Where to start… I’m not certain. It’s been four months since my last blog. I was full of hope and excitement when I arrived in Reggio, then life took a weird old turn for everyone and my experience here has been quite different from what I imagined. I managed to explore some of this city before lock down hit and I taught a week or so in the school, from then I have taught online classes. I finished my contract as of Monday 15th June (this week). Relieved would be an understatement. Quarantine, as I’m sure for everyone- has been one of the hardest things I have ever experienced and the worst of all is that there’s so much uncertainty in the world at the minute that it’s possible it could happen again.
As I stated previously in my last blog, I can happily live alone, however I am a social being. Admittedly, when things got serious, I chose to stay. People repeatedly asked me when I was flying home. Yet, I had a job and income. I was not ready to pack up my things and head home defeated. I saw this as a test, and I wasn’t going to let Corona win. There have been times of extreme lows for me. I am generally a positive person, but even the strongest most cheerful of people have their limits. I didn’t exercise for long periods of time. I lacked the motivation and willingness to change habits. I became withdrawn. Luckily, I was still working, a blessing and a curse. It focused my mind, but I couldn’t separate home and work. I was just living between my bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and balcony.
Initially, I had a routine; every day I would play the ukulele, study Italian, cook, clean and keep on top of things. However, as the weeks passed, I became less enthusiastic about activities that brought me joy. What got me through was the constant communication with my family and friends. Without the internet I was disconnected from everyone and everything. Even a simple walk and stroll, which is so ingrained in Italian life was prohibited. Somehow, now, life is strangely back to normality. Having been under strict quarantine for 7-8 weeks to now being able to do normal things with obvious precautions is a weird sensation. 2020 will be a year to remember, and not just for the pandemic but much more. The climate, the continuous fight against systemic racism the crisis’ some of the people face globally is overwhelming. We need to do more, I know coming from a place of privilege I need to do, educate, work, and communicate more. It is never going to be enough. For me, now is a time for relaxation but also reflection. There are so many books to read, information to be digested, thoughts to be written and places to be discovered.
Beans on toast blog 