Hello, I am back after a short break in Stockholm, our first foreign trip since before Brexit. What a pleasure to spend some time in a beautiful, calm, balanced, friendly country. It is good for the soul to see other places.
The obvious health of the vast majority of people was amazing to see, running tracks, outdoor gyms, kayaking and rowing, almost everywhere you looked. Lovely scenery and a city that really works.
My wife loved it so much she said that she could seriously consider retiring to Sweden. at which point I had to remind we can’t.
We could have 2 years ago and anytime before that but not now.
The continent is not lost to us, but it is further away, less welcoming, harder to stay in and only really available for the rich, when it used to be available to everyone.
What a loss.
On top of all the economic damage, the lies, the farcical pretence of being a world power, becoming a laughing stock.
On top of all that we have lost a continent that was, should have been and is our natural home.
For what? Just for little England.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
I think that's a slight over reaction. Other than having the inconvenience taking my dog to Europe I have not expereinced any other significant problems travelling.
I find my encounters with other Europeans (of which we still are European) still welcoming, and while some view our government poorly, with the exclusion of our support to the Ukraine, they still are warm, enjoy UK culture and see much positive things coming out of the UK.