Hiking Adventures with the Dingi

 I'm sorry.

I kinda left you hanging there at the end of quarantine.

It's weird. I have found that while going through jet lag during our two week quarantine, both Carl and I experienced a second post-quarantine jet lag. All the same symptoms, but fortunately, it didn't last as long.

Which was good since, teacher prep week started four days after our release. In reality, I need more time than prep week allots, so I actually hit the ground just a day after.  I don't know if the general public is aware of this, but it takes a lot of work and time to create an inviting and fortifying educational environment.

Yesterday,  August 28 was the first Saturday I didn't need to spend extra time in my room preparing for the coming week. Yes! That felt so good.

That means time for Carl and me to spend on one of my favorite Taiwanese hobbies- hiking! If you like to hike, Taiwan is the place to be.

Since I was still recovering from a sprained ankle/foot, I searched for a trail with an easier ranking. It also needed to be relatively close since we had completed some of those necessary life chores earlier in the day (ie- laundry and the such).

The reviews said flat terrain and my mind said, "Bingo!" So onto the scooter we went and headed out to the outskirts of Taichung. By the way, I must ad, I love Google maps. It makes exploring so much easier!

It didn't take us long to realize that flat did not mean the absence of elevation. It just meant the absence of stairs. With in minutes, the sweat began to roll down my back. 

The Countdown

 Day 14

T minus 11.

We are in the last eleven hours of this 14 day quarantine.

Thank you covid-19.

Last night, I just couldn't fall asleep. I'm not positive, but it may have been the anticipation of returning to normal life. Despite being sleepy, my brain just kept whirling and twirling. Unfortunately, that makes for a very bad night of sleep.

Which makes for a very long day; a day that will extend into tomorrow. At exactly 12:01 am, we will officially be released.

 This will be me at 12:02 am.

Today seems to be the longest day of the last two weeks..

Packed and ready to escape, here I am twiddling my thumbs, watching the time slowly t i c k i n g away.

Here are some interesting numbers from our summer vacation.

1, 041 hours and 1 minute of captivity.

43 meals consumed within the walls of this room.

29 temperatures recorded.

26 hours in a car driving through various states

12 games of Shanghai Rummy

11 beds slept in. (The quarantine bed being the longest)

10 dogs petted and loved on.

8 airplane flights

5 covid tests

4 offspring visited

1 wedding

And that wedding was well worth all the hassles of travel and quarantine!

 I think I need a nap!

 

A Year Older

 Day 13:

Today is my birthday.

I am not the only one spending their birthday in quarantine. I know of several other lucky inmates who have ticked a year older while waiting out this quarantine thing.

Imagine being a kid and being locked up on your special day. Especially when it's one of those big birthdays, like becoming a teenager. Yesterday, one of my coworker's daughters celebrated her 13th birthday.... behind the closed doors of a hotel.

She was isolated, but not forgotten.

 Sometime in the afternoon, a flash mob unexpectedly appeared on the plaza below her hotel window. Armed only with loud music and dance moves, these Morrison community members transformed a run-of-the-mill quarantine day into a special memory.

This is why I love my community. The people I work with and live with go beyond the expected and look for opportunities to bless others!

I just wish I had been on the "outside" and had the opportunity to be a part of this blessing. 

I have been blessed, as well today by the same community. A delicious cake was delivered to my door. Next came balloons and a gorgeous flower arrangement. Many blessings came via the internet- birthday messages both written and video.

Being quarantined for 14 (it's really 15) days isn't fun, but when you are doing life within a loving and caring community, it's not so bad!

 

The Field Trip (aka Temporary Parole)

I woke up this morning with mixed emotions.

There was a generous dose of anticipation. For twelve days, this hotel room has been my existence. I wasn't even sure if I remembered how to get to the elevator.  In my defense, I had been traveling for over 40 hours without a significant stretch of sleep. I was on autopilot.  The picture below shows what we could see when opening the door to retrieve meals or other deliveries the last week and a half.

Besides the anticipation, there was also a boatload of excitement. Getting our final covid test means THE END is coming!   

But, mixed in with the anticipation and excitement was minuscule thread of anxiety. Another test. Another swab. Another sinus cavity invasion. Another chance of testing positive and having freedom yanked away. (That's so dramatic, but after 12 days, what would you expect?)  

