seen begging, yet have seen empty supermarket shelves,
a result of panic and the unknown.
The economy is suffering a lot,” confirmed
Homayounfar of Uganda and many African nations. “So
are the people here and elsewhere.
“In Africa, the governments receive a lot of aid from
international institutions. They’re abusing this situation
to lock down the country, get the money and put it in
their pockets.
“They say there are little cases here and no deaths,
but the borders have been kept closed, as well as
schools, Boda (mototaxis), hairdressers ... I feel that
this pandemic has given justification to all corrupt and
totalitarian countries to abuse human rights in the name
of safety.
“Tourism is the biggest economy in the world if I am
not mistaken and people are suffering a lot. There is no
income and there is no governmental help! This is a
crime.”
While not as strong, these feelings are echoed
by many, including Petrov, “there were pretty tense
arguments, finger pointing, shaming”.
“There are very polar opinions … both sides being
fuelled by media hype,” he added.
“The saddest part is that people are very divided
between people who want to be safe and those that want
to accept the risk,” agreed Homayounfar. “To learn how
to live with the virus.
“I see a lot of discussions, loosing friends, words of
hatred and rage … I am worried about our rights and how
easily people can be manipulated to give up those rights.
“Panic everywhere! It was very stressful, and nobody
really knew what to do, where to go,” she continued.
“Now it seems so far away!”
Trapped? And it really does seem so far away.
Despite the initial fear, angst, pessimism there does
seem to be a level of optimism returning, a rainbow with
a pot of gold.
Communities have been brought together, social
distancing might be the norm, yet more than ever
strangers are looking out for each other, communities
are talking, helping, loving. Through the eyes of these
travellers we are seeing at an individual, a community, a
global level, a rebirth of sorts.
“Our entire trip has changed radically,” commented
Kroeker. “We are both very disappointed, but we are also
aware of our overall good fortune.”
And in Kroeker’s home country.
“Some shops and other services have begun to open,
and people are getting out more frequently. In general,
people here are cautious, but not overly concerned,”
according to Mello e Alvim.
“The locals are still quite busy on the streets,” smiled
Waters whilst explaining his current observations of
Cambodia. “The government seems to be using the time
and lack of tourists to really power through construction.
Four whole new roads alone have been made since I’ve
been here.
But adds, “All businesses that are open, take your
temperature and have hand sanitizer at the entrance.”
“As time went on, we started to see the silver lining,”
Notier shrugs. “The initial shock of the pandemic
dissipated, and we began to get into a routine in our
new lifestyle. Actually, we realise now that we’re very
fortunate.
“Even though we can’t travel, our life here is
comfortable. Since living in Uganda is cheap, we’re
not financially stressed in the way that so many people
around the world are who have lost their jobs. We have
a lovely home, the weather here is great, the people
are friendly, and we feel safe from the virus in that the
case numbers here are so low. Also, we get to focus
on all those little projects that we’ve always put on the
backburner.”
Trapped?
“Most of all, and most importantly, we have each other.
And so, it doesn’t really feel like a quarantine when you’re
always with the person you love the most. It feels like
home.”
For all, trapped seems like a very harsh almost final
phrase. Despite the Notier’s initial comment not one
traveller has felt too trapped, some have felt frustration
at the way governments have handled the worldwide
situation, yet most have identified their situation as a
way to change, to reflect, to grow. Some are trying their
hands at new skills; water-colours, writing, research and
community work. Those that have ventured home reflect
on their challenge and the way they handled it, those
that have stayed have become a part of a community, of
locals, of people, of nations.
Trapped? No! Inconvenienced, perhaps endangered,
never trapped. It’s how we learn and move on that will
demonstrate our resilience and capabilities, and with that
comes the last word of wisdom, not from a motorcycle
traveller but a mum, and a dad, with two children, in a
caravan …
“The kids are extremely excited that all the
playgrounds are now open”.
And if you look to the horizon, there is a rainbow …
and our playgrounds will reopen … TRAVERSE
As we hit the publish button on this issue situations have changed
for a number of travellers; some have made it home, some have
moved on to other locations and others have become immersed in
local communities. Despite personal beliefs all have dealt with the
situation and made the most of what has been dealt.
NEWS MAGAZINE
TRAVERSE 22
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