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What is normal?

The UK seems to be operating on the basis that there is no virus.  Masks are rarely seen, little is being reported in the papers,  it is not the main topic of conversation in the street and social distancing doesn't exist.  I did see a testing table set up in Chesham high street but it was for one day only and they didn't seem to be doing much business.

I went to Brighton on Sunday with my son and sister.  The old 'Lanes' have been reduced to a few jewellery shops and lots of cafes and the town was packed.  Openly gay people walk hand in hand through the streets in great numbers while others stroll around in gold lurex dresses.

As we were heading back to the station the police arrived and blocked the road for an approaching cycle rally.   Living in France I have seen many cycle races go past but not quite like this one.  Here were 200 totally naked cyclists pedalling by while people cheered them on enthusiastically.  Some of them had put on shoes, while others wore hats but everything in between was there fully  exposed.  An uncomfortable ride I imagine.  It took ages for them all to cycle past and frankly once you have seen one naked cyclist you have seen them all.

My five year old grandson talks to everyone, so in the Asian shop he engaged in conversation with an obviously short sighted lady who asked him if I was his mother or grandmother.  He didn't have to laugh quite so loudly.  She then asked him if he had any brothers or sisters.  He placed his finger on his chin, looked up and said, 'I'm not sure.'  Someone's reputation has gone to pot.

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