@topffer (42156)
• France
17 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 I was in Portugal 2 weeks ago and everything was fine. Today people are paranoid. The Swiss, Spanish and German borders were already closed. The Italians doing their shopping in Nice will have to find another city...
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
It is a crazy situation but with international travel it was inevitable we would at some point have something like this happen. I wish you well and at least mylot can help keep you in touch with the outside world. Keep well my friend! I understand borders will close around France at Midday!
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
@topffer I am horrified how stupid people have become. This apparently emanates from Australia where the people rushed to buy toilet paper cleared the shelves even with fights breaking out. Like sheep people followed here too The shops are reminiscent of the old soviet supermarkets. Nice little shops with nothing on the shelves even as late as in the early 1990's people queuing for basic commodities!
I hope you had a pleasant time in Portugal?
2 people like this
@xFiacre (13036)
• Ireland
17 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 troubling times indeed. I’m so glad that having a dose of the squirts is not one of the symptoms. Life’s hard enough. I’m away to wash my hands now.
2 people like this
@xFiacre (13036)
• Ireland
17 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 I’d love to discover who it was that started that Andrex nonsense and hold them up to public ridicule.
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
Well I hope you have not been victim of the idiotic toilet paper morons! You could not make it up could you? Hope you are feeling better now!
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (89870)
• Arvada, Colorado
18 Mar 20
Hello love hope you and family are doing okay.1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89870)
• Arvada, Colorado
18 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 Yes fine here thanks Gary a bit anxious but mostly sad for son and nephew xo Take care there and safety to you all.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
18 Mar 20
HI there Rebecca. Yes we are all ok. I don't know if I will be saying that in a month or so. Hope you are well and you are keeping as safe as you can be!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
18 Mar 20
@RebeccasFarm Do not fret over them they are grown up and able to look after themselves. You must look after yourself and make sure you are well!
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (82789)
• United States
19 Mar 20
Glad you were able to enjoy your trip but looks as if the rest will be postponed for awhile.
Looks like we're all in the same boat for awhile
Keep healthy and safe
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (82789)
• United States
20 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 thankfully we can still congregate here on myLot without the fear of spreading the virus. Without being able to talk to friends here life would be even worse.
Sorry that all your trips are being cancelled. Will you get a refund on your deposits?
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
@Marilynda1225 We have done on some I think we may well lose one and the one that was cancelled for the passion play has been deferred to 2022. It is nice to be able to come here and chat with friends. You are right about that we will be safe here!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
Yes and last night I got another e mail to say yet another one has been cancelled. I hope you remain safe and well!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
OH dear I wonder if it is because it was taken in the Southern Hemisphere 
I had to play around with it to get it to display correctly on the web page too! It is the right way up here!
I had to play around with it to get it to display correctly on the web page too! It is the right way up here!2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
@DianneN OH I have a very funny story to tell about pictures upside down. I shall have to write a post about it. I was such a naughty mischievous child! (Hahaha, I hear you say I have not changed much then)
3 people like this
@Mike197602 (15505)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
I don't travel and have only been one postcode away in over 4 years...I was agoraphobic so having to stay at home will be no problem for me!!!
Looks like I'll possibly be at home for a while as hospitality businesses are not doing well at the moment...currently on paid holiday but what comes after is now very worrying
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
I read about one hotel group told all their staff they were shutting the hotel and the staff all had to leave their accomodation immediately. I will make sure that I never stay in one of their hotels again!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 20
@Mike197602 Dreadful company I will make sure we never stay in one of their hotels ever!
@Mike197602 (15505)
• United Kingdom
24 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 that was part of the britannia chain and they've got a terrible reputation anway so this will just add to it.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47343)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
17 Mar 20
Well, at least you got to go somewhere...
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
That is true and we had a brilliant time. The grand kids loved the swimming pool!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180870)
• United States
17 Mar 20
I agree with your assessment, and staying safe is of utmost concern now. So glad you enjoyed your lovely holiday!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
Thank you. Life has crashed as we once knew it. We will all have to follow the advice of the governments to keep ourselves safe!
1 person likes this
@rebelann (112873)
• El Paso, Texas
20 Mar 20
I am used to being home alone for weeks at a time but I did like to go out shopping at least once a month to get supplies and check on friends, I'll miss that although I will have to replace a few items in about 3 weeks @garymarsh6
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
Yes and I hope you remain safe too. I guess we will just have a few months of being isolated from our normal day to day activities. At least we can all keep in touch this way.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
Yes I think mylot will be a good means of keeping in touch with the outside world. It is a good way of keeping in touch with our friends! All the best Judy!
2 people like this
@gemmsky (177)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 Normally we would be in Malta at this time of year - my husband's Mum lives there but I am glad we aren't as it is now in lockdown, would be very worrying for me to be stuck there as I have 2 elderly parents here...strange times indeed.
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
@gemmsky It is a difficult time for everyone. Many hard decisions have to be made. I do hope your parents and your Maltese family remain well! Malta is a country I would like to visit one day but long haul is on the cards while I am able but who knows where this is going to lead! Best wishes and keep well!
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471456)
• Switzerland
17 Mar 20
Hello Gary, I am glad you had this wonderful travel. As a "senior" I received the letter from our Government, I stay home, I wash my hands, I do not touch my face (I do to make up 
). It is a horrible moment, but I am sure we will be all here to celebrate when it's over. Take care you too.
). It is a horrible moment, but I am sure we will be all here to celebrate when it's over. Take care you too.1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471456)
• Switzerland
20 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 Better to avoid Lake Garda, there are many contaminated in that area and Italy does not seem to be at the end of its pains. Take care you too Gary.
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
Yes Anna we will have to have one massive party when this is all over God Willing. Well yet another holiday was cancelled yesterday. Oberammergau. It has been postponed until 2022. So no lake Garda for me this year! Looks like we will all be staying home this year. You be safe and look after yourselves.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50273)
• United States
17 Mar 20
May you and your loved ones stay safe too Gary. 
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50273)
• United States
17 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 it is wonderful that we can all still keep in touch.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
OH bless you Marie. Well at least we have ways and means of keeping in touch. We are not in forced isolation at home yet but they are in Europe so mylot and Facebook are good means of keeping in touch! I wish your family well.
1 person likes this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
17 Mar 20
We are all preoccupied with the corona virus. That is just fine with me. At least we are alert.
1 person likes this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
17 Mar 20
@garymarsh6 you too, take care.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
Yes and everyone should primarily think of their own and loved ones safety! Good Luck Alex!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 20
Thankyou That is my Daughter her husband and three children. You keep safe!
1 person likes this
@averygirl72 (37845)
• Philippines
17 Mar 20
Sounds like a great time in Mauritius
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
OH dear I am sorry about that but hopefully in the future we will all be able to travel again. We had a really wonderful time. The grand children now swim like fish even devil child is doing the doggy paddle and thought it funny to put her head under water!
1 person likes this
@happylife1 (13404)
• Karachi, Pakistan
17 Mar 20
wow.....nice and happy time ......even panic of corona
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 20
IT is a world wide problem now and a very serious one! I hope you and your family stay safe!
1 person likes this