Our friendly policeman told us yesterday that our test was scheduled for 10 am. He called again this morning at 8:30 to let us know the taxi was on its way. So much for appointments. Luckily, I was ready.

As I put on my shoes, it hit me that I haven't donned a pair of these the last eleven days.

It actually felt slightly strange. Foreign. Alien.

Then, the front desk called. The taxi was here. 

I had no idea our hallway was so long. Each red stool represents a traveler, a fellow inmate. Occasionally, I have heard the one next door. Riding down on the elevator, I glanced at the buttons to see how many floors were in this hotel. Fourteen. I knew there had to be at least one floor above us. Every day, I can hear thumping from above. Obviously, the result of someone exercising. 

On arrival to the lobby, we were directed outside where the taxi driver lightly misted us with an antibacterial solution.

The drive to the hospital was very short. If we were normal people, we could've easily walked. But, normal we are not. And neither was the hospital. Except for a very small emergency sign,  it looked like just another typical Taiwanese storefront establishment.

The very nice taxi driver took our health cards and registered us. After a short wait, we were given a bag with the test supplies and then led to a tent. Inside, a nurse dressed in scrubs and every other possible medical protection gear, stood behind a plexiglass wall. Her gloved hands reached through two holes.

My sinus cavity still hurts from the procedure. I won't go into details. I will say though that they have the process down. Two noses swabbed, vials safely tucked away, in less than 5 minutes!

On returning to the taxi, the driver paid our fee, drove us back to the hotel, sprayed us again, and in less than thirty minutes our foray into reality was over.

I miss outside. I miss doing life.

But, this is about to be distant memory. 

Double Digits

 Days 9 and 10:

We are in the double digits! 

I think I can safely say this is the beginning of the end. 

Hallelujah!

Today also marked the day we needed to once again prove that we are covid free. 

Three days before boarding our Taiwan bound plane, we visited an Ohioan CVS. From the comfort of our car, we completed test 1. It was negative.

After debarking from the last of our three flights, we were ushered into a portable cubicle and asked to spit into a plastic cup. Five millimeters worth. It also was negative.

Today's test was a self-administered rapid test.

It brought back memories of my child bearing years. 

All the emotions of not knowing, but almost knowing.

This may seem silly to some of you. It's just a covid test,  right? Not life changing like finding out you are pregnant. Being covid positive in the US in nothing like being covid positive in Taiwan. All individuals testing positive are taken directly to the hospital, placed in an isolation room, and remain there until they can test negative on three consecutive tests. 

No window with a view. No deliveries of yummy treats from friends.  No comfy bed. No nice shower. No Uber Eats. Hospital food.  (Need I go on?)

 It's not life changing, but it certainly would not be fun. And, to be honest, I am just ready to be home. So, yes, I got a little shaky. Of course, anytime you shove something up your own nose shakiness is a possibility.

Throughout the last nine days, my mind kept going back to the lady in the South Korea airport who kept sniffling and blowing her nose. What if? 

After swabbing, twirling, squeezing, dripping, and waiting, the test was complete. Once again, I was negative.

(Insert sigh of relief)

In two days, we get to go on a field trip. A special taxi will pick us up at the hotel and transport us to the closest hospital. There, the fourth and final covid test will be administered. If that also proves to be negative, we will be allowed to check out at 12:01 am Saturday.

Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

 

The Other Window

 Day 8:

    Today, I am very thankful for the internet.

I can't even imagine doing this thing called quarantine without this virtual "window".

Throughout the last 8 days I have been able to communicate with family and friends, both here in Taiwan as well as those on the other side of the world. Sometimes its written messages through Messenger and email. Other times it's face to face.

Through modern technology, I can virtually attend the services of our camp meeting, Camp Sychar, back in Ohio. Before moving to Taiwan, we never missed the ten day camp. It was one of our favorite places to be. If it wasn't for the need to quarantine, we would have been able to be there in person. But, it is what it is, and I am so thankful for the technology that allows me to be there. 

Since there is a twelve hour time distance, I get to start each day off right. The best thing about attending virtually is I get to wear my pjs!

Besides chatting and attending camp, I also used the internet today to watch some gymnastics, cycling, and beach volleyball at the Tokyo Olympics.

So while I appreciate the physical window here in my room, I also greatly appreciate this high tech window that lets me observe the "real" world!

