Margaret and John Anderson are keeping well in South Africa. Though it is winter there, John reports that it is still warmer than a Scottish summer—usually sunny with temperatures 18-20 degrees. Coping with the pandemic has been a long haul there, as folk in the black townships live so close together in shacks that it is difficult to avoid the virus.

John reports that masks are mandatory outside the home, even while driving your car; beaches have also been closed; school have just reopened (with no sports) and the Anderson grandkids will go every second day.

John says that perhaps the biggest problem with the shutdown is that alcohol sales are banned. “That means I am down to my last dram of single malt which is threatening my endurance.” It also means that although restaurants are now open, they are suffering because most people enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with their meal. Rumour has it that the ban on alcohol and tobacco sales will soon be lifted since they are now well over the peak.

Their local PROBUS is also partly closed down. They still have a monthly hike at a good social distance and a Zoom meeting every two weeks, but of course no monthly meetings or dinners.

The borders are still closed and there is no word as to when international flights can resume. John and Margaret have a return flight booked for October so keep your fingers crossed for them.