The world today is a funny place, unrecognisable from the carefree days of yesterday - or even yesterday.

A couple of evenings ago, the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, declared a state of emergency. Effectively, it's house arrest unless you need food or medicine. 

It sounds drastic, but we've only fallen in line with other countries - the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has proven itself to be an invisible opponent outwitting governments across the globe. The number of cases increases by 20% overnight, leaving us looking suspiciously at those around us. Or those that used to be around us now we're in isolation.

The dry cough and sore throat that reveals itself is trifling for some and deadly for others. The older you are, the more at risk you are.

The speed at which life had changed is incredible. Last week, I flew to Mallorca for triathlon camp, only to fly back the following day when Spain declared a "state of alarm" in reaction to the spread of the disease on the mainland.

Now here, in leafy Surrey, triathlons have been cancelled, shops have been shut down, hospitals are over-run and children have been sent home from school.

This last action is risky business. If we're all home-schooling our sprogs I doubt it's the virus that will get us. With frayed nerves and patience at a sub-zero low, many of us will have found the bottom of more than one bottle. Let's hope it's the simplicity of this new routine, underlined by empty diaries, that binds us in a positive way. We can't say we don't have time to take stock and slow down.

That said, in preparation for imprisonment, I have created job lists and spreadsheets for all in my household, to keep them out of mischief for decades.
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I hope too, that the famous, if somewhat fatalistic, British humour will keep us smiling. The internet is awash with funny memes, cartoons, skits and sketches. We're becoming more creative in how we interact and socialise. This Saturday, I even have something in my diary. I've put together a pub quiz and will be hosting my friends on an online platform.

Must dash. I may be home schooling my kids, but I'm about to fire their teacher for drinking on the job.

Different parts of the World have visitor peaks at different times of year. You make your decision on a summer or winter vacation based on whether it’s in the northern or southern hemisphere. If you want the soft powdery snow you probably won’t head to the European slopes in July. And if you want to enjoy a glass of something crisp, white and fruity in the warm sunshine of a rose garden, you’ll probably check the weather forecast first. But while important, weather doesn’t always dominate our decision making process when it comes to travel destinations.

So how else can we make a decision? There are endless adventures to embark upon so how can we choose where to go next? Here are some alternative tips for taking a trip:

Tip #1 The sportman’s race

If you’re a petrol head you may be checking out the Formula One calendar and planning your trips (Melbourne, Australia, and Malaysia are March’s hot spots in case you’re wondering). And the Barmy Army knows where the English are playing cricket at any given moment. If you’re not a sportsman, why not choose a random sport, look up the latest fixtures and just go for it. You don’t even have to go to a match or take part. So, finger in the air, let’s take extreme ironing. According to the Extreme Ironing Bureau this is “the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt.” Originating in England it is now a World-wide phenomenon that has taken place underwater, on mountainsides, and while parachuting. Does that whet your appetite? A little too extreme? Perhaps a scuba diving holiday to the Great Barrier Reef or hiking in the Alps might be more up your street: leave the iron at home.

Or how about cheese rolling or bunny jumping? If you choose these sports you could be heading to Gloucestershire in the UK or Sweden. Pick a sport and off you go.

Tip #2 Take up a new hobby

Your destination might be determined by an event or a hobby. Tai Chi, for example, is the Chinese martial art practiced for its defence and health benefits. You could be heading for a retreat in Thailand or you may fancy taking part in a Tyroleon Tai Chi Festival in Merano, Italy. Or what about a trip to the Emerald Isle to learn about the traditional ancient craft of basket weaving? Stick a pin in the map, find out what the local traditional craft might be and plan from there. Or if you enjoy reading find your favourite book and follow in the footsteps of the author.

Tip #3 Choose an ingredient

If you like your food why not base your search on an ingredient? If fish is at the top of your menu you may be impressed by the Nigerian fishing festival held in Argungu in February. This festival started in 1934 as a peace building contest between the people of Argungu and nearby Sokoto. The three-day festival culminates in an hour-long fishing frenzy, with up to 35,000 fishermen, teamed in pairs, plunging into the muddy Malan Fada River carrying hand nets and gourds for flotation. The pair that catches the largest fish, possibly weighing more than 50kg, in their bare hands is the winner, claiming a prize equivalent to around $8,000 plus a minibus.

And the famous La Tomatina is always an option. This annual food fight festival is held on the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, near Valencia, Spain. Thousands join what is thought to be the World’s biggest food fight, where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets. The week-long festival features music, parades, dancing, and fireworks.

Tip #4 Choose an object

You’re sitting at home enjoying some wine and you stare into the glass. How about glass blowing? You could be spending August in the Pyrenees in France at the annual Festival des Arts du Verre. Or maybe you’re inspired by the candle twinkling on the windowsill. Try a festival of light. You could be heading to the UK’s Blackpool Illuminations annual Lights Festival in autumn. Founded in 1879, this annual show runs for six miles and 66 days along the Lancashire coast.