  

Only 6 more sunsets before I am set free!

Half Way

 Day 7:

And that my friends, officially marks our half way point.

Seven days ago, with smiling faces, and hopeful hearts we entered our quarantine "paradise". Actually, we were exhausted, and at that point the only thing I wanted was a hot shower and a soft bed.

This was the last time Carl's feet were outside the room. The other day the hotel sent a message to all its occupants reminding us of the fine if we should choose to exit our rooms. No thank you. Quarantine is expensive enough!

See my lovely sticker? It proved I had followed all the appropriate steps at the airport and I was legally cleared for transportation. There was no question or doubt. This girl was marked for isolation.

At times, throughout the last seven days, I have thought about those incarcerated for one thing or another. Not necessarily those who committed a crime. We all know the consequences for breaking the law. But, more specifically, persecuted Christians or political prisoners- those who suffered or are suffering for having different beliefs than those in charge. 

Those cells were small, dark, and lacked any comforts of home. 

This hotel room is a mansion compared to prisons around the world. I am comfortable. I have a window. The internet. A bathroom with hot water, a rain forest shower,  a flushing toilet.  And....  I only have to do this for fourteen days.

Sometimes we have to be yanked out of our comfort zones to truly be grateful for what we do have.

Rain

 Day 6:

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. 

A typhoon is passing north of Taiwan bringing much needed rain. When we left Taiwan on June 1, Taichung was in the midst of the worst drought in over 50 years. The city was so desperate to conserve what was left in the reservoirs, water was  shut off for a consecutive 48 hours every week. Rainfalls during the month of June helped alleviate the restrictions. But it is the yearly typhoons that help provide this island with fresh water.

The roofs below my window (aka portal to the real world) are metal. The falling rain created a comforting sound in which to wake. In the darkness of the room, I felt my way to that magical portal. Sliding it open, my skin tingled as droplets of water splashed on the sill. A cool moist wisp of wind rushed into the stale air. I filled my lungs with a cleansing breath. It was a good way to start the day.

Later, from my portal to reality, a life and death drama played out. A mouse on a roof desperately tried to escape three marauding cats. In a last ditch effort to avoid capture, it jumped off the roof onto a nearby wall. Its hopes of freedom came crashing down when the cat in the lead also made the flying leap, snatching away the rodent's last chance of life.

Not everything from my opening to reality is quite as exciting. Most are just the ordinary, day-to-day happenings of city folk. A man hanging his laundry on his back balcony. A woman riding her scooter through the back alley. A rooftop garden.

Just the sounds coming through the open window help soothe away the aches of enforced isolation.

 The jackhammer remodeling a building next door. 

A police siren wailing off in the distance. 

The garbage truck playing its Beethoven's Fur Elise.

If you have ever stayed inside one room without leaving for 6 days, you may understand my unusual sentiments. If you have not, count yourself blessed!

Philippians 4:8

 Days 4 and 5:

Yesterday was a hard day. 

I am naturally an optimistic person and I like to stick to the lighter side of life as much as possible. But, to be totally honest, yesterday sucked (I don't like this word, but no other word quite fit. Please forgive my use of it).

The previous day, I was productive. I created  lesson plans for a social studies unit. I cleaned up my computer files. I read several chapters in my professional development book. I even learned The Cowboy Shuffle. This quarantine thing was going to be ok.

Then yesterday came.

 I struggled to stay focused. I jumped from one activity to another. I paced the room. I thought about the "could've beens". All I wanted to do was curl up in bed and sleep.

Fortunately,  today is a new day. A day to look forward  and to look beyond myself (and these four walls).  

This, I cannot do on my own. 

"Therefore, my brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

Today, I choose to think about what is true. 

God loves me. 

I was created in the image of God.

Jesus died on the cross to set me free.

I'm forgiven.

Today, I choose to think upon things that are lovely. 

The sun caressing my face as I stand at my open hotel window. 

Today, I choose to think upon things that are pure. 

The sweet message from a coworker's daughter. 

Today, I choose to think upon things that are praiseworthy! 

The beautiful sunset taken from a friend's quarantine hotel.

Today and every day to follow is filled with a series of choices that determine where your mind will dwell. Where your mind dwells, so shall your spirit.

So despite my surroundings, my circumstances, I can choose to live a joyful productive life.

