No one knows what’s going on

Well how to summarize:

- after 8 days isolation. No coronavirus result but need to give back property that I am staying in. Arrange with parents to stay in campervan, hopefully only for one night.
- 12.00 yay my test has arrived at the test center according to Royal Mail‘s terrible tracking service
- Germany, France, Ireland, Belgium, NL, Áustria all announcing restrictions on Brits. It’s only a matter of time for Portugal. Christmas looks to be cancelled? You have to be ahead of the game with these things as we all know.
- spend long time on skyscanner, few flights, very expensive flights. Would rather avoid tier 4 too.
- to complicate things further, a friend of ours is staying in our flat in Lisbon for the week we thought we were away. Do we kick them out to have xmas by ourselves or have random girl from my German course with us for Xmas? Or change plans entirely?
- After lots of discussion we book a flight to Madeira for tomorrow at 5pm. That was cheaper than Lisbon (300 vs 100 each) and allows us to have nice Portuguese holiday for Xmas. Great.
- Update from friend who works for EasyJet: Portugal authorities keen to keep border open.
- Update from boss who suggests we stay and enjoy Xmas. As we have residency we should be able to get back.
- Portuguese gov announce ok for residents to return to Portugal whenever so long as negative test. Original flight is on 28th so would need negative test done v close to Xmas but possible. EU announcement may have power to overrule Portugal announcement.


Current plan is to stay for Xmas, but keeping final decision until EU announcement tomorrow. This leaves it VERY fine though, as to catch flight from Gatwick at 5 we will have to leave at 12. WISH US LUCK!

Here are mum and dad at our covid secured facility. Dad: port or prosecco? Me: both