Or if you fancy something warmer how about a Diwali festival of light? This five day Hindi festival takes places between mid-October and mid-November and is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore to name a few countries. Decorations, candles and fireworks make this a beautiful time to visit.

Tip #5 Type your name into Google…

…There’s a small town called Helen in Georgia, USA. With its German inspired architecture, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen has a distinct Bavarian feel about it. So whether your name is Barry (Wales), Stanley (Falkland Islands) or indeed Alice (Australia) you could be heading for an interesting place. I said could – this is not a guarantee.

So all you really need is a search engine, and an open mind. Pack your suitcase and send me a postcard.

The practical bit:

·      Formula 1: https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020.html

·      Argungu Fishing Festival: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/argungu-fishing-festival-will-be-back-in-2020/

·      Extreme Ironing Bureau: http://www.facebook.com/ExtremeIroningOfficial?fref=ts

·      Cheese Rolling: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/gloucestershire-cheese-rolling-2020-dates-3688857

·      Swedish Federation of Rabbit Jumping: http://skhrf.se/english/

·      Irish basket weaving: http://irishbasketmakers.com/
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·      Tai Chi Chuan Festivala: https://festivalsandretreats.com/tai-chi-chi-kung-festivals-events-europe/
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​·      La Tomatina tomato festival: http://www.latomatinatours.com/

​·      Festival des Arts du Verre: http://www.palau-verrier.com/

·      Blackpool Illuminations: https://www.visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations/

According to a new global study, the main reason that expat families move home early is the lack of emotional support.
How quickly an expats settle in a new country is as much about what they have left behind, as it is about getting to grips with their new surroundings. It takes nearly 25% expats more than a year to feel settled, but once they do they spend between five and 10 years abroad. 

Even with the squeeze on expat packages, employees are often well supported, surrounded by colleagues and a recognisable business structure. However, economic migration isn’t often possible without the help of spouses and families.

These are some of the findings of a two-year study, which includes the views of 61 nationalities in 56 countries. They have been released in a new book: Do they eat soup in England? Insights and advice for expats struggling to find their feed abroad.

The book is designed to support expat families, helping them to settle by legitimising their emotional struggles. It is available free from Amazon on 5th and 6th July, or retails at £5.99.

Reviews:
Lisa, an American living in Germany
I wish I had been given this book when my husband was offered his new job. I felt so unsupported by his company. It would have made me realise that what I was experiencing was a normal part of the process. I so nearly gave up and came home.

Ally, a Canadian who lived in Dubai:
I didn’t think about the emotional journey I was embarking on. This book would really have helped me come to terms with conflicting and confusing feelings. I just jumped straight in, but I splashed around for a bit. This book is the life buoy I needed.

Amanda, an American living in the UK:
This is a thought-provoking, real-world guide to expat life: the adventure, challenges, exhilaration, and hiccups of it all. It’s a relatable, funny and thoughtful account of the realities of life abroad, full of great advice for newbies and vets alike! 

Claire, a Brit who lived in Singapore:
This book is great for anyone who feels alone on their expat journey. It's reassuring and really gives you a boost to help you realise you're not the only one.
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#expatlife #expatriation #expatriatemanagement #expatcoaching #migration #skillsgaps #HR #humanresources #management #employeeengagement #employeemorale #peoplefirst #partnerresources #employeesuccess #economicmigration

Mean, brooding, dark and cold. Not a description of my husband, but our first impression of Scotland in April.
 
“We’ll avoid the midges,” the husband said. Of course we will, because it’s too cold for anything to survive.
 
“We’ll see beautiful beaches,” he said. True, he had shown me photographs of stunning stretches of empty white sand. Empty because it’s too cold to get out of the car, let alone take a leisurely stroll. It’s nature’s way of mocking us. You can look, but you can’t touch.

When I asked my husband for three adjectives to describe Argentina he came up with: “wine sodden, welcoming and weirdly Welsh”.

Might seem like a strange collection of words, but it’s not far off the truth.

Let’s start with the Cambrian influence: A small community, descendants of Welsh settlers, who moved to Patagonia in 1865. They even still speak Welsh, or a nineteenth century version. You can visit and inspect how life has changed over the years, and compare with your knowledge of Cymru culture.

Inle Lake
Inle Lake was one of the highlights of the trip for us. Every morning we were picked up from our riverside guesthouse in a narrow wooden fishing boat, with the loudest two-stroke engine, which sounded like an industrial lawnmower. It wasn’t just the noise pollution that was alarming. Unfortunately, the black, arid exhaust will eventually spoil the region, if an affordable alternatives can not be found.