Stranded Abroad

Images sent in by some of the participants (click here to view alongside their accounts)

Madrid is currently in a 30-day lockdown, elongated today by Pedro Sanchez (22/03). The army are patrolling the streets and residents face hefty fines if caught travelling unnecessarily. I had the option to fly back to my native country of England to be home with my family on Saturday 14th March, a flight I had booked previously for £9 when others costed hundreds, but I abstained. As part of the large expat community, we have been debating the moral and logical actions to take for weeks, to leave or stay. My American flatmates bought two last minute flights home to fit into Trump’s painfully tight border-closure-window. My English flatmate Zoë fled to Almeria ‘out of fear’ to stay with her boyfriend, which was met with much hostility: he was evicted, fired and stranded. Days later after multiple forms of travel and accommodation they arrived in England; thus I became alone in my apartment at the start of a quarantine; which has proven worthwhile as friends have developed symptoms.

I decided to interview the people around me as to why they chose to stay abroad, and how they would cope mentally with the upcoming isolation. I asked everyone I knew still in the city and posted on Facebook groups to ask for stories on our situation; with 25 accounts received so far. This side of the documentation was incredibly moving, especially when I felt trapped initially. Many were total strangers, whom I’m keeping in contact with; making friends in isolation! As someone who suffers from claustrophobia, anxiety and depression, these past weeks have been mentally torturous. Maddie called this era a ‘crushing weight on my spirit.’ The idea of isolation puts an immense pressure on mental stability, as wellbeing and motivation must be sourced from within. Gaby stated that despite experiencing the effects of Dengue Fever, Zika and Chikungunya in Mexico, this feels different. As she suffers from anxiety she wished, ‘that the government had some kind of psychology program,’ as a core and possibly overlooked element of the quarantine, barely mentioned by governments. Miranda agreed, ‘it’s fine to instruct a ban but the implications mentally for the people doing so hasn’t been addressed,’ highlighting other complications of the rapid changes. It is one thing to be quarantined for others safety, but another if the isolated location creates more harm: without the prospect of travelling, this can cause a lot of stress.

Understanding the realities of living was vital. For myself as an artist I plan to use ‘my time,’ to develop personal projects and self-reflect. Ben asked, ‘What does one do when capitalism is temporarily suspended?… Everybody I assume will want to work on self-actualising themselves and pursuing things that contribute to their wholeness as a human being, which most people are not prepared to do on a daily basis.’ The structural change of our lives will require much self-motivation to replace our normal activities: as Johanna put it, people will, ‘learn about what they’re like in a totally different context.’ As a result, this phenomenon of seeking self-fulfilment could entice a new wave of creative thinking and culture afterwards. Already, this question of how to fill an abundance of time has serendipitously created a lot of online content with people gifting their talents and resources. The existence of high speed internet and social media permits for worldwide connectivity, invaluably providing reassurance and positivity. I think the world will be ultimately changed by this forced lifestyle, one that people will continually reflect upon. 

Regardless of their native country, most contributors agreed the primary reason for staying was the risky aspect of travelling at this moment in time. Coming from a highly-infected area, the concept of potential infection to family members was a concern. Spain has practiced social distancing for some time now, whereas areas where the virus hasn’t spread to yet are behind, which is a major cause of its fast movement. For Aahuti, who stays ‘in a joint family in India along with my grandparents, parents, elder brother and cat. My grandmom is diabetic and had respiratory issues. I didn’t want to risk that either.’ The UK has been painfully slow in implicating measures, Will confirmed, ‘I only just this weekend managed to convince my family to take it seriously enough to practice social distancing,’ blaming the government’s actions on ‘ideological austerity and nationalism.’ To self-isolate once home is a noble idea that can be pointless if others aren’t also, making it much harder to ensure safety and limit potential infection. Helena stated, through ‘watching everyone acting dismissive’ she feels ‘at the mercy of other’s adherence to these rules,’ which is ‘psychologically terrifying,’ imploring the severity of these national differences. We are entitled to free healthcare as residents of Spain, and Shandor said this highly influenced his decision; to return to the US would incur ‘mountains of debt,’ if he caught the virus. Miranda told me her decision was based on a spiritual message she received to stay, and has trusted it without regret. These cultural differences and family dynamics worldwide have rendered these courses of actions extremely personally conflicting, and dangerous.

