Bits and pieces of my experience with the Pandemic

Never had I thought, there would be a time in my life where I would be lying on a couch in front of the television counting death tolls every other day. The little virus with a crown on its head has shaken the world. Literally! The global pandemic as announced by the WHO in mid - March this year, has been causing a lot of panic and trauma, taking thousands of lives whilst leaving millions in pain of getting affected and of separation from their loved ones.  

Countries have put up movement restrictions at the borders, almost all countries are under lock down now. Some countries who had been relaxing measures are re-imposing them after the second wave. The most powerful economies are falling apart and are being affected harshly, stock markets and share businesses are reportedly going down, hospitality business such as hotels and travel companies are hitting its lowest. Trade wars are rampant, international organizations are being blamed, country leaders are being blamed. Alas! The world is seeing its worst.

But most of all, it’s the lives that are being affected and changed in ways no one can really put into words. In good and in bad ways. Lives are being swapped, people are living in constant fear every day, while other beings who have lived in fear for millions of years have come out, occupying the forests and the oceans, which they are equally entitled to - finally living the life they so well deserve. People are losing jobs, many are left homeless, many are deprived of even basic necessities- poverty is at a rise, mental illnesses are reportedly increasing, suicide cases are rampant. Yet, there are news of dolphins coming back to their home- the images of dolphins and whales at the seashore have been making rounds, so are the reports of penguins crossing roads. I am sure it’s such a heavenly sight, the images alone are giving me goose bumps. The good news is that the nature is flourishing; we have cleaner air, blue sky, less pollution and the Himalayas are reportedly visible from the cities. The bad news is that every beautiful changes are making us guiltier about being the selfish occupants of Mother Earth. 

Anyways, here’s my part of the story. When the talks of the pandemic began or rather when the virus started spreading in other countries after China, I was about to make a change, apparently, to move to Geneva for a little more than the ‘usual time’. But not in my worst nightmare, did I see the situation getting this bad. I only thought of normalcy aftermath such epidemics, conflicts, calamities or other tragedies; and so I made plans, and plans I made aplenty. In a week of arriving in Geneva, I saw my nightmares turn into reality. A few days all happy and excited into work, and the workplace was closed down. In the next few days, everything else, except for the food shops and pharmacies were closed down. 

The leisure time I always wanted for reading/ writing/ movies/ doing nothing, was finally here in plenitude. I had all the time in the world, yet, there was no pleasure and excitement to it. Why would there even be when the world was in so much pain? However, the constant feeling of guilt for wanting to go to work albeit I was working from home, or even to just complain about it was always there. What made it worst was the Ambulances with flashing beacons and loud sirens every now and then, reminding me about the pain someone is going through. All I could do was, helplessly pray. I was very optimistic in the beginning but after a few months, just like the others, I just got used to and accepted the new normal. Life has to go on. 

I believe I was lucky in a way that I at least got in here before the countries started with the border movement restrictions, not having a way out to anywhere else is another thing. Besides, I have more concrete reasons to consider myself lucky. These are the times when I get reminded of why I feel so proud to be a Bhutanese. The Bhutanese community in Geneva were so kind, welcoming and ready to help at my arrival. They never left me feeling alone and scared of the situation, and always had my back. This thing about Bhutanese, compassion and empathy that comes naturally makes me feel so proud, for which I shall always remain so grateful and pass it on to someone else whenever I can. Well, why would we not be, when we have a real life super hero, our king, to look up to. 

Being away from loved ones was definitely hard. I would wake up to check the news feed every morning to see the situation back home. Somehow I had that preconceived notion that me being in a developed country means a guaranteed good health care if ever such need arises. That kept me worrying about my folks back home. The fact that my country is a least developed country (not to undermine our health care system, but rather the competency/resources to handle such different calamity) had me worried sick in case the virus keeps spreading as in the other countries. Later did I realize, I had undermined the super power of our super hero and the spiritual protection that we have always had. I know under such wise leadership; we are all going to come out of this in great shape.  

Bhutan, as always, has made headlines about the way the pandemic is being handled in its own unique way. His Majesty, the king has been on the go ever since the first case of an American tourist was detected in Bhutan in March. He has been personally leading and guiding our front-line warriors since day one. My king has been traveling extensively across the country especially to the borders to ensure the highest level of preparedness and safety of the people. Thank you, your Majesty, I wonder if whatever good we did and are doing or will be doing combined would ever be even half of what you do for us. Despite having a newly born prince at home, His Majesty has been on his selfless duty, for his country and his people. 

The Government has been doing an extraordinary job as well. Many a times I’ve watched our Prime Minister go live with the Covid-19 updates at odd hours. I am aware, officials/individuals haven’t slept for days, working so hard, day in and day out for the good health, safety and well-being of all Bhutanese. My heart is so full of prayers and gratitude for all the real heroes, the front-line warriors in my country and beyond for working so hard to keep us safe and healthy. 

Despite everything tough, this period saw humanity, cooperation, kindness and empathy. Bhutan has welcomed all Bhutanese who wanted to come back home, relieve flights were arranged. The Bhutanese Embassies, Missions and the Consulate offices around the world have been working hard to assist the stranded Bhutanese to get home safely and without any hurdles. In Bhutan, hotels have volunteered to be quarantine centers; Companies and individuals are coming forward to help in cash and kind. There were volunteers ensuring enough food supply for the nation, many officials were seen to go for the Dessung training to be able to volunteer in the nation’s big fight against Covid-19. Students were introduced to google classroom. The government paid for the three weeks of mandatory quarantine for those returnees from aboard, while many parents/guardian came forth to pay on their own. To support the indebted business/individuals in the country in these difficult economic times, the banks loans have been deferred by six months with waiver on interest payment for loans. His Majesty has commanded the grant of the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu to people who have been laid off or placed on reduced salaries to provide them immediate financial support. It is like a fairy tale world where we Bhutanese are living; many find it so hard to believe in today’s world. So many such fairy tale moments are currently happening in Bhutan, especially after the nation announced its first nationwide lock-down on August 11, after the first traces of community transmission was speculated. 

Evidently, this phase will be forever remembered. In the world, Covid-19 songs are written, music videos are made & funny memes are going viral. Heart-warming stories are shared everyday - about health worker couples, old sacrificing life support for the young, health workers killing themselves, couples dying together, grandparents watching their little ones from outside the house, heart wrenching last words. A lot of expert videos are made as well, it is heart-warming to see people trying to get together and support each other..

Here in Geneva, at 9:00 PM every day for more than two months, everyone came out in their balcony to applaud together as a gesture of appreciation to the front-line warriors - the leaders, the health care workers, the drivers, the grocery suppliers, scientists, academicians, economists, journalists and every individual who has been working tirelessly to keep the world healthy and safe. Personally, I loved this gesture. It made me feel so good to join them every night. A break from my constant feelings of sadness and helplessness and of guilt (of boredom).

One lesson that was loud and clear, life is short and unpredictable, so always choose to be the best version of yourself.

My story? Well, I have embraced the new normal, masks – check, hand sanitizers – check, physical distancing – secretly loving this, frequent hands washing – check, dealing with the urge to tickle my forehead, eyes, nose right after the mask is on – still working on it, heart full of love – double check.

P.s - My heart goes out to the Covid-19 victims and families. Sending love, light and my deepest prayers.