We get to our hotel at half past midnight, those on-board are in a mixed state. Some seemingly full of energy, others barely awake. Probably reflecting who has been traveling the longest and who turned left and slept at the front of the plane. Fortunately the police and military are patient, tolerant of our confusion and alert to our needs. Where am I staying after quarantine? I cannot remember, between us the police officer at reception and I work it out. A three stripe solider carries my bags into the hotel and a two stripe air force man takes them up to my room - I feel there should be joke in there somewhere.
Carole and I opt for separate rooms. We say good bye and ‘see you in two weeks’. This seems like a good strategy. From what we read online before traveling some hotel rooms are a little small for living on top of each other 24/7 with only a bathroom to escape to.
I awake with a start. Where am I? Why is there sunlight at 6.15am? Slowly my brain puts the jigsaw together. It is not a dark winter’s morning in Groningen but summer time in Sydney. Four hours sleep and jet lag lead to a befuddled mind. Should I get up or should I try to go back to sleep. The latter appeals for about an hour until Carole calls.
Five hours sleep is not enough. I remind myself there’s no rush, I can’t go anywhere, anyway it’s Boxing Day so have a day off. Pre-travel commitments to a productive time in quarantine will have to wait until another day. As I gradually get myself together I become aware that all is not well.
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| Breakfast or the morning after? |
0900 Breakfast has been sitting outside my room fo sometime. Something cold and horrible that looks like vomit and does not taste much better. Things can only improve.
0914 I discover I’ve got no power to all my wall sockets, minibar and TV. I apply my facility management skills and diligently take a table lamp from socket to socket. Each and everyone is out. If it had been just the TV I would have considered coping, the TV is too big a distraction to being productive. Before I travelled I carefully put books, music, videos and other activities onto my iPad and iPhone. I will need some juice before too long or it could be very long day. The hotel service desk says as it’s a public holiday there might not be anybody in today. I feel like saying that’s no fucking good but restrain myself, no point in upsetting the people who will be managing my life for the next two weeks.
A nice sounding nurse calls to check on my well-being. I express my frustration with the electrics and then turn to Facebook and put out a call for help. Seemingly my friends pick-up the plea, as does the hotel and power is restored at lunchtime - I am very grateful to all concerned.
Daily facts
Sleep: quality 75%, in bed 6h 27m, asleep 5h 6m
Breakfast: looks like vomit, it’s cold and doesn’t taste much better
Lunch: lamb rogan josh (a bit cold) NO DESSERT!!
Dinner: salmon teriyaki (ok if a little dry), small brownie
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