There’s a joke photo going around in Argentina showing a maté cup with many silver metal straws in it. When it comes to the national drink – where one cup and one straw is traditionally passed around a group of friends and family – that’s what constitutes social distancing in this new coronavirus world.
However, people are still sharing their maté. We’ve started to politely decline, but we feel very rude. Sometimes being a responsible traveller sucks – or doesn’t suck, in the case of maté.
We are reluctantly cutting short the current leg of our travels and heading back to Canada on March 22 – the earliest we could get a flight. We’ll arrive in Montreal early morning on March 23, then it’s into self-isolation for 14 days.
If I were a child, I would scream “I don’t wanna!!” There’s so much of Argentina we haven’t experienced, and Machu Picchu still beckons.
We didn’t make this decision easily. We had planned to be in Argentina, then Peru and possibly Ecuador until the end of June. As coronavirus ramped up, we figured we would simply ride it out here in Argentina, where there’s decent health care. But, of course, the situation evolved incredibly fast.
We spent a good part of a day making a pros and cons list for staying in Argentina versus going home. Not surprisingly, the “going home” list won out and we booked our flight.
As in Canada, everything in Argentina is shutting down – national parks, shows, events, museums and galleries. Football (soccer) games are still being played, but behind closed doors without fans. Through chatter on traveller social media, we’ve also learned that it’s getting harder for foreigners to find hotel rooms or rental apartments – they are rightly suspicious that we might have coronavirus. Even though we’ve been in Argentina for more than 14 days, without symptoms, we envisioned having problems moving around on buses or planes.
From a health point of view, it seemed irresponsible to stay in a country where, if we were to get sick with coronavirus, we would be an extra burden on the health-care system. Also, our travel medical insurance will end if the Canadian government “orders” Canadians home rather than “recommends,” as it has done so far.
Here in the small town of Larroque, things are quite calm and peaceful. We will stay here until it’s time to go back to Buenos Aires and face the crowds at the airport. Indeed, my biggest fear in all this is waiting around the airport with a bunch of potentially sick people, and then spending 14 hours on the plane with them. By all accounts, Ottawa is a crazy spot with huge long lines at grocery stores with empty shelves.
I feel like we’re heading into a hurricane.
I just joined as a follower. You need to show me how I can make my blog more interesting!
I am a friend of Laura and Kathleen.
Hi
We also had to make the decision to return to Ottawa. We were to stay in Palm Springs until April 14 th.,and fly back West Jet.
We got an Air Canada flight, United is the partner airline, left !Monday at ,7pm and landed in Ottawa at noon Tues. Travelled PS, San Francisco. Toronto then Ottawa! Tired but knew it was the best choice.
Yes all you heard is true! Get a mask, plastic gloves, hand sanitizer and wipes for the trip. Be safe!
Gayle and Pete
I’m so glad you made it home safely! We are all prepared for our flight, including rubbing alcohol and Dettol wipes, since hand sanitizer is nowhere to be found.
Safe return on March 22nd you two!
The world awaits you – after this crisis passes. Sorry to hear that your trip will be interrupted, but I look forward to seeing you. Stay well!
Thinking of you both. My heart goes out to you. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks, Dale. We will see you right after 14 days of isolation!
Unbelievable to be in a pandemic. The neighbourhood is very quiet and there isn’t even yoga tonight. Reminds me of our return from Aus when SARS was about. We made it home safely then and I know you will too.
Cheers
Val
Fingers crossed!
As you might already know, there are only 13 confirmed cases in all of Ottawa, so far, but the number seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. (over 170 in all of Ontario)
We’re so glad, and as confident as anyone can be in this very unusual (I’ve never seen or heard the word “unprecedented” used as frequently!) situation, that our own Canadian public health authorities, supported by our sober and responsible political leaders (mostly) pulling together, are doing and saying all the right things to try to keep us all safe. (Unlike the U.S.A. under the very questionable and divisive leadership of their ignorant grifter President. [May his name live on in infamy forever!])
It must have been a very tough decision to return at this time, but obviously the right one.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you both for a safe and healthy flight home. Better days, and safer travels, lie ahead! It’s a great big world out there, but not a safe one at the moment.
Tough decision you needed to make, but you probably feel a bit better having made it now. Stay healthy and all the best on your long trip home. Will miss your entertaining and educational blogs. 😀
Thanks for letting us know. We got back from Morocco and Spain just 6 days ago. Happy to be home. Looking forward to see you both.
I was going to say you are probably safer in Argentina than in Canada but I see it has indeed spread to South America. We are all in “lock down” here. I figure we will all be stir-crazy by the end of the week although probably in better physical condition. The only thing that is relatively safe to do is walk outside.
Safe trip home!
Kathryn
I have been worried about you both. So glad you are going back to Canada. You can always continue your travels later ❤️✈️
I’m just back from Toronto myself where it feels MUCH safer than here in the US. Safe travels 😘