Regarding home, the UK’s approach to this situation causes a lot of anxiety. As the country hasn’t shutdown yet, many Brits are filled with concern and fear, including Will. ‘Whether or not their plan for herd immunity works in the long run, their failure to act immediately is going to kill many more people than could have been avoided, will drive the already overburdened NHS likely to destruction, and misses the point that this strategy requires control using vaccines.’ The expat community is already built on financial uncertainty, as often professions are freelance or self-employed. As a teacher, I have could find work teaching online, where parents are willing to pay to keep their children entertained and educated, with schools are closed for the foreseeable. For small business owners like Maria C. A., ‘it’s going to be a tough time.’ Countries such as France have implemented grant schemes and reduced electricity bills to help citizens, which we are waiting for in Spain. In terms of the UK a lot must change to handle the future, as many predict an economic crisis. The younger demographics will be relied upon worldwide as the least affected group of the virus, and the ones to endure the after effects the longest. Brexit has weakened the young population’s relationship with the government, as many didn’t support the decisions made. In terms of rebuilding the economy post-pandemic, Boris Johnson will certainly have to change his tactics. 

This endeavour of collecting opinions has certainly made me feel more connected to the community here, as its reassuring to empathise and know people nearby are willing to trust you with their personal insights. the constant flow of news has been a burden as well as a lifeline to the outside world, with scaremongering and unreliable sources: this research has felt very grounding. For the future, nothing seems certain. Maria S. R. argued ‘people forget very fast.’ Maria O. agreed, ‘I hope this all serves us as a lesson, we need more compassion and a larger sense of community; we need to think of ‘us’ before we think of ‘me’. I hope we emerge kinder and more tolerant to others.’ Many agreed the pandemic has proved indicative of necessary global changes, including Maria S. R., ‘something in our way of living has to change. The social and economic impact that crisis is causing is the result of a society that lives too fast and without a backup plan.’ Aahuti worried, ‘I just hope people don’t get awkward in social gatherings after isolating themselves for so long.’ Regarding the warm-nature of Spanish culture this is an interesting social aspect. Johanna predicted ‘different forms of intimacy,’ to come from the forced distancing. This may not last long post-quarantine in Spain, but in other countries it could prove harder to break the habit. 

Despite the fear, worry and anxiety in the air; many messages I received concluded with hopes of a different world post-pandemic. These predictions could be coping mechanisms, or opportunities for change; or as Alfred called it, ‘an evolution.’ Miranda thought, ‘whatever happens after this will be immeasurably different by the way we have all handled this in communities and by ourselves, which will change us and society.’ These people who contacted me are filled with emotion and thoughts, but what stuck out was their underlying optimism for bettering themselves and the world. Maria C. A. hoped that, ‘we emerge kinder and more tolerant to others.’ Maddie felt, ‘more connected to people in general, like the world is one place.’ 

With the fast pace and underlying uncertainty of this climate it’s impossible to predict the future. However, if amidst the panic and danger there is hope such as this, perhaps this period will serve as the catalyst for the social/economic/personal change needed to ensure we are better equipped for future pandemics. For now, I will wait it out and seize this opportunity to control my time fully, in the hope of becoming a stronger and more conscientious person. This detrimental and catastrophic virus is a pivotal point in history, shining light on many economic, structural and personal problems. The vast implications of this virus are unknown for now, but what we learn from it will prove to be the silver linings.

By Eleanor Cowell.

If you think you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, shortness of breath, and cough, call your doctor before going to get tested. If you’re anxious about the virus’s spread in your community, visit the CDC for up-to-date information and resources, or seek out mental health support.

