So, as we go to press, the green shoots of recovery towards normality (or whatever constitutes normality in a post-Covid world) are starting to show (see our cover story on page 1 of the June issue of ITIJ).

Shops, bars and restaurants are starting to reopen around the world, and international and domestic flights are starting to be rescheduled. Which is what’s worrying me (the flights). I mean, I know lots of people have some fears about boarding a sealed container (sorry, aircraft) with wings with a whole load of strangers. You don’t know where they’ve been and what they might have, and indeed what they might give you (why do I hear my Mum’s words echoing in my ears like I’m six years old again?).

But no, no worries there. No, what worries me most is the cabin crew.

With a lifelong dread of all things scary (horror movies, the dark, Halloween, talking rag dolls on children’s TV, etc.), the appearance of the crew on my first international flight is going to scare the crap out of me.

Being greeted by a (male) steward with a face mask, rubber gloves and a home haircut (skinhead) that makes them look either like a serial killer escapee from a lunatic asylum, or the longer, uncut version, which is reminiscent of Freddie Kruger, is not my idea of fun.

And if the Captain looks anything like the steward, it’s the escape hatch and the thousands of dollars fine for me.

Hey, we all have our little foibles, right?