A global pandemic is something everyone is learning how to deal with. It is one of the few commonalities of the human race in 2020. The travel industry has been one of the hardest hit, and after my recent travels, it makes me wonder if travel will ever be as it was.
First up was Chicago. We had already planned well in advance to be back in the States for the 4th of July. The flights were changed and reduced drastically, so what was originally a direct flight turned into a connection via Frankfurt.
Adults and children 6 years and older were required to wear a mask for the entire duration of both flights. It really wasn’t that uncomfortable, and it was nice to see how quickly everyone obliged. Upon landing in Chicago, customs was like a ghost town. I was shocked to see how empty it was. All employees were in masks, and there was no option to use the passport registration machines – everyone had to see an agent.
After speaking with an agent (masks still on) we had to chat with two different people about symptoms and have our temperatures taken. We were advised to quarantine for 14 days and were handed out information from the city of Chicago about COVID19. Since we were staying at my parents house, the 14 day quarantine was no problem. Regardless, and to reduce risk as much as possible, we hired a car and showered before we did any sort of hugs or kisses (my dad usually picks us up).
I also heard from my family that (at least in the suburbs of Chicago) everyone was doing their part. Masks were being worn, people weren’t complaining, and stores and restaurants were adhering to strict guidelines. We see so much news about mask protesting and people being disrespectful of the virus or not taking it seriously. While that may be occurring in some parts of the United States, it wasn’t happening where my family was located. For that, I am extremely thankful.
After returning to Switzerland, we then had another 10 day quarantine. This time, we also had to register with the city to confirm that we were abiding by this quarantine rule. This one was a bit more boring, as I didn’t have my mother or sister to entertain me.
In July, we drove to Munich for a long a weekend and change of scenery. The boarders between Switzerland and Germany, Italy and France are open, so we wanted to take advantage. Germany takes the virus – and mask wearing – very seriously. Even more seriously than the Swiss, which is quite hard to believe. Masks were worn everywhere, even just walking outside through Marienplatz. We went to a beer garden and had to wear a mask walking to our table, but were free to take them off as soon as we sat down. The tables were all spaced far apart, and the waitresses matched their masks with their dirndls (and so did I!).
While we were still able to enjoy ourselves and the beauty of Munich, the pandemic has also made things quite sad. It has muted travel in a way. You are so focused on your mask, not touching stuff, and keeping distance, that you forget to enjoy the magic of your surroundings. The pandemic has taken that away, and this saddens and angers me the most. To me, travel has been such an incredible gift and education. It has opened my eyes to different things and people, and made me more open-minded and compassionate.
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