The whole weekend, we celebrated the 1st of May by cooking traditional Finnish delicacies. We also celebrated the last day of full confinement here in Belgium. From 4 May, the economy would be allowed to open (selectively) and from 18 May those Belgian schools, which are ready with the security measures, will open their doors. The measures put in place seem complex: only the certifying classess will re-start with maximum 10 students at time, 1-2 days per week. Wearing a mask will be obligatory in public transport for adults and over 12 year olds. The confort mask is recommended. The social distancing remains in place. Teleworking is still recommended.
The European schools have announced that before 25 May nothing will take place. The parents association made a survey requesting our opinion if we would put our kids to school should it be volunteery. We answered negatively. I cannot imagine a school of 3000 students being able to organise the logistics within the requirements.
The press is considering various post-covid scenarios, ranging from Totalitarian leadership to community led collaborative societies with a common element: high un-employment and increased poverty. As an imminent reaction, people seem less willing to travel in short and medium term.
I wonder our little world and summer holidays. We want to go home. We have explored the alternatives: risks of taking the flights, if it becomes an option, the likely higher price of the tickets, driving ourselves and taking the boat for several nights, avoiding the boat and staying in hotels or even renting a mobile home. The mobile cars necessary for our size family are costly, around 1000 euros per week. It is a considerable budget for a 4-weeks holiday.
It could be, that our holidays will be in Belgium - by choice or obligation. The Belgian beach villages have voiced a concern on over-crowded beaches in the coming summer and intelligent solution - to limit the beaches to local tax payers only. This option has not been much appreciated in the Belgian press.
SO here we are, in front of yet another great challenge to let go of any need to control and plan - because it is not necessarily leading to any desirable outcome - but surrender to what is, in every rolling new moment.
