I am in quarantine in Vancouver. It is 8AM on my second day. The sky is entirely blue, and world-class Stanley Park is steps away from the front door of my hotel. I can’t go outside.
I ordered groceries delivered yesterday and forgot creamer for my coffee. I can’t run out to get it, and won’t have another delivery for a week, so I will have to do without.
I bought a set of resistance bands so I could work out in the room, but I can’t find them.
There. I am done complaining.
I drove over two thousand miles in the last week without any mishaps. I saw four friends, two of whom I seldom see, and two of whom I hadn’t seen at all for fifty-plus years (thank you, Facebook).
I got across the border without a hitch and even got a break of more than half off on the import tax on my car as a “returning” Canadian (I told them I wasn’t but they wanted to be nice)
I saw three national parks (Shasta from a distance, Crater Lake, and Mt. Rainier) and one National Historical Park (Fort Clatsop).
My car GPS works in Canada, so I found the hotel easily, and I will be able to find my way when I am out discovering my new world.
My room is really a small apartment with nice everything (see photo of living area below). I could use a balcony, but at least the windows open part way.
I am safe, whole, and grateful.
So now what do I do for the next two weeks? Hmm, let’s see….
I have an iPad, a laptop, a mobile phone, and a television with fairly decent cable. I have a zillion audiobooks, podcasts, online courses, and music on iTunes. I have the play I have been too distracted to continue working on in the last few weeks. I have all the sketching materials I bought the last time I thought about learning to draw. I have a row of books lined up on the desk that I haven’t had time to read. I have about two hours left of a really good audiobook, and lots more in the queue. I have friends and family to email, message, and phone, and a blog to maintain. I have exercises I can do without the resistance bands. I have the raw ingredients for some pretty good meals. I have a comfy bed for naps.
At my age, I try never to say I wish time would pass more quickly. That will be put to the test here, for I already cannot wait to feel the sun and fresh air, to be on that ferry going to Vancouver Island, and wander around there in a state of constant discovery. But for now, I will try to see this as a good transition time, a chance to practice my resolve not to be in a hurry about everything. For now, it’s breakfast time, day two, and who knows after that?
