Like most of the world, I am in lockdown right now, i’m on month 3 actually.
Rewind: 3 months ago I was chilin', visiting family in the ever beautiful Ballito, South Africa (a MUST visit)
Anyway, so there I was scrolling through the news and seeing one of the most advanced countries in the world- technologically and otherwise- struggling with what most initially thought was a passing virus. The symptoms seemed familiar: 'headache, fever, feeling like s$#%, sore throat and cough' and like many at the time, I didn't fully conceptualize the magnitude of the life changing effects this virus was yet to bring .
But once the situation started to become publicized in more detail, seeing China fight to contain the virus and keep its citizens alive, and its urgency to build two fully fledged hospitals (not shelters) in under 2 weeks I had enough of an indication that something was very, very wrong.
Fast forward a week later: I am landing in Sao Paulo, and heading back to be with my family in the East Coast. The trip was bizarre, not a single person coughed, sneezed or even released a sniffle on the plane, and as much as the silence was deafening, I was thankful.
Being indoors for indefinite periods of time is not new for us. On the East Coast, we live deep in the country side, where tar almost turns into dirt and one often forgets that beyond the trees, there exists people.
Winters are brutal and our steep hill is treacherous when icy. This is different though. Knowing that physically there is no barrier to exit, but I can’t just take a trip to the local general store, or drive to the mall or car wash, is something totally new for me. It’s not that I'm even tempted to venture out, as I know that it can have grave consequences, but it’s knowing I cannot take those ‘need to see people' trips and get my periodic share of social interaction. Love my fam but I think they too need some mental stimulation other than Zoom meetings and WhatsApp audio.
Like most I prioritized buying non-perishables and frozen goods, but I miss fresh fruit and vegetables. It is necessary that we continue to mitigate the risk of exposure, and I deem taking avoidable trips to the grocery store, irresponsible. So, true to my hyperactive country bumpkin tendencies and the green fingers passed down to me from my great-great-great-grandparents, I am itching to get outside and help the earth wake up and spill its bounty after its winter slumber. Im taking matters into my own hands and am starting my own vegetable garden!
Tune into my updates coming soon.
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