For the full accounts and extra information click here or on the names below. I’d like to thank everyone that got in touch with me and allowed me to share their stories.

With great thanks to:

Alfred, Ben Wesley Clarke, Gabi, Maddie Wharton, Will Slater, Maria Otto, Aahuti Sejpal, Haiza Adil, Maria Carlota Amazonas, Miranda Soso Patterson, Johanna Boyes, Shandor Medeiros Tighe, Zoë da Poian, Edgar Garcia, Natalie Palomo, Sara Kvarnstrom, Rachel Henkels, Michael Valdez, Maria de Santes Rubio, Öykü Aygül, Helena Rivas and Janet Cowell.

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8M Womens March
Police Protests

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Why Are People Protesting in Madrid?

As a white British expatriate, it is a privilege to be fully accepted into the Spanish economy and culture, but this is not the case for many people. I have been photographing and documenting  Black Lives Matter events in Madrid where I live, but I realised the protesters who I was photographing had the same ideals as me when they came to the country. The wave of Black Lives Matter protests may have ended and be less circulated on social media, but many of the causes still exist and need addressing.

On the 7th June hundreds of protesters met at the US embassy in Colon, and marched in solidarity to Sol Plaza, where organisers read moving speeches of change and support. It was peaceful and transformative, and gave space for other movements to share their wants for change. Signs were held to spread messages of peace, equality, against police brutality, diversity, defunding the judicial system, messages in solidarity with George Floyd and the other names of victims of racial injustice in America, and many other statements. On the 19th of June, another protest occurred to show support of Juneteenth, the day that the last remaining enslaved African Americans were emancipated in the US in 1865. This protest was smaller but well attended, as mostly made up of American citizens. This was the first time I had heard of this event and so I was glad to become aware of it. 

Juneteenth protest in Sol. The sign shown translates to ‘To Be Poor.’

One of the main and groups protesting currently is ‘Regualizacion ya!’ , a movement who stand for ‘Urgent demand for the permanent and unconditional regularisation of all migrants and refugees in the face of the health emergency.’ The group confronts Spanish laws on migrant rights, as the government refuses to give them papers as immigrants, meaning they have no rights and are easily exploited for labour. This has been described as ‘modern slavery’, as they cannot afford to leave but cannot act to change their status. Especially in the time of the pandemic, being unable to utilise everyday rights like healthcare, living rights and education is even more crucial, so now is the time to change this.

Madrid is a city with the second highest unemployment rate in Europe at 13.6% in February (according to Eurostat), which will only have been exacerbated after the pandemic putting even greater pressures on the future for poorer areas in the city. Locales stated that ‘Madrid is the most segregated city in Europe’, which exemplifies the wealth divide. The group is fast growing and continues to address this huge, infrastructural and racist problem. They protested again on the 12th July and the 19th July, and you can follow here for further news and updates.

#laleydeextranjeríamata 

@RegularizacionYa

Below are my images from the Black Lives Matter protest in June.

Interview with Morgan Mcgill

‘I Don’t Promise Anymore’
24″ x 36″ Acrylic paint on decorative wallpaper

All over the world, the stories of racial injustice in America have sparked a tsunami of desire for change. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many of the other victims of racial injustice have become household names, and created global discussions. I began writing this article on the 19th of June, the day that the last remaining enslaved African Americans were emancipated in the US in 1865, as I felt naïve I hadn’t heard of it before. Social media has proven a fantastic utensil in uniting and displaying solidarity with these causes worldwide. I saw on Facebook that Morgan Mcgill, a friend I studied with in Bilbao, had been part of an amazing exhibition in solidarity with Black Lives Matter in Louisville, so I asked her some questions about it all. Here is the interview: 

Promotional video for the PeaceState exhibition

Hi Morgan! So tell me about the exhibition you’ve been part of recently.

