Walking, Curfews and Salmon

Back blip

A quiet relaxed morning, but also nervously awaiting the announcement from the government on the new restrictions.  We'd heard there might be a curfew.   

As the announcement was delayed, we decided to make the most of the day and go out for a walk hoping to reach our 10,000 daily steps.  As it turned out, I clocked up 24,600 before I went to bed, making my weekly total just over 100,000!  A record for me I think, so was quietly pleased with that.  Just for the record, we walked along Diagonal, then turned down into Passeig de Gracia and onto Plaza Catalunya, down Las Ramblas and turned right into El Raval, where we found a fab shop which stocked all sorts of stuff we can't get up our way.  Bought some curry powder, a jar of garam masala and one other Indian pickle mix.  Walked home through Eixample and I have to say that I was happy to arrive at our front door!   My blip's a photo of Calle Rocafort and the blue area is for pedestrians, claimed space back from the space allocated to traffic and parking.  This street now only has one lane of traffic, instead of three. 

This was the first time we've walked as far as this into the centre since lockdown started.  Never have we seen Las Ramblas so quiet.  Never have we seen El Raval barrio so quiet. During the afternoon, our friend Isobel texted me with updates as she knew we were out and about. We heard from her that the threatened curfew was announced and will be from 10pm till 6am in Catalunya starting today.  It was made very clear that this also means no food deliveries or picking up take-away food after 9pm - presumably to nip the temptation in the bud of having gatherings at home and pizzas etc delivered and presumably also to let staff get home by 10pm.  Cultural events need to stop at 10pm and then people are allowed to make their own way home, but must have the event ticket to show to police if stopped.  If you're out during the curfew, you have to carry a certificate to show why (your nearest pharmacy, an emergency or caring for those who are vulnerable, and if it's because of work, the certificate needs to be signed by your employer).   No meetings of more than 6 people, but unlike other parts of the world there was no mention of how many households could meet up.  Dog walkers can only walk their dogs during the day and between 4 and 6am - but during this slot it's just one person with the dog(s).   The national state of emergency and curfew may continue till May next year!  The 15 day restriction of restaurants, cafes and bars to selling only take-away food still has one week to run and we were hoping that that might be lifted then to allow people to enjoy something on a terrace with distancing but stopping at 9pm.  We're not sure yet, but it looks like that will go on for longer.....but surely to goodness that can't continue for another 6 months till May next year!  The president was asked about Christmas, but he dodged the question.  To be honest, the curfew hours shouldn't have a big impact on our usual habits, but one of our little treats was sometimes stopping to have a beer or glass of wine on the way home on our evening walk and it looks as though that's taken away for the moment.  

Salmon for dinner, baked with creamed spinach and boiled potatoes.  Delicious, a new recipe for us, and one to be repeated.  Thanks to Bb for buying salmon for a change, and now a few pieces in the freezer too.