Here we go again
Here we go again. We’re back into Level 4 Lockdown! It came around hard and fast, and we’ve had no time to prepare. There’s so much uncertainty around when we will actually get out of this, but what is certain is that we won’t be heading back to Level 1 in a hurry. It will be a slow, gradual crawl back to the near-normal lives we’ve previously been living as the vaccine roll-out continues.
With our rose-tinted glasses on, we’ve been living in a country with good control over stamping out the virus and keeping it out. As a result, we’ve been able to carry on enjoying our work, running our businesses, sending our children to school, playing our sports, and travelling our beautiful country without the virus present. But we couldn’t remain immune forever. Delta is now amongst us and panic to get the vaccine prevails.
Along with the fear of been stricken with the virus comes many unanswered questions. When will we be able to return to work? When will we be able to travel again? To be in an open space without having to worry about talking to other people or breathing the same air? How long will this virus be amongst us? What will be next?
Owning and managing a small business during the pandemic has been a real challenge. Like many other small business owners in the hospitality industry, we’ve been focused on keeping as much of our profits and bookings as possible. However, the uncertainty of the situation doesn’t make it easy. We’d love to be able to provide a win-win situation for our guests, but the reality is that rescheduling a booking is somehow not sustainable and the best they can choose is a full refund.
In these trying times, as we lockdown with our loved ones, it’s important we remain positive and look on the bright side. At Te Mata House, spring is on its way. The white tulips in the parterre are starting to flower, the yellow magnolia tree is in full bloom, vine leaves are unravelling, and birdsong is in full chorus. Like in a favourite story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, when the clutches of the evil witch came to an end, spring arrived, and everyone rejoiced. Perhaps the changing garden at Te Mata House is a sign of good things to come.
Let’s hope so. And soon we will be able to share the joys of the spring garden at Te Mata House with our guests.
Kia Kaha
Jacqueline & Giselle xx