You are better off in the TRNC

I’VE been following the current pandemic situation in North Cyprus via the internet and from my parents who have lived there for many years.

The way the TRNC government has handled the Corona virus has been amazing. They acted fast and effectively, and it’s a credit to all there that adhered to the lockdown measures that the country has now finally come out the other side.

I visit my parents regularly and was obviously worried about them at the outset, but hearing from them the way it was handled is a very different situation to what we are facing here in the UK.

I live in a one bedroom flat, with unfortunately no access to a garden. There is a small grass area close by where I can walk my little dog and a local shop where I can get necessities, but that’s the extent of my contact with the outside world. The boredom is overwhelming, and stifling for people like me who are locked down alone. My employers are happy for me to work from home — but I long to get back to the office just to chat with my colleagues!

When I think of my parents living in North Cyprus and hear of the freedom they have now, with the ability to do such simple things like take a walk in the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful scenery and Kyrenia harbour, which is one of my favourite places in the world, take a dip in the sea, or just enjoy a small picnic, I’m green with envy. I know that a lot of people complain about some of the red tape and bureaucracy there, but the grass is definitely greener on your side of the fence right now.

Hopefully some level of normality will return to the UK soon so I can get a flight, but for now I can only dream!