An extremely apologetic post
posted by Neil Gaiman
So. I did something stupid. I'm really sorry.
The last blog I wrote, about how I had been here for almost three weeks, turned into news - and not in a good way. Man Flies 12000 Miles to Defy Lockdown sort of news. And I've managed to mess things up in Skye, which is the place I love most in the world.
So, to answer the questions I'm being asked most often right now:
What were you thinking? Why come back to the UK?
Because like so many other people, my homelife and work had been turned upside-down by the COVID-19 lockdowns. I was panicked, more than a little overwhelmed and stuck in New Zealand. I went to the UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice), trying to figure out what to do, and read:
I've been living in the UK since 2017, and all of my upcoming work is here - so 'you are strongly advised to return now' looked like most important message. I waited until New Zealand was done with its strict lockdown, and took the first flight out. (And yes, the flights and airports were socially distanced, and, for the most part, deserted.)
Why go to Skye? Why not go somewhere else?
When I landed the whole of the UK was under lockdown rules. I drove directly to my home in the UK, which is on Skye. I came straight here, and I've been in isolation here ever since.
What were you THINKING?
I wasn't, not clearly. I just wanted to go home.
Would you leave New Zealand again, knowing what you know now?
I got to chat to some local police officers yesterday, who said all things considered I should have stayed where I was safe in New Zealand, and I agreed that yes, all things considered, I should. Mostly they wanted to be sure I was all right, and had been isolating, and that I would keep isolating here until the lockdown ends, and to make sure I knew the rules. Like all the locals who have reached out to me, they've been astonishingly kind.
Since I got here Skye has had its own tragic COVID outbreak ��� ten deaths in a local care home. It's not set up to handle things like this, and all the local resources are needed to look after the local community. So, yes. I made a mistake. Don't do what I did. Don't come to the Highlands and Islands unless you have to.
I want to apologize to everyone on the island for creating such a fuss. I also want to thank and apologise to the local police, who had better things to do than check up on me. I'm sure I've done sillier things in my life, but this is the most foolish thing I've done in quite a while.
Labels: apologies
So. I did something stupid. I'm really sorry.
The last blog I wrote, about how I had been here for almost three weeks, turned into news - and not in a good way. Man Flies 12000 Miles to Defy Lockdown sort of news. And I've managed to mess things up in Skye, which is the place I love most in the world.
So, to answer the questions I'm being asked most often right now:
What were you thinking? Why come back to the UK?
Because like so many other people, my homelife and work had been turned upside-down by the COVID-19 lockdowns. I was panicked, more than a little overwhelmed and stuck in New Zealand. I went to the UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice), trying to figure out what to do, and read:
I've been living in the UK since 2017, and all of my upcoming work is here - so 'you are strongly advised to return now' looked like most important message. I waited until New Zealand was done with its strict lockdown, and took the first flight out. (And yes, the flights and airports were socially distanced, and, for the most part, deserted.)Why go to Skye? Why not go somewhere else?
When I landed the whole of the UK was under lockdown rules. I drove directly to my home in the UK, which is on Skye. I came straight here, and I've been in isolation here ever since.
What were you THINKING?
I wasn't, not clearly. I just wanted to go home.
Would you leave New Zealand again, knowing what you know now?
I got to chat to some local police officers yesterday, who said all things considered I should have stayed where I was safe in New Zealand, and I agreed that yes, all things considered, I should. Mostly they wanted to be sure I was all right, and had been isolating, and that I would keep isolating here until the lockdown ends, and to make sure I knew the rules. Like all the locals who have reached out to me, they've been astonishingly kind.
Since I got here Skye has had its own tragic COVID outbreak ��� ten deaths in a local care home. It's not set up to handle things like this, and all the local resources are needed to look after the local community. So, yes. I made a mistake. Don't do what I did. Don't come to the Highlands and Islands unless you have to.
I want to apologize to everyone on the island for creating such a fuss. I also want to thank and apologise to the local police, who had better things to do than check up on me. I'm sure I've done sillier things in my life, but this is the most foolish thing I've done in quite a while.
Labels: apologies
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Honestly, ignore whatever mean things people (and the media) are saying about you. The messages from the government in the UK are confusing and we understand that you never wanted to put anyone at risk or do anything stupid. I would've probably done what you did - I just wouldn't show up in the news because I'm not famous. Just move on and keep yourself and others safe. <3
Neil - your honesty and humanness are what make you so very special. What other author sneaks into airport stores and signs books?! You are amazing. Love your work.
