Trying To Get Home

Tired, emotional but relieved to be in Hong Kong (HK).⁣

As of 25th March, HK will refuse entry to ALL foreigners including those visiting for connecting flights. Our airline, Cathay Pacific stated on their website that if we didn’t have flights departing from HK before midnight on the 24th we would be stopped from boarding the plane at Vietnam. Our departure is 01:10 on the 25th. ⁣

Worried, we called Stew’s mum who phoned the airline to ask if this was correct. They reiterated that if we booked we’d be refused board at Vietnam. ⁣

Against their “better” judgement we followed our gut and booked the flight. ⁣

Other websites shared a different narrative stating you could arrive in HK before the 25th and made no mention of departure flights. The cost of the flights was a risky £1500; we took a leap of faith on our gut instinct.⁣

There were 5 flights going to the UK on the 25th. It didn’t make sense to have all those flights if you couldn’t travel to HK. Our feeling was if we could get to HK they’d make sure we got home somehow!⁣

I didn’t sleep for worry last night – I managed 2 hours, if that. I don’t get anxious – ever, but for the last two days I’ve had a huge knot in my stomach. I’ve felt very unsettled, agitated, suppressed appetite, a little nauseous and a reactive digestive system! I hope I never forget the feeling physically and mentally because I’ve always felt a little inconsiderate to the anxieties of others. It’s difficult to be truly empathetic if you haven’t had at least a taste of it for yourself.⁣

My anxieties decreased as we met Brits in the same boat. The airline was also helpful. We had 90kg of luggage and only only 60kg of hold luggage. They wanted $700+ to put it all in the hold. ⁣

With some negotiations and good staff we managed to get 70kg in the hold for free but now we’re dragging 20kg of stuff around the airport. ⁣

On the up side we have our sleeping bags, airbeds and tent with us in the depatures lounge so we can build a camp!⁣

It’s 3pm now and our flight departs at 1am. It’s going to be a long day in departures, but it is what it is.⁣

At least we have each other.