Are we there yet? Your second Travel Megathread (threadbans in OP}

IQO · 22-02-2021 1:35pm

caveat emptor wrote: »

Really? According to people's experience on here "it's a breeze". He mustn't have got the bus. I believe that's the solution to avoiding the checkpoints according to people on here. Rookie error.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDik2L9BIaE

22-02-2021 1:41pm

IQO wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDik2L9BIaE

Seems like he’s being arrested for something more than trying to go on holiday. He either abused the Guard or had a packet of hash sitting in his lap. Or something

I was at that checkpoint and it was all very calm and people having a short chat and being waved through

antix80 · 22-02-2021 1:43pm

IQO wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDik2L9BIaE

That's comical.

No evidence this has anything to do with overseas travel restrictions. More likely some dolt with no tax or insurance.

dmcsweeney · 22-02-2021 1:45pm

IQO wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDik2L9BIaE

Another angry man in a people carrier, nothing to see here :pac:

faceman · 22-02-2021 1:45pm

RobitTV wrote: »

Updates from around Europe

https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363283110486507522
https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363284988221915137
https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363289117958799368
https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363290957769297920

Oliver is being disingenuous. Restrictions vary in Spain according to covid rates. It’s not done at national level. There are no bars or restaurants open in the Valencia region or many other regions. Rates vary per region.

As I understand it Italy is the same.

22-02-2021 1:51pm

faceman wrote: »

Oliver is being disingenuous. Restrictions vary in Spain according to covid rates. It’s not done at national level. There are no bars or restaurants open in the Valencia region or many other regions. Rates vary per region.

As I understand it Italy is the same.

And socialising is only one person from one other household in some of these countries. He’s technically correct, but being disingenuous with respect to how he is presenting it

dmcsweeney · 22-02-2021 1:57pm

RobitTV wrote: »

Updates from around Europe

https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363283110486507522
https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363284988221915137
https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363289117958799368
https://twitter.com/ollysmithtravel/status/1363290957769297920

Meanwhile in Ireland, pub opening hours have been extended despite all pubs being closed indefinitely. Next they'll be take breaks for foreign holidays, but none of us will be allowed go.

Tazz T · 22-02-2021 1:57pm

faceman wrote: »

Oliver is being disingenuous. Restrictions vary in Spain according to covid rates. It’s not done at national level. There are no bars or restaurants open in the Valencia region or many other regions. Rates vary per region.

As I understand it Italy is the same.

I think his point has been made though, in terms of Ireland being more restrictive. Retail and hospitality are open in both countries.

22-02-2021 1:59pm

faceman wrote: »

Welcome back to the Comunidad!

The vibe at the moment is that hospitality is really unsure what will reopen next week. El
Presidente doesn’t want to open and to have to close again. He will likely see terraces allowed to open in March at some point and gyms back open too.

Sadly though in my area there are a number of businesses that can’t economically open till capacity increases and some that will never open again. 3 major bar/restaurants in my area are for sale. All would have been highly profitable businesses pre covid.

It struck me around where I am how many vacant units were for sale or lease, and how many others have an interior in a state of disrepair which suggests that there won’t be anyone coming back. It really has taken a hammering. I think there’ll be disappointment if terraces aren’t let open (where they can afford to, as you said)

antix80 · 22-02-2021 2:00pm

faceman wrote: »

Oliver is being disingenuous. Restrictions vary in Spain according to covid rates. It’s not done at national level. There are no bars or restaurants open in the Valencia region or many other regions. Rates vary per region.

As I understand it Italy is the same.

I don't think he's being disingenuous.. But yes, there are region, province and even town-level restrictions in Spain. It's a larger country with a different culture.

Another thing worth mentioning but many countries "hit hardest" incl uk, us, italy, sweden, spain, are likely approaching herd immunity.
By vaccinating the vulnerable, maintaining social distancing, and having a large percent of the population already having had the virus and better able to fight it incl new strains (not to mention immunity for most strains for several months) , the virus will find it harder to spread while the health system will be able to handle hospitalisations.

That's why most countries are being optimistic.

Red Silurian · 22-02-2021 2:14pm

antix80 wrote: »

I don't think he's being disingenuous.. But yes, there are region, province and even town-level restrictions in Spain. It's a larger country with a different culture.

Another thing worth mentioning but many countries "hit hardest" incl uk, us, italy, sweden, spain, are likely approaching herd immunity.
By vaccinating the vulnerable, maintaining social distancing, and having a large percent of the population already having had the virus and better able to fight it incl new strains (not to mention immunity for most strains for several months) , the virus will find it harder to spread while the health system will be able to handle hospitalisations.

That's why most countries are being optimistic.

We tried using county by county restrictions here in Ireland before Christmas, I think it's safe to say it failed miserably, most notable was when pubs opened outside of Dublin but stayed closed in the capital and every dub rushed to other counties for a weekend break and beer without a meal

faceman · 22-02-2021 2:21pm

colmtheperson wrote: »

We tried using county by county restrictions here in Ireland before Christmas, I think it's safe to say it failed miserably, most notable was when pubs opened outside of Dublin but stayed closed in the capital and every dub rushed to other counties for a weekend break and beer without a meal

It wasn’t policed properly in Ireland or enforced. If I try to drive over the border from Valencia to Murcia I’m met with numerous armed police checkpoints.

