Coronavirus diary, Tuesday 2 February 2021

Times past - and to come

A year ago this month I drove my scooter out of Sunrise onto Cyncoed Road for my last shopping trip before lockdown.

I was in familiar territory, passing Winnipeg Drive, our family home for nearly 30 years, Robert’s junior school and the small parade of shops, so different now. Just three shops left. The bank, hardware store, estate agent and hairdresser all gone.

Life has changed at Lakeside as has mine. I have been thinking how it has happened and have been surprised how we have adapted to the almost total change.

Britain in many ways is a different country, with a radically changed style of government, elected but with never imagined, sweeping powers affecting almost every hour of our lives.

And there is almost total compliance. The dissenting voices are typically rebels who defy the new laws and reject vaccination. They see themselves as freedom fighters. 

Over the centuries, in every age, every country has seen them, resisting authority, wanting to have their own, unfettered lives.

War lords and dictators have been overcome by rebellion and their peoples have adapted to a new way of life.

It is the same in the natural world. Inhospitable terrain and climate - searing heat or intensive cold - has not deterred tribes and settlers.

The unique period in history that we are now enduring is another example of the human ability to adapt to a different environment and social order, and we have reacted remarkably quickly

The redeeming feature is that although it has brought upheaval, suffering, and death it is likely to be comparatively short lived.

And almost certainly countries and their people will show resilience in going back to their habitual life.

We will soon forget the restrictions and boredom of this unnatural period and again enjoy a freer and, we hope, healthier life.

On the lowest scale, I will be back on my scooter, out shopping.