- Publisher: Roqueta Magazine
- Editor: Angie Wade-Smith
- Edition: 343
- Published: 1st July 2020
Since the last edition of ROQUETA, we have recently seen the ‘new normal’ returning to Menorca. Bars, restaurants, shops, beaches all open. Free to travel about and meet with others. The national guidance on social distancing and hand gels all in place.
But let’s not kid ourselves, this is not the ‘new normal’. How can it be when at the distribution date of the magazine we have virtually no tourists? Beaches are absurdly empty, and life is not as fretful as normal for the time of year. But the real difference as we all know is that no visitors equals no imported virus.
‘No man is an island’ wrote John Donne in 1624. At the moment many living here in Menorca advocate continued self-isolation from the world outside. For understandable reasons. But we can’t go on indefinitely with that attitude. Our beloved island must have interaction with the nearby islands and the mainland. It’s how life works.
I do not envy the politicians having to wrestle with these difficult issues. Seems like they are on a hiding to nothing.
But here the ROQUETA team remain optimistic. Glasses half full, not empty. In this edition, we have an interesting mix of articles and two new contributors. Jonathan Baillie has been passed the baton of reporting on gardens by Glennis, and Georgina Rigby encourages us to shop for fashion locally.
Many of our old favourites remain as contributors. Sorry, not so old. Michael on wine, Christine on the news stand, Anne Marie sniffing out what events are actually happening. Angela has her book club, and Tom and Jess keep us fit, even though they have a baby on the way. The good Doctor Proctor amazes us with her reporting of the human body. It’s a miracle it works at all. It is so complicated.
We have three interesting historic articles. One on Fort Marlborough at the head of Mahón Harbour, an article about the Anglo American Cemetery in the harbour itself, and a report on the 50th Anniversary of the cessation of serving a daily tot of rum to sailors on British naval boats.
The local social clubs and charities seem to be in planning mode for the near future. Let’s hope you can all get together soon and enjoy each other’s company. We look forward to telling the readers about your usual busy lives here in Menorca.
Who knows when the pandemic will be consigned to the history books? All of us have made huge sacrifices, too many tragically paying the ultimate price. We have had so many conflicting reports of events as they unfold, it is impossible to be rational in our decision-making process. In my opinion, the people of Menorca have been very disciplined and respectful of the rules.
We know when the regular visitors return, they will also show the same respect to keep things safe for all of us. They love the island. And we welcome you back.
But we have to carry on. Keep washing your hands seems the most consistent message going forward to prevent the virus. This habit may last forever now and a positive side of that is it may keep some of the regular bugs away. Fingers crossed.