This is not a post I thought I’d be writing, nor is it a situation I thought I’d find myself in, but here I am. Back in Norway, that is, in a government-mandated fourteen-day home quarantine. It all feels so surreal, as I’m sure things do for most of you reading this, because life as we know it is simply no more. And that’s a shockingly eerie truth to come to terms with.
My emotions have been all over the map the past few days, both literally and figuratively. First the decision to leave Cape Town, which came with a very heavy heart. Then the transit through Istanbul, essentially a race against time as news of flight cancellations and border closures broke out. And finally the homecoming to Oslo, accompanied by an inexplicable sense of relief to be back on my home turf, amid this coronavirus madness.
Norway’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic escalated quickly. From one day to the next, quarantine was enforced for some, isolation was imposed on others, social distancing was encouraged for all, and working from home was recommended where possible. Moreover, businesses and services in the hospitality industry were banned, cultural and sporting events were cancelled, gyms and swimming pools were prohibited, and educational institutions were shut down. Yet in spite of these restrictions, and much to my family’s dismay, I did consider staying put.
Life in Cape Town was normal, so much so that I saw my mom’s messages as nothing more than the words of a worried parent who wished her daughter home. Cafés were bustling with people, as were beaches and markets, not to mention saving water still takes priority over hand washing in South Africa. My German roommate Jonathan even said his family considered him lucky to be away from Europe’s coronavirus crisis, seeing no reason to enter the epicentre of the pandemic. My decision to return, however, boiled down to the unknowns… oh so many questions with hardly any answers.
What will Cape Town look like in the coming times? How will the government and health professionals treat tourists if South Africa seals its borders and local hospitals reach capacity? What will I do if my work dries up and my income plummets, seeing as most of my blog posts and freelance articles relate to travel? How will I get home if my family needs me, and how can they reach me if I need them? While pondering these questions and more, Norway’s prime minister warned of a nationwide lockdown and health authorities urged all Norwegians abroad to return home as soon as possible – decision made.
There’s no telling what the next days, weeks, months (even years) will look like – in Africa, in Europe… across the world – and I’m only now beginning to comprehend the severity of the situation – along with everyone else, it seems. So today I’m just thankful to be stuck inside my country, rather than outside thereof. My mom’s working from home in the next room, the dog’s sleeping soundly at my feet, my brother’s quarantined right next door, and that mischievous cat of ours is driving us all up the wall – I wouldn’t have it any other way.
With ♡, Julia Elizabeth
This comment comes quite after a month. Yes the situation has escalated all over the world; may be things will get better, when we do not know yet. But I do hope you are keeping safe and having a quiet time at home 🙂 Hope is all we have.
Author
Thank you for your comment and well wishes. I’ve hunkered down at our mountain cabin since writing this post and am making the most of my time here! I hope you too are staying safe and well at home ☺️
I know I’m a little late seeing this post, but I’m so glad you were able to get back home to your family! Take care,
Debra (and Foster and Panda)🐱🐼
Author
Aw thank you Debra!! (And Foster & Panda 🤗) That’s so sweet of you. I hope you and your family are safe and well xo
These are indeed testing time for all, but we’ll soon get through it. Don’t worry much it will possibly vanish all of a sudden by the end of April. We must try our best to control it till then, and learn to pay reverence to nature. 😊
Author
Yes nature has been my saving grace this past week… times like these sure make you appreciate the little things. Sending much love 🤍
Julia,
I read this today and it was like reading of my own experiences over this past week. I have been tested but do not have the results back yet. I am self quarantined at home. I hope that you have gotten medical help of some sort. I’m sure that is hard to achieve right now. Have you been able to get tested?
Author
Hi Monica, I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Norway’s approach is to test only when necessary – those who have returned from abroad or have mild symptoms are told to stay at home, both to limit the spread of the virus and to make hospitals available to those who need them most. I am feeling perfectly healthy and am therefore making the most of my home quarantine ☺️
Things escalated quickly in Canada too. One min they were asking us to wash our hands more and the next everything was closed. Schools et al. It’s been interesting!
Author
I’ve been following Canada closely, as I have lots of family and friends there. Certainly an interesting time for all of us, just have to take things one day at a time.
That sounds like a difficult decision, and it’s one I’m still in the process of making! I’m working as a teacher in Thailand, and although things here seem very chilled on the outside, I know a lot of people are scared. I’m supposed to fly home on the 1st April to the UK, but I have no idea if the borders will close sooner; and what will happen if either the UK or Thailand goes on lock down. But, it sounds like you’ve got what you need at home, and I can’t wait to have the same thing in the coming weeks.
Author
Thanks for chiming in, Janet! I would think it’s only a matter of time before schools close in Thailand as well. My roommate in Cape Town was doing a teaching internship and has just informed me that his school is closing, he’s hoping to make it back to Germany tomorrow. Whenever you decide to go, I wish you a very safe homeward journey. Keep in touch, okay? Sending you a big hug. Xo, Julia
Welcome home. It’s clearly going to be a challenging time for everyone. Just had a thought – maybe you could still do some online stuff – like interviews or whatever with people in other countries. It might fill a gap…? (I’m not necessarily offering myself of course – it was just an idea!)
Author
Thanks Michael! I am still working online – have some articles commissioned and long-term projects in the works. Never know when that could change, however, so I will keep your idea in mind – it’s much appreciated ☺️ I hope you’re holding up okay!