Every frustration is a story

This is the first time I have noticed queues outside of the stores. Not sure how long this has been the norm but down the road the supermarkets had these lines, thankfully no more than four or five people.

My mum messaged me from the family home up north, saying that the local Asda supermarket had a line that went all the way to Morrison’s (another UK supermarket chain). This would involve crossing a main road, so I wish I had a photo of this as it sounds pretty crazy. A queue that has a two meter rule will stretch a lot further than it usually would, especially if the number of people allowed in the store is limited.

My flatmate asked if I wanted to join her in having a walk today, as we are currently allowed out for one bit of exercise a day or to do a food shop (the latter to be done as infrequently as possible). Being in pairs with someone in your household is currently okay. We headed to the local park which wasn’t too busy, there was more than enough space for those exercising to keep a safe distance, so we did a walking lap. She needed to buy groceries on route back, a local organic shop was open and seemed fairly popular with five people waiting to go in. The sign said there was a ten person limit, although another sign read ‘one customer out one in…’ so it was a little unclear. I could see some in the queue scratching their heads as they reached the entrance. I stood on the other side of the road and waited as the path was a lot wider and less walked.

When the queue disappeared altogether I got a closer look. They have installed a hand wash outside that I haven’t seen elsewhere in London so far.

Maybe it is more common in your area? For me this is a first.

‘Foot operated’ message on the wall to help assist those in line, with a funny foot diagram to help even further.

The below shot was seen on the store window next door. The window can be seen behind the couple waiting in the first shot from this road. It looked closed, maybe this was stuck up before they had to shut completely. Maybe it is open certain days or for take-outs.

I prefer to see times like these as an opportunity. As much as it is a pain, an annoyance, and of course a danger, if we don’t take these moments and use them to our advantage, they can really take advantage of us.

It is an opportunity to share our stories of what life is currently like, an event that may not reoccur in our lifetime. The photos of the new restrictions and restricted freedoms. The signs telling us how to adjust to a new normal and what we are no longer allowed to do. The little things like an A4 piece of paper stuck in a window will be a big story to tell when we get out of this, looking back in years or decades to come.

Of course this differs depending on where we are. We are all going through the same thing, but with slight variations depending on where we call home. This is what is bringing us all together, we have an excuse for conversation again. Not just because we have the same story to relate to, but each of our stories has different chapters. Differing experiences and characters. And I will for sure be looking out for these stories online in the weeks to come.

 

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Due to the Coronavirus outbreak I am somewhat limited as to what I can do in London, but I aim to post as much as I can during this time. I promise to have some great posts coming your way once this is all over as I continue to explore London.

Stay home, stay safe and happy blogging!

Sam

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