As lockdown relaxes around the world, we need to be watchful of our responsibilities. As small freedoms come we will be able to do a little more, stretch our legs and shop for more than essentials at the grocery stores.
Yes we are excited and rightly so but we must remember the small freedoms we are being blessed with must be treated with respect and we must follow COVID-19 rules.
Hand washing and masks
COVID-19 is very real, we must all take every precaution to protect ourselves and everyone around us. We can do this by continuing to wear masks and washing our hands. We must maintain good physical distance from others.
‘…take precaution to protect…’
It is important to have a few masks that you can wash immediately after use. Remember when wearing a mask to not touch your face or the mask, don’t move your mask around on your face, wash your hands before and after removing your mask. Do not share your mask with anyone and when removing it do so from the straps behind your ears. Wash your hands as soon as you get home, it should be the first thing you do before greeting anyone; be sure to wash past your wrists.
Follow the law and stay at home if you can
Although lockdowns are easing, we need to remember why we should stay at home. It isn’t punishment, it is to help save lives. It is important to understand that the virus can’t spread if it doesn’t have people to live in.
‘…familiarise yourself with the rules…’
As industries start to open again, we need to remain as healthy as possible. You don’t want to become ill at this time; that will add to your stress levels. Familiarise yourself with the rules of each stage of lockdown and ensure you abide by them. Remember that nobody is above the law and we should discourage any behaviour that could put others at risk.
Worth waiting for
There is so much we can look forward to and dream about while longing for the time when it will be safe to travel again. You know that exciting feeling of anticipation that something important is going to happen; the excitement of seeing a loved one after a long time of separation. These feelings take us to memorable beautiful places we know are worth waiting to visit or see again.
‘…never, ever stop dreaming…’
Let’s be honest, to travel, explore and experience natural stunning places around the world is worth waiting for. Never, ever stop dreaming about the wonderful holidays you visualise for yourself with your family. While we wait for COVID-19 to pass, we take a look at places like Cape Town, Dubai, Durban, Kenya and Zanzibar, among many others that are worth remembering.
Cape Town has your holiday covered.
- There’s an epic mountain above the city; the amazing large, flat-topped Table Mountain is a natural feature, with hikes that criss-cross slopes on all sides. There’s also a cable car that takes you to the summit.
- There are beaches galore, each one offering something different. There are surfing beaches, those perfect for sunsets, some are cold but beautifully located and others that offer warmer waters. The best is that at any given time, a great beach is never more than a few minutes’ drive away.
- There’s a diverse nightlife scene; dozens of quirky bars and clubs that serve cocktails and craft beers coupled with unbeatable views. The central business district is vibrant with local coffee shops, late-night bars and constant energy.
- There are dozens of beautiful wine estates worth visiting even if you’re not fan of wine!
Dubai has endless adventures and experiences
- There are incredible desert safaris; you can drive out in the evening to catch the sunset from the desert, go dune bashing, camel riding, and much more.
- There is unmatched luxury that can only be seen and experienced. Palm Island is a man-made island with several hotels and mansions, you will see the coolest luxury cars on the roads, the luxury hotels in Dubai is as high as in any other top travel destinations in the world.
- There is a collection of awesome marvels of engineered skyscrapers. Millions of tourists go to Dubai just to view the skyline; The Burj Khalifa stands proud among her peers as one of the most eye-catching in the world.
- There is excellent food for almost any citizen from any part of the world, you will find cuisine from your country but don’t skip the chance to try some superb the Arabic cuisine.
- There are unlimited adventures for the adrenaline junkie, from thrilling water sports to sand and indoor skiing. There is an adventure for everyone from skydiving adventures that everyone loves to hiking, hot air balloons and mountaineering. There are also plenty family theme parks and waterparks to enjoy for a day.
- There are plenty of indoor attractions for the entire family, they will never forget seeing the biggest suspended aquariums in the world’ the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo boasts the best marine life, snakes and a giant crocodile. The art galleries, cinemas and museums show you why Dubai is a choice destination for many moviemakers.
- There are shopping malls where you just want to spend; while having the best time of your life, you will find the best electronics, fashion items, art and much in the world-class shopping malls. Dubai Mall has an incredible collection of 1200 shops, an indoor zoo and a hotel. No matter what your budget for shopping in Dubai is, there is a shop for you.
Durban is really cool
There is The Golden Mile, Durban’s beachfront which is a marvellous stroll, or if it’s too hot you can catch a ride on a Zulu rickshaw to mingle with traders along the roadside who sell beach gear and Zulu crafts. On the beach, sculptors create landmarks and wildlife from the sand. Durban’s beach is one of the few places where surfers, pensioners and children mingle.
There is uShaka Marine World at The Point, which overlooks the mouth to the city’s famous harbour. The Point hosts high-end condos, linked by canals to keep boats but the main attraction is uShaka Marine World, a water park and aquarium. uShaka Marine World offers lots of fun water activities, plenty time to cool down while eating inside a shark tank or time to be adventurous and go on an ocean venture or book surfing lessons. Durban’s beaches are protected by shark nets and the water’s warm enough to swim in year round.
There is the Moses Mabhida Stadium which it’s worth a visit to ride up to the top of the arch that stretches over the field for an unrivalled view of the city. There’s a quick way down via the Big Rush Big Swing, an 80-meter free fall over the field.
Kenya is the place to be!
- There are the beaches for enjoying top-notch service and warm hospitality, sampling fresh seafood, trying out water sports or relaxing by the pool. Each beach has the friendliest atmosphere; the perfect way to make the most of your trip.
- There are unique safaris! Safari guides share stories around camp fires, some that will make you laugh out loud and others that will give you goose bumps. Often, people who come for the Big Five and big cats leave with memories of something else; it might be the sighting of a chameleon crossing your path, or an evening stargazing with a local tribe. This is exactly why it’s so special. The wildlife viewing is exceptional all year-round!
Zanzibar is the ultimate in alluring fresh air
- There are the turquoise beaches where you can sleep in a hammock strung between two palm trees under the warm tropical sun. There is nothing like the feel of the soft scented breezes that surround you. There is an alluring freshness in the air, with only the sounds of the gentle waves twirling on the unbelievably white sands and the rustling of the trees.
- There is the feeling of serene harmony where the chirping of birds add to the melody. Swimming in the waters is pleasant on the skin.
- The delectable scrumptious seafood, meats, vegetables and succulent fruits are some of the best in the world.
- The natural pools on the shore with tiny marine creatures waiting for the next tide to come in is dream-like experience.
- There’s a range of activities and tours to participate in; the Stone Town tour, the spice farm trip, riding a beautiful well-trained horse on the gorgeous white beach sands with the warm sun on your face. If you enjoy water activities, you can try kitesurfing and windsurfing, yachting, jet-skiing, fly-boarding, water-skiing, wake-boarding, parasailing and many more.
Remain optimistic
The coronavirus will eventually come under control, it is important to remember this is happening to everyone. We are all nervous about the future; if we remain optimistic and offer support and comfort to each other while actively working to be better, we can prevent any negative emotions taking hold of us.
‘…offer support and comfort…’
Try to inspire, empower and celebrate our nation by caring for one another and the environment. Look out for opportunities, big or small, to make a positive difference in our communities.
We are all in this together, and together we will get through it!
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