At weekends I can’t leave my municipality and it’s the same thing.

Red Silurian · 22-02-2021 3:00pm

faceman wrote: »

It wasn’t policed properly in Ireland or enforced. If I try to drive over the border from Valencia to Murcia I’m met with numerous armed police checkpoints.

At weekends I can’t leave my municipality and it’s the same thing.

Proper job

Irish people are looking for excuses to pass the checkpoints, other nations have armed police who don't take S#!t, a good example of this is China, they will arrest you for trying to pass a checkpoint, I don't think they have arrested anybody because everybody complies

Ok China has other problems (many many other problems) but purely from COVID containment measures they're bang on the money at the moment

antix80 · 22-02-2021 3:08pm

colmtheperson wrote: »

Ok China has other problems (many many other problems) but purely from COVID containment measures they're bang on the money at the moment

Yes, the chinese did a great job containing covid...

HeidiHeidi · 22-02-2021 3:12pm

colmtheperson wrote: »

Proper job

Irish people are looking for excuses to pass the checkpoints, other nations have armed police who don't take S#!t, a good example of this is China, they will arrest you for trying to pass a checkpoint, I don't think they have arrested anybody because everybody complies

Ok China has other problems (many many other problems) but purely from COVID containment measures they're bang on the money at the moment

If the gardai so much as put a checkpoint on the N7 for half an hour, the squeals of outrage about violation of human and constitutional rights would be heard in China!

Honestly, the dissonance that goes on in these threads is just mind-boggling.

22-02-2021 3:43pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Greetings from Valencia!

So here now and settled, and very happy that I came. A few people PMd me asking what the airport experience was like, so thought I’d post a general update

Was stopped at the checkpoint on the airport approach, but when said I was moving to Spain and showed a one way ticket, I was waived through. Hardly a rigorous check but, as others have said, the Gardai are good at sniffing out BS. There were no further checks in the airport, landside or airside, and the handful of airport police I saw were just standing around shooting the breeze. PCR test was closely reviewed when checking in.

Have to say that the airport was dead and the flight was practically empty. There is no one travelling, so all those shouting loudly for more restrictions should be reassured that the numbers heading away are tiny.

The situation in Valencia is as expected. Hospitality is takeout only, non-essential retail is open until 6pm, there is a city limit travel restriction over the weekends and a curfew at 10. Masks are worn outside but only when moving around (this is a common misconception, and I double checked with the police). So when sitting reading in the park or lying around on the beach, you don’t need to wear one. There are limits on how many can meet (but have met my friends here already). This is expected to be relaxed on 1 March, as is the takeout only restriction. I would expect that we will be having a beer terrace bottle in March.

It’s warm and sunny (though at 17 degrees actually a little chilly for this time of year). Enjoying the apartment (and the bargains for top quality accommodation are savage), set up to work, and can head to the beach for a daily swim, and up into town no bother.

The mood is very much one of hope and looking forward to the spring and summer with places back to normal and EU and UK tourists. Very different mood music to that in Ireland

I am in a much better mood, not least because of the moving around. It’s the 5km limit in Ireland is the soul destroying thing for me....limiting my access to the beaches and the mountains, which is the main reason I live in Ireland. Cramming people into the local parks, when there is so much space elsewhere seems completely illogical to me. I think that ditching that limit for exercise and recreation would go a long way to improving people’s mood in Ireland

Anyway, all that to say, am very happy to be here, and looking for the warming up and the further relaxation of restrictions

Bar the limit for exercise, this doesn't seem too unlike Ireland?

cpw9802 · 22-02-2021 3:44pm

Do emails/letters from an employer have to be on headed paper and printed when coming into Ireland? or is showing email on phone enough?

Also, can they refuse you entry even with a UK passport and a place to quarantine?

TobyHolmes · 22-02-2021 4:07pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

If the gardai so much as put a checkpoint on the N7 for half an hour, the squeals of outrage about violation of human and constitutional rights would be heard in China!

Honestly, the dissonance that goes on in these threads is just mind-boggling.

dissonance? because people have a different opinion to you? people are entitled to feel and express themselves.

TobyHolmes · 22-02-2021 4:11pm

bubblypop wrote: »

Bar the limit for exercise, this doesn't seem too unlike Ireland?

oh lord - did u read the post or are you being facetious.

the poster is talking about their personal experiences.

maybe in your 5km radius there is sun and sand and ocean and mountains and a 10pm curfew.

in most peoples 5km radius in ireland we have concrete and dog poop OR a fields of cows.

22-02-2021 4:19pm

bubblypop wrote: »

Bar the limit for exercise, this doesn't seem too unlike Ireland?