After all is said and done, the deed is finished, and while you may not be happy with it, at least the way in which you did it (i.e. prudently and with eminent precaution) was laudable. After all, there is the socially-responsible way to travel, and then there is the public-health-flaunting-beach-goers-in-Florida way to travel. And you are most certainly not the latter. I hope you find some peace.
Nora wrote: "Neil - your honesty and humanness are what make you so very special. What other author sneaks into airport stores and signs books?! You are amazing. Love your work."Actually, Nora, I know one! My hubbie does -or did- it for bookstores as well, and it gave him joy. Finding a bit of that is so rare and precious just now.
And ditto to what you said to Neil!
Thank you for your sincerity and kindness. Wish I could give you a hug.
Please cut yourself some slack. Consider how confused the messages are that we in the U.S. are getting from Trump, his various "advisors", the CDC, and people who are actually experts! I love your work, and the MasterClass you present. Thanks for writing and being yourself. (My family visited the Highlands and Skye a few years ago, and we were entranced with the place and the people.)
We don't know when this will end. Being away from home for months is enough to make anyone homesick, let alone the isolation a lockdown brings. I'm glad you're home safe. Yes, perhaps it's dangerous to your health to travel but you've done so in the safest way possible from one of the safest places on earth currently. To be honest, the risk of remaining in a high stress situation on foreign soil may have been worse than coming promptly home and isolating. As a writer your mind is your greatest gift (or at least one of many :) ), as myself and others have gone through our own mental breakdowns throughout this - I feel you did the right thing. I hope the best for you. It's hard to be away from the comforts of normal life, and for now I'm glad you have the comfort of home to suffice.P.S. local traffic is allowed to return home currently (SO YOU DID NOTHING WRONG) and fuck fear-predatory media.
You used all reasonable precautions. I live in the U.S. where crowds of gun-waving idiots are protesting health and safety guidelines. You did nothing wrong and nothing even newsworthy. The media is just desperate for any new angle. I'm glad you're safe and hope Amanda and Ash are well.
BC wrote: "Nora wrote: "Neil - your honesty and humanness are what make you so very special. What other author sneaks into airport stores and signs books?! You are amazing. Love your work."Actually, Nora, I..."
That is fantastic!
Eh, you were going home. Pretty sure that's essential travel.
In the grand scheme, when we have Britain's leader boasting about shaking everyone's hand in a hospital which had Covid-19 and the US' leader recommending mainlining disinfectant, there are far worse decisions being made by far more influential people.
You were advised to go home. You went home. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going home and isolating. People are just being so very people about it. Take a few deep breaths and breathe out the drama of others. I would have done the same thing after reading that!
What everyone else said. You did everything possible to travel safely and to keep yourself and others safe in your travels. I wish people here in the USA were being as cautious and caring about others as you were. Sadly a national "rights' madness has overtaken us and because of those who refuse to mask or take adequate precautions, the rest of us must stay holed up readimg your books. At least we have that. Best to you and the family. Stay safe.
I was in Italy when the virus broke out there and took a flight back home (also isolated afterwards). It's very understandable -- who doesn't want to be at home during these times? I don't know what the media is saying but you shouldn't feel ashamed about it. This is a new and difficult situation for everyone. The best thing to do is to be cautious, wash hands, and social-distance. We will get through this!
This message is absolutely lovely, you have such a good heart. I’m so sorry if you’re feeling persecuted for your decision. Ignore the nay-sayers, there will always be those out there all too happy to point fingers. This whole thing has been confusing for everyone; wanting to be home is absolutely normal. And remember - this too shall pass.
Amanda wrote: "Honestly, it's okay. I think everyone is a bit over-excited at the moment, not least the media. I think also that the media are scrabbling around for stories to deflect attention away from the actu..."I want to echo ALL of this post. You've had a lot going on - we all have - and you made what felt like the best decision available to you at the time. COVID has created a lot of "no win" scenarios in our personal lives, where every choice available to us has drawbacks.
I appreciate hearing your voice, and I appreciate your apology. Personally, you're more than forgiven. As Amanda points out, there's a much bigger story sitting in the middle of this one with care homes. Maybe this post will become news and bring more light to that. We can hope.
