Fingers crossed

There’s always a sense of anticipation on Lanzarote in May. Finally, we can almost feel and touch summer and all the joy and excitement associated with it. This year, however, that sense of expectation is mingled with uncertainty, as an entire island crosses its fingers in the hope that finally, at long last, we can share the beauty with thousands.

Sharing has been an essential way of getting through this miserable pandemic. Social media has been full of posts reminding Lanzarote lovers near and far that this island is as glorious as it has always been, and the sense of love and longing to return has been immense.

There’s still a way to go, of course. It’ll be a while before the “new normal” feels anything like the old one, and Lanzarote and the Canaries will have a lot of work to do picking up the pieces that have been shattered and scattered over the last year, but with vaccination programmes now in full swing, eagerness to re-establish flights and, above all, responsible attitudes visible everywhere, we can fan that flame of hope into something that burns bright.

As for those responsible attitudes, the other day I was moved to see some local teenagers sitting on a beach with friends – all of them carefully distanced. I’ve also heard reports from teachers about how brilliantly kids of all ages have adapted to the restrictions in schools.

I can’t even imagine how I’d have dealt with this pandemic at the age of 18, when my life was all about meeting new people, dancing, laughing, spending half my life in someone else’s bedroom and only going home when I had to.

So next month we’ll be looking at the effect that the pandemic has had on young people. If you’d like to contribute, get in touch.

Enjoy May and enjoy the mag, Shaun.