New Year - New World

 It's been a scary year!! 

 

Mr and Ms 2020

 It didn't start out that way for most of us.  For me, 2020 began as my winters usually do.  Christmas with the family then off to Mexico City on January 1.  Until March 18 my stay in Mexico City might have been the best ever for a combination of reasons.  One was having my own bike to get around; it gave great independence and enabled me to expand my cycling range hugely (until it was stolen).  As always, there was an endless amount of art to imbibe, everything from European masters to indigenous art.  I had a lot of visitors this year too which greatly enlivened the time.  It's great to have the companionship, I like to show people around and I am always gratified to see how smitten most people are by the city. 

 

 

Just as I was preparing to take a side trip to Xalapa for a few days before coming home, COVID 19 hit.  At first I resisted, I didn't want to go home yet.  I had an Air BnB booked in Xalapa and bus tickets. But pretty quickly shops and museums started closing, the Canadian government recommended that Canadians return home asap while they still could and it was clear this was a big deal.  So I pulled the plug and returned home March 18, just ten days earlier than planned. 

It was very surreal coming home, the Vancouver airport nearly deserted, little traffic on the roads.  But despite the uncertainty and unrest, it was quite a nice summer here in Victoria.  With the good weather there were many opportunities to socialize outdoors, do a lot of cycling with my new e-bike, walking and exploring parts of Victoria that were new to me even after all this time here,

some nice days to go kayaking.

 

And lots of time in the garden (but no thyme).

 

My family is doing well.  Children and grandchildren are thriving, all healthy and pursuing their lives. 

Now Covid is ramping up and we're hunkering down again but there's a vaccine, there's a new president in the US and there are glimmers of hope for 2021.  I wish that to be true for all of you and hope that the new year brings you joy.  

Love,

Andrew