Peacestate.org hosted the exhibition so I submitted my work through them, and then the exhibit was supported by Black Lives Matter. I believe the exhibit will be up till June 26- when there will be another exhibit of the exact same nature especially to support black artists. [You] could either buy it for a named price by the artist, or buy a $10 raffle ticket for whatever pieces they wanted to bid on. (All of the proceeds would then go to Black Lives Matter or an organization to support Black lives that the artist chose. Then you might win the piece from your $10 raffle or not….but your $10 would still go to BLM).’ 

@peacestateart Peace State is an art movement focused around Art Activism in Louisville, KY.

How did you hear about it, and did you have to make work specifically for it? How did people respond? 

I am always looking on LSURJ (Louisville showing up for racial justice) and Louisville BLM facebook pages these days to see where to protest and how I can help and I think between that and googling “art with blm,” I found PeaceState. I had already made the video/resulting canvas that I submitted because I felt the neeeed to make art in the midst of it all and when I made that piece, I hadn’t even been to a protest yet so I felt kind of helpless. A lot of people (Black and white) came to the exhibit which was good to see (maybe 200.) There were also artists who took the mic and rapped/danced/sang in the middle of the exhibition.

Amidst the events there is still apparent fear, and unknowing. ‘My family didn’t show at the exhibit and they’ve been pretty distant/scared about the protests and all so that was a little disappointing. But a few of my friends came to support,’  and I just hope between the corona virus and everything people can do all they can to support BLM and passing laws to keep specifically Black people safe while/if they stay at home.’ A criticism of the protests is the fact that we are still in a pandemic, which changes the approach and safety of every action which the organisers planned for, ‘it was/is digital so everything could be viewed virtually/be bid on. During the exhibit there were cameras everywhere streaming it live too,’ as an excellent tool to promote inclusivity and safety.

What is the mood in your area like now? compared to before the protests, how has the atmosphere changed? Has there been any graffiti you’ve noticed? and any other artists you’d like to mention?

There’s a lot of petition signing going around on FB…I take walks everyday in the park near my house. (as a back story, Louisville is VERY segregated like the East end is ALL white people and the West end is mostly black people). I live in the middle but still with mostly white people I’d say so this park by my house usually is filled with white people, right? But lately there have been more black people there! Idk if that’s relevant, but it’s something I’ve noticed

Lots of my white friends [are] really stepping up to the plate and refusing to keep silent. the grocery store I walk to has a mural on one side of the parking lot and written off to the side of the mural are Breonna and George’s names. @damonpaints has been painting up the town with Breonna, David, and George’s faces. At the exhibition, there were: @rsk_arts ( pics below)

@damonpaints (click for IG link)
@rsk_arts

Also, a month or two ago there was a famous graffiti here on an overpass that is above a highway that said “resist..”. And my bf’s dad knows the guy…anyway the guy went to jail because of it. [More on this story here]

How do you think the events have informed your art practice, referencing the works you made for the exhibition? Do you think it has changed how you see art making/ purpose?

For sure. I already loved and admired artists like Njdeka Crosby who not only are technically brilliant but experience life in America as a minority. But now, I’ve been thinking more and more how my art practice can be informed by the events around me and by the experiences of my friends or those artists I admire that have a more difficult time just because of their skin color. I think I’ve concluded that a big way to do that is to lift up black people, POC, and immigrants’ voices by collaborating with them in art projects; because if my voice is the only one heard, we’re not going to get as far in the discussion on racial issues.

Excellently said- thankyou so much for your time!

For more information on the amazing pieces in the exhibition and to follow Morgan’s fantastic work here is Morgan’s website and instagram below: she has recently been commissioned to paint a mural on diversity in First Jefferson Street in Louisville, so much more to come!!

https://www.morganemcgill.com

https://www.instagram.com/morganemcgill01/

Why Are People Protesting in Madrid?

8M Womens March
Police Protests

Justice for Breonna Taylor

jnjknknk
The group at Puente de Toledo, Madrid. All photographs are my own.

