Greta Trip & COVID19 Part 1 – Bachelor student raised in Lithuania explains her trip experience
By Ester
THE ONE OF A KIND TRIP
Hey! I am a mammal named Greta that was raised in North of Europe country Lithuania. Currently I am an inhabitant in Wageningen trying to get to know food technology and learn to be a food-field specialist or not.
(who knows where the destiny will lead us at the end).
I introduced myself as mammal on purpose, in order to project myself. These days helped me to overcome and deal with such uncertainties and chaotic times. The situation affected us all in one way or another. I do expect you to ask me “Why would I do so?”.
Well, first of all according to the science we are animals under the class of mammals. What can I say it is just a pure and solid fact. Second, the event that we are facing is a part of evolution which has to go on. It might sound a bit odd for some of you, but this way of thinking relieved my tension caused by too much information from media, news, friends, family and neighbours.
Also, a great contributor to my inner mess, was the strange feeling in the environment which was/is infused with uncertainty, stress and fear.
“Here you can see that the shop is asking people to take precautions while shopping. Also, they state that the staff keeps their hygiene accorded to the annouced health measurments. In the shop, they allow only 26 people to be at the same time.”
I might sound confident and rational during all this experience. However, it is far from reality. I took me a bit of time to believe that the situation was actually happening, it was not only about understanding it.
Well, my first experience with this novel, spooky and vicious virus, happened when I was not even in the Netherlands. At that time, on mid of March I went on my very first solo-trip to Portugal. I was filled with excitement to do this trip. I wanted it to be a life-changing journey. Definitely, it was, not as expected though.
I was enjoying my self-discovering trip, the sun, the people and the new environment. To be honest, I was a bit aware of the current situation but I did ignore it completely as I did not see anything strange happening around me. I could not see the danger.
Until the time I went to museum and saw a note : DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH SITUATION THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FORM THE GOVERNMENT.
This is a picture of my fellows that I met when I was contemplating about the COVID-19. Behind you can see the museum that “I was visiting”.
All my World flipped over. I freaked out. I had never felt so desperate, lonely and scared as I did at that time. I felt so little, I really wanted someone to be next to me. Someone who I know, who I trust, who I would call whenever I feel down.
To be continued part II…
Thank you so much for your inspiring story Greta, we are looking forward how your trip ended up!