In these weird and confronting times, we are all hearing how world travel has been so adversely affected and how popular tourist spots are universally suffering from no visitors, and profits are non-existent.
Here at The Friendly Chat, we aren’t affected very much by the “tourist trade” – after all, suburban bayside Thorneside isn’t exactly a regular ”hot spot” for holiday makers and tourists.
However, we are hurting for the guests we usually accommodate – they are the ones making connections with the heart. They haven’t arrived on our doorstep to see the sights – rather, they have come to connect with families and friends to celebrate events that life bestows on families and communities. They are the families separated by distance, who connect with loved ones by staying at The Friendly Chat because it is local to their needs.
Whilst we are hearing of tourist numbers being drastically down and fun holiday destinations being temporarily unavailable, it is not the fun-seekers we are feeling for – after all, another holiday, another time perhaps.
Instead, it is those family members and friends whose hearts are sore because human connection is not an option at the moment. Experiencing and celebrating life’s ups and downs with a hug, meals and memories shared amid laughter and tears – this human connection is essential for uplifting the human spirit.
So, to those people who are missing sharing a milestone birthday, a family wedding, a bonding time with children and grandchildren, the celebration of a life well-lived, an introduction to a new family member – we send a virtual hug, and look forward to the day when we can once again welcome you here.
Stay safe.
