Recently we returned from Cuba, and today is day three of our quarantine, our two weeks volunteer quarantine. It was really interesting being in Cuba while the Covid virus was gripping the world. With turning off technology for a day and a half, not watching the news or looking at my phone and any other social media.
Looking at the world map of the outbreak, Cuba seemed the only island that did not have a confirmed case. In someway that was comforting yet by no means a guarantee.
After a day of swimming in the ocean, snorkelling, walking the beaches, enjoying the pool bar, and the friends we were travelling with, it was shocking to see how the Covid 19 virus has taken over the world and the news. Sitting on the edge of my bed, watching CNN, CTV and other news stations available in Cuba, it was really scary, it felt very uneasy almost unbelievable, like watching a horror science fiction movie. Yet this is the reality.
The next day we could sense a sudden shift in mood. The entire hotel, staff and guests, were gripped with a new sense of uneasiness, questions about the virus and the unknown. Although we were enjoying our vacation there was this cloud that seemed to be enveloping each of us, quietly we began to feel that fear of “what will it be like when we return to Canada?”
That night I decided to turn on my technology, and check the phone. They were two messages one from my daughter, saying” it’s getting weird here mom” and the other one for my sister asking me to “call home and are you OK.”
After sending the appropriate messages I realized this is not going to be easy for the world to contain with many people travelling internationally. At the resort, it was a global community, Russian, German, Swiss, Canadians from all sides of the country, Italians, Argentinians, people from Uruguay, England, and other UK European nations.
With sanitation gel a sparse commodity in Canada it was non-existent in Cuba. Thankfully the four of us travelling together had enough to keep our hands constantly sanitized.
For the next couple of days, we weren’t sure if we were going to be immediately evacuated back to Canada or in quarantine in Cuba.
Cuba is one of our favourite travel destinations. The travel Rep reassured that everything was still on the same planned departure. We continued to snorkel, swim, walk the beaches, took a private tour to Havanna, cool off in the pools and experience the wonderful food. Yes, you can still have fun and enjoy life with the stresses of life. It’s all in your attitude, putting things in perspective, and doing the best you can with the tools that you have created. Fear can keep us stuck and feel helpless.
The four of us spent most of the time in the same spot by the pool under a canopy with little contact with other guests as the hotel was slowly becoming empty.
At the airport, the staff were wearing masks and I wasn’t sure if it was for their own sense of comfort or reassurance of the passengers travelling. Onboard the captain mentioned to the passengers that the plane staff had taken extra precautions for sanitizing the interior.
Arriving in Winnipeg after proceeding with Customs we had to agree to two weeks of quarantine. It’s a sinking feeling knowing that we could have been exposed at some point during our week in Cuba. Very unlikely with only 4 cases confirmed in Havanna. What would happen to the Cuban people? Would they get protected and the needed medical support?
Once home the reality and constant news were overwhelming.
Day 1 of quarantine it was Important to use my self-care tools and strategies for good mental health, reduce stress, anxiety and find happiness.
It was no problem. The first day was with a relaxing cup of Cuban coffee with my sweetie. Making gluten-free muffins, 50 minutes on the treadmill, phoning my dad who is in a home, looking through the beautiful pictures of Cuba and our awesome travel buddies Brian and Milena., and watching our favourite mystery.
We cannot control events that are happening in the world, we cannot change them or deny them, but what we can do is change our mindset and attitude. People will do what they need to do to cope. Social distancing is respecting the space of others during this time of uncertainly. I can not visit my dad but I can phone him, I can not see my friends but I can send emails and use social media to stay connected.
Stay safe, use your self-care tools for happiness and fun, connect in creative ways with friends and loved ones, use kindness and compassion with those who may be struggling and have fears. One voice your voice could be the best gift in someone’s day.