Even here in quarantine.  

Sleep

 Day 3

Sleep? 

Who needs sleep? 

Obviously, not me.

I don't do jet lag well. My normal method of dealing with this necessary evil of long distance travel doesn't seem to be working. In the past, I have found that staying busy, up and active, never pausing, usually pushes to me to keep going despite wanting (no, that's not a strong enough word), desiring (nope, still not there), desperately in need of a nap. 

Here in my lovely quarantine prison, I mean hotel, my movement resources are extremely limited. My options are scarce.

 More importantly, however, is that thing right in the middle if the room. That soft rectangle, with the cozy blankets, and plush hotel pillows. 

Always there. 

Always staring at me, begging me to come relish in its comfort. 

Constantly offering me a place to lay my weary head.

Yesterday, I succumbed to its temptations. After lunch, my brain and body conspired against my will. What could be the harm in a little nap? Well, that itsy-bitsy nap turned into a five and a half hour monster! I just couldn't wake up. 

 With the long deep sleep in the afternoon, I didn't sleep much when I was suppose to sleep.  You know, like normal people, when the sun goes down.

So, here I am stuck in this vicious jet lag cycle. But win this war, I must.

Day 3 is going to be a long day. I will not nap. I will not nap. I will not nap.

I shall prevail.

(I hope)

 

The Passing of Time

 Quarantine Day 2:

Time is weird.

I can't explain it. Maybe it is the lack of routine. Or possible, the lack of the day-to-day responsibilities in a typical day. 

The only two constants in the quarantine day is the room itself and the delivery of meals. Three times a day, a bell rings announcing the arrival of a meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These are the only indication of the passage of time.  The bell rings, you eat. I suspect that after 14 days of this routine, my mouth may begin salivating every time a doorbell rings! 

In our quarantine hotel, breakfast typically arrives between 7:30 and 7:45. The food comes from a local breakfast shop.

 One of the most popular breakfast shop food is a dan bin- a Chinese egg pancake. I have yet to receive a dan bin. I have been given a sandwich the last two mornings. Once with tuna. This is a picture of Carl's box this morning. It was a scrambled egg topped with tuna.  The eggs were good. The tuna was not. Don't blame the tuna. Tuna just doesn't fit the western idea of a breakfast food. 

Lunch typically arrives around 11:45. This consists of rice, a protein, and several vegetable dishes. It's a lot of food. I am thankful for that since it gives me plenty to choose from.  I don't know what all the vegetables were, but it was good.

At 5:30, the little door bell announces that evening is here and despite not using the calories gained from breakfast and lunch, it is time to consume more. Don't judge- the next time the bell will ring is 14 hours away! So I eat, again. Once again, rice, a protein, and several vegetables.

The left side of this meal went untouched! Not sure what it even was. I did enjoy the slightly pickled bamboo in the center and the steamed piece of pumpkin. 

Three meals consumed. 

Day 2 of quarantine completed.

Only 36 more to go! 

The Window

 Quarantine Day 1

Ever hear about the best laid plans? 

Before boarding that plane bound for the land of America. We made plans. 

Quarantine plans. 

Good plans. 

Plans of how to spend two weeks of rejuvenating time at home after a crazy summer of travel.

Plans for around the home projects.

Plans of yummy recipes to be tried and tested.

Plans that included a glass of freshly made lemonade, our 7th floor balcony, cushioned swing, and a good book.

Yep. Those plans.

Those plans did not pan out. Thank you very much Delta variant. Due to several cases of the this more contagious strain, the Taiwan government decided  to  tighten up their already stringent reentry routines. One of these being no more home quarantining.

So here I am. In a hotel. For two weeks. (Insert loud sigh).

My biggest concern? Getting a hotel room without a window. Yes, they exist here in Taiwan. Twice we have vacationed without a window. No thank you! Especially not when I am not allowed to leave the room for 14 consecutive days.

But, this evening, I am thankful. Thankful for something as simple as a window. A window that opens. A window that allowed me to hear the morning birds as the first sun rays crept above the horizon. A window that allowed me to feel the late morning breeze. A window where I  caught a few afternoon rays as I watched an unsuspecting neighbor hang her just washed laundry. A window that showed the ever darkening evening sky.

God is good.

Even when our best laid plans don't happen.

God knows what we need. 

Always.