The novelty of socialising

[hils]

Yesterday I met up with a friend and we went out for dinner. Felt eerily like the Before Times and I managed well not freaking out too much now that all social distancing measures have been removed. I'm still half expecting to come down with covid in the next few days which will just be my luck after barely doing any social activities for the last two and a half years.

I couldn't say no, though. A friend was visiting from the US and who knows when I'll get the chance to see her again.

We had a really nice meal, and we ate early so the restaurant wasn't too busy. But when I dropped her off at the station afterwards of course it was very busy with people coming to visit for the weekend and not a mask to be seen anywhere.

So, we'll see what happens I guess.

One thing I like about friends visiting from other countries is they get you to have a newfound appreciation for where you live. I've lived in York for 22 years, and I fell in love with it way before I moved here. Heather showing me all her photos reminded me how pretty and steeped in history York is and I snapped a few photos of my own while I was walking back to where I'd parked the car











This is truly an international friendship. We met in Sweden at a hockey game, I've been to Denver (where she's from) a couple of times and hung out and now she's been over here to visit me. She's a really special person and so kind. First time I went to Denver she arranged with the hockey team for me to go down onto the ice during one of the breaks and they gave me a stick signed by the whole team. She always gets me some Pride merch when the team has a pride night and just generally looks after me.

And, speaking of Pride merch


These hats weren't even on general sale they were for season ticket holders only. Heather wasn't in town for this years Pride night so she got her season ticket rep to get one of the hats and put it aside for her to pick up when she was back. I hadn't even seen them when she presented me with this. She's a good egg.

I wish we'd had more time to hang out but she was only up for the day and I had to work. Glad we at least got to spend some time together and she had a lot of fun exploring York and doing all the tourist stuff. She's coming back to the UK next year with her dad to do a tour of Scotland so we're going to figure out a way to meet up again.

After that maybe I'll be at the point where I feel comfortable getting on a plane and being in large crowds of people. I miss going to hockey games, but I'm also quite happy not getting covid. So, you know, we'll see.

Comments

[jomes]

very happy you get to do this! <33

[hils]

Thanks! <3

[kazzy_cee]

It’s a difficult balance isn’t it. I’m more confident as I’ve been in crowded situations and been OK but I still don’t fancy a plane. Next year we think we might try Eurostar somewhere abroad.

York is lovely. We’re hoping to visit York for a short break via the train at some point next year too. I’ve been before but Mr Cee hasn’t been before. :)

[hils]

Yeah, it's tricky. Most of the time I feel okay and then I see how there's been a massive surge in cases over the past couple of weeks and I go back to being worried again.

If you make it up to York though do let me know. It would be lovely to see you.

[kazzy_cee]

If you make it up to York though do let me know. It would be lovely to see you.

Of course! :D

[bonibaru]

I was in a LDR with a person from York about a decade ago. The few times I visited I remember thinking how pretty it was and this neat mix of really really old and new energy. Love your photos!

[hils]

Oh, that's awesome. I'm glad you got the chance to come over. Yeah, I think they've done a good job of blending the new with the old.

[tinny]

Yay for good friendships! <3

I love the second York pic especially. Such beautiful buildings!

[rebeccama]

I am glad that you were able to socialize and have fun. *fingers crossed that you remain COVID free*