With everything in order plus PCR and “Fit to Fly Certificate”, the day finally arrived for my departure. Emirates is my favourite airline as I have had some remarkable experiences with them, but that is for another one of my blogs. Being that I was flying business (Grannies need some comfort when flying long haul), My chauffeur, (A delightful young man) by courtesy of Emirates, picked me up and drove me to Barcelona airport. Nothing like being pampered once in a while.

I checked in, went for a coffee and in less than no time at all, I was aboard heading for Dubai. Gosh I absolutely love DXB airport. With so much luxury and over the top decor, one can’t help but be enchanted. I was alsopleasantly surprised to see that everything was open and no confinement for tourists.

Within a short space of time, I was once again in the sky and flying to my beloved Land of Smiles.

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok, I confess I was a little apprehensive, praying that my papers were in order. As I was walking up to immigration, apart from the passengers on my flight, the airport appeared empty and surreal—a rather daunting sensation. When we turned the corner, the scene before us was a bit like something from the film “Contagious”. All the staff were dressed from top to toe in blue plastic outfits.

Every one of us had to go through five different check desks, including Passport control. However, It was very well organised, and at every desk and checking point, there were chairs to maintain social distancing. Just be aware, that they were most insistent on seeing my booking for where I was staying after the ASQ confinement. Thankfully my certificates and documents were in order, hence it was plain sailing. They then gave me a card that said the ASQ name, to clip to my Jacket and I was through to the arrivals in no time at all..

Immediately a lovely Thai lady approached me, checked my name, and escorted me to a waiting car that would take me to my designated Hotel to spend fifteen days in confinement

BACKPACKERGRANNY IN CONFINEMEANT
Once inside inside the hotel, for the umpteenth time, the receptionist revised my documentation. Afterwards, she handed me a couple of leaflets. One was a menu for the duration of my stay, and the other was instructions on what I could and couldn’t do. Plus, I had to install the app “Line”, which I would use to contact them for everything. They politely informed me that on no account should I leave the room for anything because If I did, I could be in dire trouble and possibly have my confinement extended for yet another 15 days. Of course I signed and agreed to everything (As one does!) and before I knew it, I was instated in my room

My Family and Friends have repeatedly been asking me how I am coping.

And to be honest, I am doing fine. The first couple of days were possibly the worst, but I would say that it was simply an adjustment to the situation.

The hotel is charming, and my suite is excellent. Nevertheless, no matter how beautiful the gilded cage is, it is still a cage.

Confinement, Quarantine, Isolation! Call it what you like is not easy.

The walled-in feeling and not having any human contact took some acclimatising. Thank goodness for the internet and WhatsApp so that I can interact with my family and friends. Fortunately, I am a pretty strong lady and firmly believe in mind over matter. Uuuuff up to a point!

Several years ago, when I was struggling to manage my pension, it crossed my mind that I could rob a bank, get put in prison, and have no more financial worries. Thank goodness I didn’t, or I would have been digging a tunnel out of there within the first couple of weeks.

If it weren’t for the fact that I am on the ninth floor, I would most probably be looking for a shovel today instead of writing my Blog!

In truth, I like my own space, but jeepers creepers! not as much as I am getting now.

Believe me; I am grossly exaggerating; I am having a wonderful time stuck in my self inflicted prison! NOT “God give me patience! But hurry”!

Today, I am waiting for the results of the PCR test that I had yesterday. I am waiting for confirmation that I do not have Covid, and I will be able to go to the roof garden, which will be a great respite since I am an avid fresh air lover. Fingers crossed, times a thousand!

Ooooh, the finger crossing worked! I think from now onwards it can only get better! I’m covid negative and free to roam the garden for an hour every day.

I am now on day eight, precisely on the halfway mark. I’m pleased to say that I still haven’t gone round the bend! Although some would say I did that years ago. Unbelievably my Blog, Sudoku and Netflix have been my salvation. Keeping the mind occupied is the best way through. Added to that, my daily trips to the garden are a real liberation.

Yesterday the Thai government officially announced that they would lower the days of quarantine for some countries. And today, the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand) are reunited with all the ASQ Hotels to what, I can only assume, is to discuss the day of quarantine for the present and future guests.

I am still waiting to see if, coming from Spain, they will reduce my time of stay at the ASQ. Howbeit, I am not holding my breath.