or: Other shoes would have made this a bit more of an occasion

I have just worn shoes for the first time since 19 March. 

They were flip flops so I’m using the term “shoes” very loosely. They were also the last shoes I wore too so it seems fitting. 

And with these, I took my first steps outside the house since the same date. 

They felt weird.

I felt weird.

I don’t know whether I was breaking the law or not at this point as it’s a little unclear to me. I was wearing a face mask and was appropriately attired however I’m not sure if I’m actually allowed out.

Our curfew has been extended until 1 June yet from 15 May some people in certain industries are allowed to work (they need to have an electronic permit).

Gatherings of no more than four people are also allowed, or so I’ve been told, as long as social distancing and all other precautions are maintained.

There were two of us in the car, we went for a drive along the beach and to Triolet, a local village. 

It was eerily quiet and I could picture tumbleweed rolling along the street. I’m normally hesitant to drive in this area because I find the traffic is unpredictable, people don’t tend to indicate and motorcyclists and pedestrians seem to have no regard for their own lives. 

Today was different.

They have enough regard to all be inside and those who were out, most were wearing masks although some of them weren’t covering their noses.

The shopping according to your last name continues and still remains at a 30 minute limit.

Where does this leave a drive in the car?

There were also people playing soccer and I know for sure this isn’t allowed though I think they are allowed to train but they can’t have a game. How do they tell the difference?

We passed some police and weren’t stopped and I know our car has been stopped numerous times before 15 May to check the people in it were out on their correct day and what they were out for if it wasn’t.

I’m not one to break rules usually and lean toward being quite pedantic during a pandemic or similar emergency so it was with some hesitation that I agreed to a drive in the first place.

I’m pleased I did.

No-one was endangered and after so long being in the house, it was nice to see the sun from another perspective.

Next step, going for a run. 

Not sure if this is allowed yet either!

I think I’m back inside now until 1 June…

Or maybe I’m going for a run.

And that will be in weird shoes!

Thanks to Hunters & Collectors for the title to this post.