Every single tv channel, news headline, internet article, and even every meme that we see right now is about the Corona Virus. “Breaking News”, “State of Emergency”, “Pandemic”, “Global Outbreak”. In a society that feeds on outrage culture, we are gobbling this up and going to the extreme.
I am by no means belittling the severity of the situation, but there are certainly people who are looking for any reason to stock up their doomsday bunkers. As I’ve travelled during this mess, I have seen people wearing face masks and gloves as if they’re fashion accessories (having them wrapped around their neck or touching their face with gloves on). Everyone has an opinion on what to do, and everyone has a critique of what is being done.
Regardless of what’s right or wrong, this is clearly a difficult situation. Fact or fiction, fear is growing and that’s all you need to start a global emergency.
Just 3 days ago, I figured I could avoid the worst countries and adjust my trip as I went along. As we’ve seen, things are rapidly escalating . I can no longer get away with avoidance. Restaurants, historic sights, and borders all together are closing. Countries are not allowing people to cross borders from the top 15 countries (including France and Spain). In other words, my trip is down the freaking drain.
It sucks. But I’m not upset. I took a chance and it didn’t work out. I will have more opportunities to travel and besides the flight home, it is of no real cost to me to postpone the rest of my trip. I am currently in Portugal, which as of right now, is fairly safe from COVID-19. The biggest thing I am watching is border restrictions from Canada. As long as I am allowed to fly home, I will finish my travel through Portugal and then fly home… 90 days early :(
It’s hard, but as this is growing, it has become pretty easy to make a decision. I can see the bigger picture and I am thankful for the time I have spent travelling thus far. It has been an extremely unique situation and I have had a very rare opportunity for photography with the empty streets and historic sights.
It is hard to uncover the right information to listen to. As any other breaking news topics, there are extremes on the spectrum and the extremists always have the loudest voices online. I hope that people can put on their thinking hats and read the overflowing information and click-bait articles with a strong filter.
I will likely have to go into a 14-day quarantine when I come home, and I am already brainstorming how to make that time the most productive I can. For those who are currently in quarantine or self-isolation, I recommend you doing the same. Order all those books on your book list, take an online course, ‘Marie Kondo’ your house, or pick up a hobby. BUT FOR GOD’S SAKE do not waste all of your time on Netflix. Seize the opportunity to get things done!
I appreciate everyone reaching out about my well-being and I will keep you posted.
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” - Robert H Schuller
Comments