Living in New Zealand: We're FREE (to do What We Want, Any Old Time) - Level 1 is Here

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There are no cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand. On Tuesday we moved to Level 1, which means normal life apart from at the borders (where most people coming in have to quarantine for 14 days. Except airline staff, I guess.). People on the boats coming into port aren’t allowed off unless they have been at sea for at least 14 days since leaving a foreign port. Which is most of them.

Getting back to normal is ever so slightly unnerving, as I am sure the virus will be back (how do we keep out something so so small? Humans are prone to error and it only needs a few missteps for the virus to escape into NZ again).

At the same time I am enjoying going back to all the bars and cafes that we love. 

Though I’m out being social and not distancing, I’m still washing my hands a lot. And not shaking hands with new people. Which is a really hard habit to break.

Living in New Zealand: The Measurement of Time Passing in Lyttelton

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The levels of lockdown in New Zealand have made time pass strangely. Sometimes it seems like an age between the old normal and now. Sometimes it seems to have happened so fast. But in the passing of the years, it seems time definitely accelerates.

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I've just finished reading The Dark Island by Benjamin Kingsbury (thanks, Celia Allison), an account of the leprosy colony that was on Quail Island/Ōtamahua in the early 19th century. One of the figures who stood out in that book was Dr Charles Upham, who looked after the leprosy sufferers for years, despite the stigma the disease had at the time. I've always loved the Lyttelton clock and appreciate it even more knowing it was built as a memorial to Dr Upham.

New Zealand Garden Diary: I'm Preparing for Winter But Flowers Have Other Ideas

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The flowers may be all over the shop but the birds are acting like winter’s coming.

Living in New Zealand: Lockdown Levels of Fun in Lyttelton

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The Port of Lyttelton did seem quieter during Level 4 of lockdown. But it has been fairly busy in Level 3 and I'm sure there will be even more trade during Level 2 as everyone is allowed back in the shops.

I wouldn't be in a hurry to go back through the tunnel to Christchurch, but I have to try out a bath tub for the new bathroom as this is of vital importance! Even more so than sharp pencils.

We are also allowed out today to see dogs that are up for adoption. We'll see how that goes, but I'm not raising my hopes too much.