And so our quarantine come to an end … and for all those who think that it is easier because I have done it before, I can tell you it isn’t!

But it has been fascinating to see the difference in quarantining between Hong Kong and Japan. I think that in Hong Kong the assumption is that you will cheat, so there are copious instructions, a traceable wrist band that is put on at the airport and numerous checks – asking you to scan your wristband, phone calls & even visits. These are all random so you are never sure when or indeed if the authorities will check. Since we quarantined in July, procedures are now even tighter.

Here in Japan the conditions of quarantine are implicit rather than explicit, with the belief that everyone will be a responsible citizen and do their best. You are allowed to leave your residence/hotel in an emergency … and that means buying food. We used deliveries from Amazon Fresh; we could manage to navigate their site and enjoyed fresh foods that I cooked. The kitchen is well equipped – but without chopsticks!!

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Apart from the days when I was smitten with a migraine, I walked 10,000 steps each day ….. imagine how many laps of that central area at 60 steps per lap. Thank goodness for podcasts!

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The block comprises 14 floors of hotel and 4 floors of self contained apartments with their own specific lift at the side of the building. In all the times I walked around the landing I saw two people – I made sure that I stayed away from them.

Cabin fever set in with days 10-13 seeming tough. So bad that I resorted to making some Christmas decorations with the only craft materials to hand.

Let me introduce you to my mask-erade angels, now happily suspended from a light fitting.