Except for writing a blog post and 1 more night, we're done here! The quarantine is as good as over! The last day was pretty exciting, as it's required to do another covid test - in this case it's a rapid finger prick test, basically testing for antibodies. If that test turns out positive, you need to reconfirm with a swab test. Of course, nobody expects to test positive after the quarantine, but it can happen. So it remains a bit of an exciting moment. We got tested this morning around 10am, and by 12.30pm we received the news that all had tested negative. Hooray! Our release was confirmed!
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| The sun was playing "art on the roof" today |
It was not just the test today. We had a call from reception to ask how we would settle our bill, to prepare. We then had a knock on the door, to bring some information document with a section we needed to fill - again to ensure a smooth check-out process tomorrow. Later on they passed by again, this time to already settle the bill - so that doesn't need to happen tomorrow! And soon, we'll be packing our bags; something we normally do 10' before leaving but this time I want to enjoy doing it well in advance. Several events to remind us, that tomorrow is the day!
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| Getting ready for the great escape |
Looking back, it wasn't that bad at all, much better than I would have anticipated. Let's be clear: you don't do this for fun and we're definitely going to avoid it for quite a while now; but it just wasn't that bad. Of course, you need to wonder if it all makes sense to go through this ordeal, especially because there are so few positive imported cases here - and even more so, whether it makes sense to have a 14-day quarantine (see this post). In Malaysia I can certainly support the idea of some form of quarantine, as there are so few cases in the country. In Europe I just can't understand it anymore; you can come from almost anywhere in the world, and your chances of being infected are not higher than the average local person. If you then adhere to the principles of social distancing, wearing mask, staying home when you feel ill, checking temperature etc, it should be good. OK, a test upon arrival and isolation until you have a result, that would be an easy and effective way of working. Anyway, enough of that now!
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| Beautiful farewell present from our loyal friend, the view from our room |
In terms of hotel stay, I guess we have been lucky in the sense that we had a large room with a huge window and good view; perfect also for our daily exercises. The room was comfortable, the staff very friendly. Food-wise, it's a bit mediocre I'd say. I've definitely seen worse on the FB quarantine support group, but then again, I've seen better as well! 9 times an apple, no other fruit; otherwise a greasy muffin as dessert. A few times dry biscuits. Rice rice rice; chicken chicken chicken; noodles only once. No nasi lemak boohoo. Generally, the food was OK, really no complaints, but also just OK, nothing to write home about. Little fantasy, little variation, that is the only remark.
If we had to go through this again, would we do or bring anything different? I'd probably bring a little bit more food stuff. The food is sufficient, for sure. But because of the lack of variation, I'd bring some other savoury stuff - we mostly brought sweet things. Some good chilli sauce, maybe some soy sauce, to do something with the boring dry rice. Maybe some dried fruit. The crackers and toasted bread we brought was a very good thing (we had bread for breakfast just only once) and I would bring some more. I would also bring something else to eat with it, like some cheese (vacuum packed, or else just Laughing Cow or so). Lastly, a little practical thing, indirectly food related: something to do the dishes: a rag, a sponge, a kitchen towel.
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| More screen-based activity: photo editing - started catching up on my backlog today! |
I would also look at having some non-screen related activities. I had more than enough to do, not a problem, but it was nearly all iPhone, e-reader or laptop based - except for the 30'-1h daily exercises (and the KS of course; 77 positions was not sufficient). At the end of the day, my eyes were sore from staring at those screens. Maybe a puzzle, board games, some "tinkering" stuff, drawing, origami, ... Don't know, but something with the hands rather than the eyes...
That's it, folks! I'll try to give a shout tomorrow about our release, but it might well be Thursday before that happens! I hope you have enjoyed being part of the journey, feel free to share this with others who might need it! Cheers!