Inspiring Women SUMMER 2020

64
Margaret Hilditch
Adaptability is the key concept, when
facing the unpredictable. I learnt that
quickly as a young, military wife. It has
proved paramount in all phases of life.
We all love it when the sun shines. We can
truthfully say our trip to New Zealand (NZ)
has exceeded our expectations.
Retirement means fewer deadlines. We
have loved connecting with family and
friends as we journeyed through both
Australia and NZ.
We had stopovers planned on our way
home; then Australia closed its borders,
forcing us to rebook direct flights home for
March 25. However, with countries
grappling with COVID-19, losing only three days of our planned time in NZ did not seem too bad!
In anticipation of more changes, we decided to return to Christchurch two days before our flight.
Two nights in the Novotel sounded idyllic after a week in our ‘boneshaker’ motorhome. It was
sobering to see how many other motorhomes had returned that morning and this continued
throughout the day. Settled in our hotel, we caught up with events on local media. Expecting the
worst, hubby tried calling the Consulate and Emirates... No Joy! No updates!
Then, on the first day back in Christchurch, the UAE Government announced the cancellation of
all passenger flights through Dubai from March 25. We walked to the airport terminal to talk to
someone. No help desk! What now?
The New Zealand PM announced that afternoon that Level 4 Lockdown was commencing March
25 at 2359 hours.
The reality of being stuck with no car hire, hotel closures, and only limited domestic flights for
essential travel only, was truly real! Family and friends were also monitoring the advice from the UK
Foreign Office. This was a global problem for all tourists stranded abroad.
We considered flying to Auckland, the main hub for international flights, but discovered our
nephew had family guests and finding alternative accommodation was difficult. Clutching at
straws, I had emailed a friend in our local church who has contacts in NZ and, we were given a
contact in Christchurch. The family had an AirBnB to rent. Unfortunately, no vacancies as students
snapped up their offer. Second option, we were given the contact number of Warren and
Roseanna in Cass Bay. Independently, our
daughter posted an SOS to friends with
contacts in NZ. Karen and Neil were quick
to respond, but their room was unavailable!
Wanting to help, Karen forwarded the
exact same telephone number naming
Warren and Roseanna! We had just called
to accept their offer but still needed to
extend our hotel booking for two nights as
occupants were leaving on Friday.
Off to bed after a glass or two of red wine,
we felt we had a plan. Maybe?
Morning arrived and we decided it would
be prudent to make sure any medication
required during lockdown should be