Wednesday was not a great day for me as I found out that I did not get a seat allocated on 15th July Charter Flight to Qingdao, China (NOTE: Since then I have found out I have been allocated seat on the 22nd July Charter Flight).

In the evening, to help raise my spirits, my friend took me to a neighbours socially distanced birthday celebration in the village of Eickeloh. Everyone was super friendly and sympathetic about my situation.

During the evening, one couple asked me where I was from in England. Usually when I answer this question I say Milton Keynes because it’s the nearest biggest city to my small home town and many people have at least heard of it, even if they don’t know where it is. They knew Milton Keynes, and responded with a follow up question of whether I knew the town of Winslow because they used to live there for a time….Winslow is the town where I have my house and where I went to secondary school! A great conversation ensued reminiscing about various town events such as the Winslow Beer Festival and Winslow Show!

I just find it so fascinating that you can be in the middle of nowhere in rural Germany and meet somebody who has lived in the same small rural English town as you.

A similar occurrence also happened to me back in the mid 90’s. On one business trip to the USA I stayed in the Marriott Hotel in Livonia, MI. Normally I would stay in the hotel across the street, but on this occasion it was fully booked so I had to stay a few nights in the Marriott first. One evening I was talking to one of the bar staff, not only did they know the small village of Great Horwood where I grew up, they also went to school with the daughter of our neighbour!

These little chance acquaintances always make me smile and consider how small the world actually is.

Following my successful trip to Hamburg to obtain a visa so that I can return home to China, I decided to try out the FFP3 mask that I had purchased many months ago in anticipation of returning home in the height of the COVID–19 outbreak in Mainland China.

The train journey was only 2 hours, and it was clear that you get hot and a little uncomfortable with the bands strapped around your head. How medical professionals wear these day in and day I have no idea. I have even more respect for them now. All I have to do is put up with discomfort for a 12 hour flight! My good friend @yogimo suggested that I pack several and change them throughout the journey. I think this is probably a wise idea and I will give it a try. All I need now is a flight!

Previously I have written about my current situation, When can I go home? and Two steps forward, one step back. Today I woke up to some good news from my HR department back in Shanghai, the special invitation letter has been approved, so now I can apply for an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hamburg so that I can obtain a special visa.

I submitted all the documents and fortunately I got a quick response, sadly it stated I need another document but this time it must be issued by the local German authorities. I think it’s like a proof of residence or something. I find it strange that this is required because I am basically living here due to being stranded and not by choice.

Emotionally today has been a complete rollercoaster, fantastic news followed by rapid anxiety and stress of finding out how to obtain a document I don’t really understand, in a country I am not really that familiar with. Fortunately my good friends and colleagues here have helped me find a way forward. Hopefully tomorrow I can get the required document and a visa appointment date and time.

This afternoon focus has been hard, and at times like this I turn to music, and in particular my favourite album by a very special singer/songwriter to me, Eve Selis. Eve has offered inspiration and a sympathetic listening ear to me and others during the weekly Zoom meeting for her Patreon supporters.

The special track for me at this time is One Day At A Time. Check it out, I am sure you will love it.

For almost 9 years I have been living and working in Shanghai, China. For the last 6 years I have been working for large German multi-national and have enjoyed building up their technical capability in China.

Back in January, I came to Germany for a 2 week business trip. Little did I know that 5 months on I would still be here. Due to the outbreak of COVID–19 in China earlier this year, my employer initially prohibited all travel to China and then in late March this announcement came:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China National Immigration Administration Announcement on the Temporary Suspension of Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Visas or Residence Permits

So where does this leave me? Well, fortunately as a UK national I don’t have any immigration problems with staying in Germany (I have no idea what happens when the Brexit transition period ends). A good friend and colleague has invited me to his home, so I am being well looked after and gaining all the weight I lost in the last 9 years!

Since the announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there has been no further information as to when the borders will be opened again to Foreigners, let alone those of us with residence permits. If I am honest, I have no real idea when I will see my family again.

Earlier this month, the German Chamber of Commerce arranged two Charter flights to China for employees of German companies, one to Tianjin and one to Shanghai. Sadly I was unable to secure a seat on one of these flights, but last week there was an announcement that further Charter flights are being negotiated, but this time the destination would be Qingdao. My employer has applied for a seat and now I am playing the waiting game. Even if I can secure a seat, it is no guarantee that I can return as the Chinese Authorities have to approve the passenger list, and negative COVID–19 tests must be completed before getting on the flight.

As my home is in Shanghai there is a good chance that I will have to quarantine twice, 14 days on arrival in Qingdao, and then for another 14 days when I eventually arrive in Shanghai. So, even if I was to able to fly home today I would still not see my family for another month! This is something I am prepared to endure because there would be definite light at the end of the tunnel, unlike now. Mentally this situation is proving quite challenging, especially now that the amount of work I can effectively do remotely is beginning to dry up which could also lead to other complications with my predicament.

I am extremely grateful to my friend who has welcomed me into his home for the last few months. As well as providing me a comfortable environment to live in, he has also introduced me to the best COVID–19 lockdown hobby of online Whisky tasting!

Here is my family that I miss so much being so far away:

Wish me luck!

A fitness craze from Germany combining yoga poses while drinking beer is gaining popularity in Asia.

Source: Have you got the bottle for ‘beer yoga’? - BBC News

What can I say other than ‘Sign me up!’?