Your apology is commendable and says a lot about who you are. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, we need to pay attention to that. Compassion for mental health is greatly needed. Your need to be home your need to be safe is understandable given where the world is today. We also need self compassion and all I see in other peoples responses is empathy and that makes me happy. Because that’s something else we need in this world. So I guess I would say I’m sorry you got hurt by the medias reaction. So give yourself a little self compassion, and thank you for the lesson in humility. We’re all going to need that to get to this.
I can understand you wanting to go home. Home is where we all want to return to in dark days and uncertain times. I think a lot of people would have done the same. I am from the UK but my husband and children are Australian and our life is here, even if my heart's home isn't. So we came back from the UK to Australia and have been here since - all plans silenced by Covid. You have apologised and I think you can let it all go now. You are isolating yourself, you followed the travel rules and you had better reasons than most to return to your home. Be present, stay safe, give back where you can and be thankful that you are back in your heartland once more.
If you still feel bad after all that - then make it up to us by sharing some more of your incredible writing. We need our stories now more than ever and you are a word magician.
Kat
Most people around the world went home or tried to, and it's a normal human reaction when all the media announces an imminent global disaster. You have nothing to apologise for...
Wow, I totally expected something way worse. As usual, your setup drew me in immediately and made me think "Oh my God what happened?" Even your apologies are suspenseful! This isn't ending anytime soon. My daughter was stuck in France in March and we were panicked to get her home safe. Essential travel like this is way more safer now with all the measures put in place.
Glad your home and safe!
I'm sure there are thousands of people have traveled home but being a celebrity you get singled out. We will all be okay, even you.
You did not do anything wrong. You have the right to come back to your homeland during lockdown. As long as you don't interact dangerously with people, nobody can blame you. You have harmed no one by driving to Skye, the only risk was for you because flying is tricky, even with distancing measures (I'm pretty sure I contracted Covid in the airport myself, but that was before lockdown).You don't owe anyone an explanation, and a sly part of my brain can't help thinking this situation is not bad for writers, actually...
giant pandemic hug to you, dear Mr. Gaiman. I 100% understand wanting to be home and wanting to be amid the beauty and familiarity of Skye. Even if you were somewhere lovely like NZ. Be good to you. xoxo
You are just following the government advice and didn't do anything to flaunt the rules of lockdown in either country. If people shouldn't be flying at all then all commercial flights should be stopped, but they haven't been. I think the only reason why people should be very upset would be if you did something like this whilst being symptomatic or having been exposed to anyone with symptoms. Since that clearly isn't the case, you really haven't done anything wrong.PS... Keep up the good work! I'm always excited for another Neil Gaiman book!
Thank you for the honesty and the apology ❤️ I think in desperate times it can be hard to think clearly- but you acknowledged your mistake and that’s what counts! Keep safe!
I don't think you should be apologizing for going home when you took every necessary cautionary measure. If it was possible for you to fly home then it can't be that big a risk. Somebody just got envious and made it into a big deal.
This is the reason they have these repatriation flights out of New Zealand. I’ve had a few friends who were holidaying here do the same thing. Same as I’ve had friends from overseas come home to New Zealand. You couldn’t have flown from a safer place. We only have 27 cases here right now, unfortunately in a rest home cluster too. You weren’t coming from a hot spot and you had been isolating. There are literally people out there protesting social distancing right now. You weren’t being a dick, you just wanted to get home.
It's got to be so hard to try and make decisions like this when the whole world is watching. The fact that you can admit a mistake and care so much about the effect it had on your neighbors is the mark of a wonderful person. It's how we act when we make a mistake that shows who we really are more than how we act when everything is going perfectly.
Neil, until this post, I hadn't known, but try to go easier on yourself. You're human and this pandemic is a "new" and extraordinarily surreal and stressful thing to deal with. Going home seemed the reasonable thing to do..and of course it's where you prefer to be. Whatever "trouble" you caused, likely you feel worse than those you feel you put out. Just glad you're well and pray you stay that way :)
Sometimes our decisions may not be the best ones but it leads us to the path that we may not have known that we needed. Take care.
There's no evidence that packaging can spread the virus, so as long as you are washing your hands regularly (especially after handling things that have just arrived to your home from the outside world), you and your family should be fine. I wish the best for you and hope you stay safe and healthy.