But for me the limit on travel for exercise and recreation is soul destroying. And IMO completely illogical

There is also an expectation of a faster reopening elsewhere. Rather than this constant pessimism that we have in Ireland. Not even starting on the recent commentary suggesting that nothing is going to even begin to change until May (when according to the leaks of the UK plan to be released later, indoor hospitality will be back up and running)

TobyHolmes · 22-02-2021 4:25pm

Deleted User wrote: »

But for me the limit on travel for exercise and recreation is soul destroying. And IMO completely illogical

There is also an expectation of a faster reopening elsewhere. Rather than this constant pessimism that we have in Ireland. Not even starting on the recent commentary suggesting that nothing is going to even begin to change until May (when according to the leaks of the UK plan to be released later, indoor hospitality will be back up and running)

yes exactly! but dare to confess that and its dissonance or rebellion. this country has been turned upside down.

22-02-2021 4:29pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

But for me the limit on travel for exercise and recreation is soul destroying. And IMO completely illogical

There is also an expectation of a faster reopening elsewhere. Rather than this constant pessimism that we have in Ireland. Not even starting on the recent commentary suggesting that nothing is going to even begin to change until May (when according to the leaks of the UK plan to be released later, indoor hospitality will be back up and running)

I'm not commenting on anything other than it doesn't seem so different?

caveat emptor · 22-02-2021 4:29pm

faceman wrote: »

It wasn’t policed properly in Ireland or enforced. If I try to drive over the border from Valencia to Murcia I’m met with numerous armed police checkpoints.

At weekends I can’t leave my municipality and it’s the same thing.

You'll forgive me for saying but that sounds very draconian even down right scary. What about your EU rights? I'm not sure that would go down well in Ireland. :eek:

TobyHolmes · 22-02-2021 4:32pm

bubblypop wrote: »

I'm not commenting on anything other than it doesn't seem so different?

FOR YOU - it might not be different for you. some people dont mind being cooped up at home and restricted for 5km. thats their personality and lifestyle.

it is hell for other people.

22-02-2021 4:35pm

bubblypop wrote: »

I'm not commenting on anything other than it doesn't seem so different?

Depends how important to you the 5km limit is I guess. For me it’s the biggest restriction by some distance. More than pubs, restaurants and retail being shut. But differences are:

-No distance restriction. Municipality restrictions on weekends
-Non essential retail open
-More expectation of a faster reopening than Ireland
-Better weather (but not much that FF and FG can do about that one)

Add all those together and it feels very very different. Even with the mandatory mask wearing when on the move, and the curfew (which if indoor hospitality is closed, is not a big deal at all)

22-02-2021 4:41pm

TobyHolmes wrote: »

oh lord - did u read the post or are you being facetious.

the poster is talking about their personal experiences.

maybe in your 5km radius there is sun and sand and ocean and mountains and a 10pm curfew.

in most peoples 5km radius in ireland we have concrete and dog poop OR a fields of cows.

I doubt very much that most people in Ireland live in a radius of 5km concrete

TobyHolmes · 22-02-2021 4:43pm

bubblypop wrote: »

I doubt very much that most people in Ireland live in a radius of 5km concrete

what is a city then? u obviously dont live in a city

Irish Aris · 22-02-2021 4:44pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Depends how important to you the 5km limit is I guess. For me it’s the biggest restriction by some distance. More than pubs, restaurants and retail being shut. But differences are:

-No distance restriction. Municipality restrictions on weekends
-Non essential retail open
-More expectation of a faster reopening than Ireland
-Better weather (but not much that FF and FG can do about that one)

Add all those together and it feels very very different. Even with the mandatory mask wearing when on the move, and the curfew (which if indoor hospitality is closed, is not a big deal at all)

Glad to hear your experience Woody, thanks for sharing.
I have a plan similar to yours for the summer. I am from Greece and based on what it is unofficially leaked by the government, it is expected that Greece will reopen at the second half of May (depending of course on cases and pressure in hospitals go down). If that happens I plan to go and stay with my family for the summer - and most likely have proper summer holidays

. I can work remotely and my company/manager will have no issue accommodating me like this.
Here's hoping anyway. Enjoy your time in Spain!

22-02-2021 4:46pm

TobyHolmes wrote: »

FOR YOU - it might not be different for you. some people dont mind being cooped up at home and restricted for 5km. thats their personality and lifestyle.

it is hell for other people.

Relax! I never said I enjoy being cooped up at home, dunno where you're getting that impression. Cant imagine anyone enjoys lockdown.
I'm merely asking someone, who is living in a different country, how exactly it differs. The only big difference I can see is the exercise limit, and non essential retail being open.

It's the same conversation I have with friends from different countries, comparing the differences.

TobyHolmes · 22-02-2021 4:47pm

Irish Aris wrote: »

Glad to hear your experience Woody, thanks for sharing.
I have a plan similar to yours for the summer. I am from Greece and based on what it is unofficially leaked by the government, it is expected that Greece will reopen at the second half of May (depending of course on cases and pressure in hospitals go down). If that happens I plan to go and stay with my family for the summer - and most likely have proper summer holidays . I can work remotely and my company/manager will have no issue accommodating me like this.
Here's hoping anyway. Enjoy your time in Spain!

wow - lucky you - enjoy Greece.

what is your essential reason for travel? is going home to see family an essential reason?

Are we there yet? Your second Travel Megathread (threadbans in OP}

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