Update

So just a short update, things have become more hairy. The US has now become the epicentre of all things Corona, Surpassing China and Italy. Globally, there has been an increase of cases and consequently Covid19 related deaths. Some countries have closed borders, whilst some have enforced mandatory quarantine periods (see interesting etymology of the word: Quarantine). Hong Kong has enforced a 14 day quarantine for all new arrivals into the SAR. This comes on the back of an increase in infections. Globally we have seen governments enforce lock down laws of non-essential services.

This will undeniably have far reaching impact on economies and affect the livelihood of many industries and individuals. It has started and we are only starting to see the this train wreck unfold. We have already seen many governments push through emergency stimulus packages to stem the bleeding, we are seeing manufacturers change workshops to assist with medical supply manufacturing and we are already seeing behavioural changes in the way people interact and work.

Update, gyms and fitness studios have closed. LKF and Soho are ghost towns and the maximum number of people in public areas must be limited to four people. I have a solid group: Albert and Andrew, who I see on the regular, sometimes sneaking out for a beach wine, or just casual pizza. We are pretty lucky in that Hong Kong residents are still quite free to move around.

It's interesting to see the types of things that people are finding refuge in. Most staying at home, Netflix seems to have benefited (there's talk of YouTube and Netflix both throttling streaming quality in order to be gentle on broadband infrastructure). People are having virtual Zoom meetings (another candidate for Oxford Dictionary word of the year: 'Verb, Zoom'). Cooking, in particular Baking seems to be on the rise which captures the attention of creating something and keeping busy in these awkward times.

For me, it's been a good opportunity to re-connect with people. Read more. I've noticed that being home so much more makes me crave the dishes that I grew up on: Kway Teow Tong, Har Mee, Lasanga, Mee Goreng, Instant Noodles, Congee. So I've been cooking a lot more. I've also realised, that a lot of my year, actually my life, is made up of travel and exercise and now that these things have been taken away I feel a little insufficient in the hobby and experience department. Thankfully (?) I'm still in the process of setting up my apartment, so furniture is still arriving, and occasionally i have to assemble something, or i'll head out and buy some plants or ornaments for the apartment. Home decorating is currently what occupies most of my time, that and well cooking.

Social Distancing

So things have changed since my last update. The virus from Wuhan has officially been named COVID19 (SARS-CoV2), aptly named after Corona Virus Disease 2019. it has now spread internationally with velocity. Finally, the WHO have called this a pandemic. At the time there is a sense of uncertainty and experts and governments are asking people to exercise "Social distancing". The details and complexities of the virus still remain largely unknown. It appears to be more fatal for the elder and for men. Countries have enforced lockdowns of varying degrees in order to curb the spread and limit the impact on respective medical infrastructures, or to "flatten the curve". Social Distancing, and flattening the the curve maybe very well be the words of 2020.

Around the world, you hear story of humanity being left at the door and anecdotes of toilet paper scarcity and people stock-piling basic food items. Markets have not been spared the uncertainty, with volatility and markets at 10 year lows (although, the impetus may have actually been the Oil war). People are working remotely, effectively mind you and families have been torn apart, but also pushed closer, there will be a cultural change at the end of all of this and frankly, I'm optimistic.

Back to the Social Distancing, I am enjoying this period. I can't be sure, but I would say I'm fortunate in the sense that the period in my life is probably the less impacted. I'm not a kid stuck indoors, I've finished studying so there's no additional stress outside of the day-to-day and I've probably past the stage where socialising and frequenting bars and crowded areas are required to maintain a healthy social life. That being said, I have started wearing a mask and have become a hand sanitizer merchant. There's been more reading, and I have a select group of friends that we see on a weekly basis. So, am I enjoying the social distancing? Kind of.

Currently (appropriately) Reading: "The Shock Doctrine"

India

First time in India! Pretty excited, not sure what to expect. The reason I'm in India is for another friend's wedding. Back to back weddings, each on different sides of the world. Quietly excited as it's the proper Indian three day affair. Will let the photos do the describing. My highlights from this trip:

1. Did not get food poisoning
2. Culturally rich wedding
3. Delicious food
4. Bollywood Dancing
5. Everybody dressed up in traditional Indian attire

Both weddings were very different. It's such a celebration to see the families and friends who have gathered from all around the world to celebrate these unions. Hearing stories of how these relationships formed and the journeys that each couple has had is kind of a kick in the nuts about how far away I am from it all.