These images were taken to be distributed as part of the Justice for Breonna, Black Lives Matter and other movements in relation to the violent police response to protests in Louisville. Around the world, groups have gathered to spread awareness and show solidarity with the victims of the many instances of unnecessary police brutality on black people in the US.

These images were taken at Puente de Toledo, Madrid, on Sunday the 31st of May. The group are mainly Americans who are living in Madrid, whom wanted to show their solidarity with the cause.

Text below taken from: https://justiceforbreonna.org

The poster translated reads: Breonna Taylor was a black woman who the police killed in Louisville, Kentucky on the 13th of March, 2020. She was an emergency medical technician and wanted to be a nurse. 3 policemen invaded her house. Still they’re being investigated by the FBI, they haven’t arrested the policemen.

“Breonna Taylor was an award-winning EMT and first responder in Louisville, KY, who loved helping her patients and her community. “She was an essential worker. She had to go to work,” her mother, Tamika Palmer said of her dedication to standing on the frontlines of this pandemic. “She didn’t have a problem with that.”

On the night of March 13th, the Louisville Metro Police executed a warrant, looking for drugs they never found, reportedly trafficked by a person who did not live with Breonna or in her complex-and whom they already had in custody.

A lady and her son who joined us after hearing about the protest through Afrofemeninas.

They sprayed her home with 20 rounds, shooting Breonna 8 times, killing her in her bed.

Neither the Louisville Metro Police nor Mayor Greg Fischer have given her mother any answers. “Not one person has talked to me. Not one person has explained anything to me,” Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, said in an interview. “I want justice for her. I want them to say her name. There’s no reason Breonna should be dead at all.” 

This protest was part of many around the world. This group wanted to spread awareness about Breonna Taylor, however unfortunately there are many similar stories. The #sayhername movement, created by the AAPF, aims to change the public perception that victims of police brutality and anti-Black violence are predominantly male by highlighting the gender-specific ways in which black women are disproportionately affected by fatal acts of racial injustice. “The officers involved need to be charged, judged, and sentenced appropriately. There is no way this was unintentional. Institutional systemic racism needs to be addressed and fought through all available methods.” – Charlotte Keys

You can donate to the groups’ chosen charity, the Louisville Community Bail Fund, here:

https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/louisville-community-bail-fund/

“To build transformative communities, we must perform transformative acts of liberation. Cash bail is one of the aspects of the criminal justice system that keeps communities wrapped up in systemic slavery and in debt. The need to end cash bail is not new. Thanks to the Ferguson Uprising and the Kalief Browder story, we know that the bail system creates financial barriers for those who find themselves against the criminal justice system. One of the largest barriers is not being able to afford bail.

The Louisville Community Bail Fund exists to not only bail out folks, but provide post-release support to get them from jail, fed, and to a situation of safety. LCBF also maintains a focus on preventative measures for those targeted by law enforcement and threatened with incarceration. While we work with national networks, we are also one of the only bail funds that rely entirely on support from individuals in our social justice community.”

Phase 0

On Saturday the 4th of May, people across Spain were allowed to leave their homes to take exercise for the first time, after 7 weeks of strict confinement. This was an emotional and much anticipated moment for many, where taking a walk or going for a run had previously been illegal. Concerns over living standards across the country have been raised, as 2/3 of Spaniards live in apartments, many without sunlight or outside access. This period will have put a huge strain on relationships and mental health especially considering the communal outside nature of Spanish culture.

Its very bizarre to walk around without any children or elderly people around, but people generally stick to the curfew timetables. I will never forget the atmosphere of the city on this day, where despite the obvious underlying anxieties and precautions around the virus, people were content to just be outside. Things are far from being back to normal, but each small step is greatly valued.

A man stretching before his first run after 7 weeks.
Locals reuniting via balcony.
Parks remain closed for now, with bunting in the background.
People have adorned the streets with bunting, to show community spirit.
Many balcony fiestas have lined the streets in the buildup to restriction alleviation.
Building work put on pause, Plaza de España.
Temple de Debod: Parks and public spaces are still closed.
Locals enjoy their first evening outside, La Latina.
Locals visit their neighbourhoods again.

