Ivo Lejeune from Maastricht has not seen his 2-year-old grandson since the beginning of 2020. Because Australia opens its borders again, Grandpa Ivo can hug his grandchild again on Saturday evening.
It was still exciting when 61-year-old Lejeune had to do his corona test. A negative result was a condition for the trip, but around midnight the redeeming message came. The Maastricht resident is allowed to fly to Australia, to finally see his daughter and grandchild again in Melbourne. “I can’t wait,” Lejeune responds.
tear away
Due to the strict corona measures in Australia, it was impossible to visit his grandchild earlier. “I had a lot of trouble with that,” says Lejeune. “I have shed a tear in the last few days when I saw that the first people were admitted to Australia.”
carnival scarf
The last hours before departure he is mainly busy collecting the special wishes. “I have a carnival scarf in the suitcase. I myself always dressed as Pope. A cap from Max Verstappen of course, sprinkles, and a package of tobacco for my son-in-law. That costs 70 euros per package in Australia, so I can only have one take.”