No One But Ourselves to Blame

I can't say that it comes as a surprise.

For years, we've followed protocols and even gone beyond the rules. And I know what many may be thinking, for I've thought the same, myself.

Serves us right.

What did we expect?

No sympathy.

When I go out in public, I've always kept my distance or have worn a mask, or have done both. I've avoided crowded venues and have chosen restaurants where I can sit outside to dine. I've worn a mask in situations where it seemed like I was the only one who was doing so, no matter the looks I've received.

For Portugal, DW and I wore a mask on the plane to Lisbon. We wore a mask on the train to Porto. If we were in a store, we masked up.

There are no longer any restrictions for wearing a mask, anywhere in Portugal, but we'd wear one if we got into an Uber or in other confined spaces.

Most of the time.

We didn't wear a mask when we took the self-guided tour of Taylor's Estates, but we were far from other people, and there were high ceilings and plenty of ventilation around the lines of casks and bins.

We didn't wear a mask when we arrived at our guest house in Lagos and met with the staff and owners.

We didn't wear a mask when we followed lines through churches, palaces, and other tourist attractions.

And in the greatest risk of all, at a Fado bar in Bairro Alto, we didn't wear a mask while we were crammed next to people, listening to talented singers.

When we were outside, in poor weather in Sintra, I was convinced that I would pick up a cold. And sure enough, when my sinuses started acting up and I started coughing as we made our way to the Lisbon airport, I was convinced it was the beginning of the cold.

Nope: it's COVID.

We're isolating at home and getting a lot of rest. Kid 1, who picked us up from the train station, had a bit of exposure, though DW and I wore masks in the car because we didn't want to pass on a cold. But I did remove my mask in the house, I gave her a hug, and we sat next to each other while I showed her some of my photos.

DW and I are now keeping our distance from her and we're all wearing masks when we leave our bedrooms.

I know what you're thinking. Serves us right for not wearing masks all the time. And you're right. I stopped doing what I've been doing for more than two and a half years. I was irresponsible and as a result, I could pass the virus on to someone else.

We have no one but ourselves to blame. But with any luck, we haven't passed it on to anyone else. If that's the case, it's a small price to pay for the positive experience of our trip.