Pre – Quarantine

These images were taken around Madrid just before quarantine began on Saturday the 11th March, where for 7 weeks residents could only leave their homes for medical supplies, purchase food or go to work, if permitted. I wanted to document this rapidly changing landscape as a reminder of the difficulties the capital has faced. Madrid was the second most contaminated city in Europe, the army controlled the roads and police gave heavy fines if the rules were broken. It had transformed from the city famed for its cultural passions and vitality, to an anxious, deserted outline of its previous self. I felt huge anxiety walking the streets, very few pedestrians and eery concerts from balconies flooded the airwaves. I took the below images whilst I still could, but many had fled. Tourism is a huge industry here and since the quarantine began many of the apartments have become available to locals again, giving the city back to the residents. It will be very different once things return to ‘normal’.

Two young people talking outside Sol Metro station in Central Madrid, whilst they still could.
A man on FaceTime in front of an emergency blood drive in Sol.
Cines Callao in Plaza de Callao.
Police warning pedestrians of the upcoming freedom restrictions in Callao. The day after I was stopped by undercover police here as the restrictions had been brought forward.
Deserted Gran Via.
Many people suddenly fled the city.
Queuing for the supermarkets 2m apart.
A pharmacist behind a screen as per new safety measures, in Malasaña.
Street cleaners disinfecting the pavements and walls in Lavapies. After I took this photo a pedestrian started an argument with him as the chemicals aren’t dog friendly.

Öyukü

Hi! So, I’m a 23 year old Turkish student studying international relations at IE University in Madrid. I actually decided to leave Madrid before the quarantine started, to be with my boyfriend in New York. Mainly because we were both scared and didn’t know for how long we would stay apart from each other. I have been doing a self-quarantine in New York since last Thursday in order to protect myself and others around me.

I’ll be honest with you, I have taken a lot objectively difficult decisions in my life, but I’ve always known what I wanted.

So my main issue had always been convincing others that what I want is “worth it.” Until now, I had 3 options. I could either 

A) stay in Madrid,

B)go to New York,

C) go back home.

And I kept changing my mind until 3h before my flight. It was also the night Trump announced he would ban all travel from Europe.

I asked a lot of people for advice and everyone said “ouf that’s a tough one, idk”, including my parents: so I was freaking out. So yes, it was definitely one of the hardest decisions of my life

The trump ban was crazy – especially as it essentially meant that there was a painfully tight window from this side of the world to get back in time.

Could I ask you about how what differences you imagine post-isolation to be like? Do you think you will have learnt anything about yourself, or the people you are with? And what is your view on the societal impact of this endeavour?

This period has already helped me learn how resilient I am. I’m someone who loses her shit over small inconveniences, like if I wanna do laundry but someone else has their clothes in the machine. I’m also a huge germophobe: I wash my hands so many times, can’t eat the food if the cook hasn’t washed their hands before cooking etc. If you asked me a few months ago “how do you think you’d react to a pandemic that is super transmissible and the thought of being quarantined”

I’d say I’d probably lose my mind, but that is not happening- I’m handling this whole thing in a reasonable way. I’m being extremely cautious, but at the same time I don’t live in constant fear.

This showed me that we, humans, are bad at predicting our emotions. I think this period is helping tremendously with my health anxiety. Once it is over, I think I’ll be more relaxed about getting infected all the time. I will proudly look back and say “I survived this.” Another thing I learned is that my parents trust me more than I trust myself.

I’m 23. I’ve always taken my decisions by myself and tried to convince them. This time, I felt lost and asked for their opinion. They said “you know your circumstances better than anyone else, you are old enough to make this decision by yourself. we trust & support with whatever you choose.” It’ll affect the society in different ways but I think that people overall will become more cleanly.

