Start spreading the news ... I'm leaving today.
One day, folks, when the vaccine strollout finally gathers pace and the anti-vaxxer fearmongers lose the race, we shall travel again.
We'll get out the suitcase and get on a plane, we'll fly across the seas and stimulate our brains.
We'll get away from lockdown blues, we'll be free again to take a cruise.
But until then, perhaps we could take a leaf out of the book of the golden oldies at Regis Elermore Vale, who have been virtually visiting some impressive destinations.
They've been to Italy, England and, most recently, the Philippines.
The destinations are chosen based on the backgrounds of the residents and staff at Regis. This builds connections between people and understanding of culture.
We hear the residents have been enjoying the immersive experience of a monthly armchair travel event from their cinema room. They even have window seats.
It's kinda like flying first class, although we're not too sure if champagne and strawberries are on the menu.
One good thing, though: no jet lag.
Next Generation
Have you heard of the Young Mannheim Symphonists?
If you draw a blank when you hear the word Mannheim, we can tell you it's actually a German city [not that American city with Disneyland - that would be Anaheim!]
Turns out Mannheim was a musical hot-spot in the 18th century.
Mozart spent the winter of 1777-78 in Mannheim. His Haffner Symphony apparently contains many influences from his time there.
Haydn, too, embraced a number of techniques from the Mannheim scene.
Anyhow, the Young Mannheim Symphonists will perform in Newcastle next month on a concert tour titled Emerge.
The young group is mentored by world-class musicians with the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra.
"It is such a thrill for us to be mentoring these brilliant young musicians," co-artistic director Nicole van Bruggen said.
She added that "many outstanding students" had come through the program.
Co-artistic director Rachael Beesley said it was exciting to see "this next generation of musicians emerging".
The music for the concert focuses on the "enormous stylistic shift that occurred in the second half of the 18th century when composers such as Haydn and Mozart were moving away from the strict formality of the Baroque era".
They created a "more melodic, expressionistic style".
The concert is on Thursday, August 12 at 7.30pm at Newcastle City Hall. Bookings at arco.org.au/emerge.
Joke of the Day
I keep sneezing and singing Sinatra songs. I must have the crooner virus.
