Just in time in El Salvador

Finally we land in El Salvador. All the people working in the airport are wearing a mask. Did something change? Are they sending people back? At immigration first thing they ask is where are we coming from? Europe? Have we been in Italy or Spain? Relieved that our answer is no. We have to sign a special waiver, confirming our address and person of contact. Corona Virus is not yet in the country, but it seems to us that the country is very concerned. The day of our departure from Miami they close the border to all who are travelling from Spain and France, the day after we arrived they closed the border for people with a German passport as well ! Lucky us. . . Even luckier, our two dogs are waiting for us, ready to start this new adventure.

Arriving in the country seems different this time. We are here to stay. We are here to be creative, full of ideas and ready to work a lot. The energy is there, even after three long days of travelling, lots of emotions, lack of sleep and empty stomachs. The trip "home" to my parents house is quiet. Time to think, organize our thoughts.

One House, five dogs and a lot of humans !

So we start. We are happy to be reunited again with my parents. It has been a long time and it feels great to be together. As we planned, we start on our first day right away. Shana with her Walita working at the farm Nawali, helping her with the animals and workshops. Alex and I taking care of our first priority: finding a place that we can call "home", then a car, furniture, household appliances and cellphones. The clock is ticking, we know Corona is on its way and we need to settle in. It is Thursday, the 5th of march. Borders are closed for anyone coming from Europe ! People are getting a little bit worried about the health situation.

We get ourselves very busy, running errands. Shana learns how to deal with Naara's time-consuming activity. We learn how administration and sale works in the country.

Meanwhile, Switzerland is talking about closing schools, administrations. Noam is learning how to deal with his new world. Still going from Bubikon to Schaffhausen, being by himself in the train while he commutes. On Saturday it is still game day for him and his Team. Good for us, we can watch it live on internet. All together, we sit in front of a big TV and, like a week ago almost have the feeling to be part of the game . It feels good to be able to see him. We see some friends and people we know. Not a big crowd, as Switzerland decided to reduce activities involving more than 500 people.

We were lucky to be able to go to the beach on our first Sunday. A day at the beach feels so relaxing. For Kiru and Laska, an all time-first: First time at the ocean, ocean and pool. Freedom and fun. Kiru jumps in the ocean as if she has done that her whole life. Laska follows a little bit shy and enjoys it as well. For us, a place of peace and quiet.

A coconut, great walks and quality time together, nothing better on a Sunday. Big first for Shana too. Her first driving lessons on the streets of Cangrejera! She did very well and had a lot of fun.

Monday: Switzerland closed all schools. Rules are changing. Borders are closing. In Salvador,school are closing as well, even though there is no declared case in the country. The President is talking about taking early measures. On Tuesday, my father comes home early. They closed the theater. On Wednesday they tell people over 65 to stay home. Still no case. . .