My parents were the same, I guess no one really knows what to think let alone what’s right individually, especially as the time period ahead is so uncertain.

Ben

Helena

Thanks so much for offering to help with my article! I take it you’re still in Madrid then?

Hi Eleanor, yes, I’m still in Madrid.

Ok fab, what informed your decision to stay here during this period? was it an easy decision and how are you feeling about it now?

Hi Eleanor, I decided to stay because I didn’t have much of a choice. I’m technically still employed (but don’t know for how long since my usual job duties are kind of obsolete at the moment).

The hardest part for me has been knowing that this was coming and watching everyone acting dismissive. From the government to regular citizens, the majority of the population really didn’t take any of this seriously until it was too late.

I’m one of those lovely high risk groups so it’s been psychologically terrifying to be honest.

I think it was more terrifying though when people seemed to think it was all a conspiracy, overreaction, etc. Now, the anxiety stems from seeing the numbers of infected and dead rise each day. I feel powerless to help, and I am at the mercy of other’s adherence to these rules.

Maria S.R.

(Image courtesy of Maria)

Can I confirm where you are from, your age, how come you’re in Madrid, and what informed your decision to stay here during this period? was it an easy decision and how are you feeling about it now?

Hi!! I’m from Spain, from a little town in the region of Segovia. I’m 24 and I moved to Madrid on October 2019 after have living in other cities. Here I’m working as a pianist and piano teacher.

During this quarantine I decided to stay in Madrid cuz I really didn’t know how things were gonna develop (last week I still thought I would do some work in person)… and also I didn’t feel that leaving Madrid was a responsible idea. I heard how my parents were telling me that lot of ppl from Madrid left the city and went to their second residence in my town, and that it was full of Madrileños. I didn’t want to contribute to the spread of the virus through the rest of Spain. Now sometimes I can’t avoid thinking that maybe it was a mistake… here in Madrid I live in a small flat and sometimes it can get bit stressful… but hey, I have two beautiful balconies that I’m using all the time. The first days of quarantine were the hardest, and I got super anxious…but now that the weather is not that good, it’s becoming bit easier… also I try to avoid to listen too much the news as I realized doesn’t work for me!

Amazing thank you so much for taking the time to send all this that’s great! Yeah the amount of people vacating the city seems bizarre as that’s absolutely why its spreading so fast, it’s also why I stayed- I think we made the right decision! And I agree the news is becoming a continually strenuous thing to keep up with haha

Could I ask you about how what differences you imagine post-isolation to be like? Do you think you will have learnt anything about yourself, or the people you are with? And what is your view on the societal impact of this endeavour?

I think people forget very fast, and bit after isolation everything will be back to normal (In terms of social relationships). Maybe at the very beginning we will appreciate more everything what we usually have, but we will get used to it and forget that once we lived without it. Of course, I will learn something about myself during this period… I think everyone will… it is too much time alone with ourselves (even if your live with someone else) and I don’t see how anyone could go through this situation without learning something new about itself. Also, when we talk about learning something about ourselves it seems that it has to be something deep and trascendental but not necessarily… you can just realize that you like to cook for example. And yes, I do think I will learn (I already am) something about the ppl I’m living with. Especially if is someone you are not used to spend too much time with, like me. But that’s interesting. About the last question… I think we have to realize that something in our way of living has to change. The social and economic impact that crisis is causing is the result of a society that lives too fast and without a backup plan. I mean… I can’t understand how a quarantine of, let’s say, a month (and not just 15 days) can’t not be supported for so many companies… this is a sign of an indebted society designed to work constantly … and if it stops, it goes bankrupt. And also designed to spend constantly.  Now I can imagine how many people miss spending money on stores, etc.  And now you can only stay at home and many of your hobbies are suppressed (and many others begin to open before your eyes).

The initial period will be a prophetic time for many for sure, but yes you’re right people do forget fast. This is the time that will depict the impacts of this virus most clearly, and hopefully push to resolve the social/economic/political problems highlighted from it.

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