It has been a year since the current global pandemic began. It feels solemn. It feels surreal. It feels unbelievable. I will never forget learning of COVID-19 in early January. I consistently "kept tabs" on what was occurring via the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). I often pondered, "Will this be temporary?" Well, a year later we are still in the thralls of the pandemic. There is also bright and encouraging news to include vaccine development and distribution paired with decreased hospitalizations.

There is no simple and easy way to characterize the experience of living in Europe during a pandemic. Words often come to mind and include the following: isolating, challenging, freeing, traumatic, uneasy, and uncertain. I am sure these are the same words many across the world can identify with. In February 2020, there was a realization life as I have known it was about to change. 

As I boarded a bus to attend a European robotics competition, life was normal especially in the world of student sports and activities. As we neared the end of the competition, I will never forget hearing of the cancellation of the international robotics competition in Japan.  Fear and curiosity gripped me. Fear was due to my wondering whether the pathogen was already present in Germany not to mention the various international teams present at the competition. Curiosity in how fast the virus was spreading in areas across Asia. This must be serious. Intuitively I knew "normal" will change and possibly in a drastic way. 

In the following weeks leading into March, my previous home of Northern Italy began shutting down extensively. Empty streets. Stay-at-home orders. Closed schools. Many colleagues and friends were experiencing this as the borders between Italy and bordering countries closed.  On a weekend in February, I visited a spa I frequented in Spa, Belgium. During my stay, hand sanitizer was strategically located throughout the hotel and there was angst amongst the guest and hotel staff. Again, I was reminded a massive change would happen soon.

The next week, the borders across the EU were closed. For context, my current location is thirty minutes to an hour from several borders to include France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Traveling from one country to another was the norm to shop, dine, attend festivals, or participate in a conference. This norm changed in an instant. Lockdown. Schools closed. My husband and I working from home. My children learning from home. Only one person allowed to go to the market for food. We were to stay home and stay safe. 

Fast forward to June and the borders across EU were reopened. Life resumed with a certain level of normalcy however mitigation practices such as wearing a mask, practicing good hygiene and social distancing were key. The message was clear and consistent. Implementation varied based on the country visited over the summer. For example, in Switzerland I was baffled to see masks were not universally worn during a day trip. However, the practice of mask wearing was consistent during a visit to Italy. As always, context is crucial for perspective. My concern focused primarily on the consistency of the message regarding how to respond to the pandemic. The reporting from the United States suggested otherwise.

For months, I watched and listened to response of America to the pandemic. There were medical and public health experts sharing guidance. Unfortunately, this guidance would be completely upended in a matter of minutes or hours. From the virus being the "Flu" to the "injection of bleach" to rid the body of the pathogen, conspiracy theories and falsehoods were at the forefront of the pandemic. With an undergraduate and graduate background in Science, this was difficult to hear. I truly strived to self preserve during such a tumultuous time. However, the countless lives loss in my home country was heart wrenching and discouraging. Watching from the vantage point of the EU has been difficult to contemplate and grapple with. 

Yes. The EU is a different context. Not to mention each country is a different cultural context within a larger context. I am mindful especially when viewing statistics and reading scientific articles. However, I can assess whether there is a uniform strategy in place and observe whether there is adherence to guidelines shared via public health and medical professionals. This was evident in my observations of Germany in the Eifel Region. This was an encouragement and provided a level of security and freedom for myself and family from the Spring into the Fall.

 As October approached, cases of the virus increased which led to the gradual closure of in-person dining and hotels, restrictions of hospital visits, shuttering of shops, and in-person school closing. It felt isolating again. Again. My hopes were dashed. I am even on a rollercoaster of emotions as I write. When would schools reopen? When will shops open? When could I travel again to see friends in neighboring countries? So many questions but I am still hopeful.

As we enter into March, I am thankful my children are currently attending in-person school. Next week will hopefully usher in the opening of local shops. Though most of my time this year has been experienced outdoors via hiking, walking, and bike riding, I would love the opportunity to revisit museums, zoos, and amusement parks. Maybe I am ahead of myself. However, we are clearly in the midst of a literal work in progress. 

How would you characterize your experience during the pandemic? I would love to hear from you! Send an email to info@takejoyinlearning.com!