Tag Archives: covid

la tarjeta dorada

28 Thursday Apr 2022

Posted by in covid, spain, travel

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tarjeta dorada

So this was unexpected. I’ve been tentatively planning my upcoming trip to Barcelona (more on that later!) when I realised if I didn’t book my AVE (fast train) tickets then I may not get the times I wanted. And then just as I was about to hit the PAY button I saw an option to put in my Tarjeta Dorada number. Which I didn’t have. So I did a quick google and it turns out that over-60’s can get this card, which costs 6€ and is good for a year, and then get all kinds of discounts, depending on the train, time of day, etc. So yay, I just saved 50 euros on my train tickets (well, minus the 6€ fee). And yes, I’m going to Barcelona! It’s a work-related thing, and I’m really nervous about such a long trip, but fingers crossed I will return home unscathed by Covid.

today’s the day

20 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in coronavirus, covid, sevilla, spam

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mask mandate ends

Honestly, if not for masks still being required on ALL public transport I would be so fucked. As it is, I will keep wearing a mask when I go out, and inside all shops and restaurants. You have to wonder about the timing… I mean, immediately after Semana Santa when thousands upon thousands of maskless people were crammed together for an entire week. And then we have Feria coming up in two weeks, when thousands of maskless people will be crammed into small tents for another week. Wouldn’t it have made more sense to at least wait 2-3 weeks after Semana Santa for the case results to come in? Oh right, not testing any more. And no more mention of Covid anywhere in the media. Fuck.

they’re going up!

01 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by in covid, sevilla

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bleachers

For the first time since 2019 they’re putting up the bleachers for Semana Santa in Plaza San Francisco. I actually have a couple of lunchtime tapas tours booked that week and will take a cautious look around a few of the processions (I know the routes and how to avoid the crowds). It’s concerning that governments are cutting back on testing, artificially forcing Covid “numbers” down simply by ignoring them. And you hear very little any more about Covid in the media. I keep doing rapid tests once a week and also keep hoping Spain won’t revoke the mask mandate for indoor public places. Lots of mixed feelings about things returning to “normal”.

raúl pérez

28 Monday Mar 2022

Posted by in covid, sevilla, spain, wine

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raul perez

The man, the legend… the missed opportunity! I had been looking forward to this wine tasting event ever since I was told they had sold out BUT would find a place for me. Raúl Pérez is one of the most influencial winemakers in Spain and so for him to be hosting an intimate tasting like this was like a gift from heaven, a dream come true. EXCEPT on Sunday evening I was struck down AGAIN by what I hope is another stomach bug. This one hit me even harder and, after spending all night with severe abdominal pain along with all the vomiting and other unpleasantness, it was clear I wasn’t going to make it to the event. Or anywhere else. Honestly, this really broke my heart. I hope one day I can visit his bodega. Also, I hope I don’t have Covid. Will test in the morning.

not covid (so far)

18 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in health & happiness, home, sevilla

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not covid

Got hit by (what I hoped was) that stomach bug going around. After a gawd awful night violently losing it from both ends I spent almost 18 hours in bed. Then a brief attempt at staying upright and I was back under the duvet. That went on for another night and then… some relief. Took the test and that was also a relief, but I had to pass on my evening tapas tour to José. I’ll do another test after the weekend but hopefully I’m on the mend. These days covid has so many possible symptoms it’s good to play it safe.