‘The one with a little freedom’

It was The One With The Proposal and I was a wreck. Monica and Chandler get engaged and it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve seen the Friends episode about 20 times, and can pretty much recite the whole thing, word for word, and yet here I was, unexpectedly with a lot of dust in my eyes.

I have been rewatching the hit TV series for a bit of light relief during my 107 days locked down in Auckland, and even a sitcom has had the power to make me cry.

But this has been part of the reality that three-and-a-bit months of restrictions has on a person – our world shrinks, and everything becomes a bit smaller, but emotions grow bigger and out of proportion to normal life.

There’s no denying the toll that Covid anxiety has, and continues to have, on people all over the country, not just those who have been in lockdown.

This weekend, I have been allowed to have cocktails in bars, go inside my friends’ houses, and sit down for a flat white served in a tulip cup in a cafe.

Soon I will be able to leave Auckland with my vaccine certificate, and finally, I will be able to see my family for Christmas.

I still feel a bit anxious about travelling, so I’m being mindful about what I do and where I go, so that I can travel with greater peace of mind that I am keeping the people around me safe.

I’m looking forward to relaxing and kayaking on some beaches, and maybe being a little indulgent with some spa therapies, too. I can’t wait to get a haircut this week, and I’m desperate for a decent massage and facial.

It’s a change of scene to liven things up and blow out the cobwebs that have been growing around us in the dusty quiet corners of our lockdown lives.

The ongoing stress of living with Covid has had an impact on many relationships too, so maybe it’s time to invest in a romantic escape to freshen the spirits and dust off the arguments that never would have happened in normal times.

Check out Brook Sabin’s story on pages 34-35 for a new couple’s retreat in Rotorua for some inspiration.

This secret rural spot has three pods for relaxing, eating and sleeping, and looks absolutely stunning. But the best thing about Kokako Retreat is that it helps give back. A portion of each stay will be used to support families going through tough times.

Now, if you are anything like me, you will be a bit of a procrastinator when it come to Christmas presents. If you are stuck for ideas, then head to pages 30-31 for some inspiration on the best travel-inspired gifts to give loved ones this year (cough – I am in need of a massage – cough).

If you are after a little more international escapism, Jill Worrall has a fascinating piece on page 32 about what it’s like to spend a night sleeping on the ice in Antarctica, as part of our Global Village series.

In the meantime, I will try not to cry during any more Friends episodes. I will save my tears for when I reunite with my family this month.