Embracing the New Normal - The 'Unlock' mindset

The last few months have been anything but normal for each of us. A tiny virus that is not seen or heard, has completely disrupted our lives and plans. The many weeks (in some cases months) of complete lockdown, loss of livelihoods, critical illnesses, and death, has shaken many of us to the core. 

With the ‘Unlock’ rules came a bit of relief and a few of us started moving about, but our normal ways of existence have been reimagined in every way possible. Many of us moved out easily and adapted to this new normal. However, there are still many who are still coming to terms with this new way of life. They are probably Anxious as the virus is still continuing to spread; Angry about the way others are flouting the rules of social distancing and wearing of masks; Stressed about the new changes and adapting to a new normal; or, even Confused about why the rules have been relaxed and if they should follow the others as they move about.

Post the complete lockdown, I have been bold enough to drive to two states in India (Tamil Nadu in June, and Goa in July), once for a trip to help a friend and the other as a birthday getaway. I have been asked by quite a few of my friends and family - Why did I do it? Wasn’t I afraid? Were there enough precautions at the travel location? What are the procedures involved? How did I do it? And, Why couldn’t I wait till the pandemic was over? 

All very valid questions, especially when many who asked me have not moved out of their homes in the last few months! So, let me try and explain here. Those who know me, know that I am a rule-follower and not a rule-breaker, so these trips were done in complete adherence to the mandated government guidelines. 

First Mental Unlock - Trip To Madurai

Our home quarantine stamps on return to Bangalore.

As the first unlock was announced at the end of May 2020, I received a call from a good friend of mine who needed some help. His car had broken down somewhere near Madurai, as he was driving back home to Bangalore just before the lockdown. The car was now repaired and ready to be picked up from the company service center. He has an ailing mother at home and needed the vehicle to shuttle her in case of an emergency. He needed my help to drive with him to Madurai to pick up his car. I was in between job stints and had some free time before I started something new. So, I offered to help out. 

It took a few days to plan the trip and figure out the necessary government mandates that needed to be followed. The plan was to reach Madurai (~430 Kms), pick up the car, and drive back the next day, he in his car and me in mine. Given the distance, I didn’t want to drive alone, so I convinced my wife to come along. It was a risk exposing both of us, but given the circumstances, we decided to take it.

We stayed at one of the better hotels (GRT Regency), one that we hoped would ensure regular sanitization and follow all the protocols (which they did). We also bought the necessary supply of hand sanitizers and masks for ourselves. 

A simple breakfast

It was a strange feeling to drive on open roads after being confined to a limited movement for so long. We were like free birds! The highways were practically empty, save for a few cars like ours. It was the first unlock, and the government rules and checking were stringent. Our documents were checked at every district checkpoint. Almost all the food joints alongside the highway were shut, but we did manage to find one that was serving a very limited menu. 

Madurai was in partial lockdown like the rest of the country, with a few shops and restaurants open. Even the world-famous Meenakshi Temple was shut for public visits (large places of public worship continue to remain shut across India).

This was our first experience of coming out of the lockdown, and in many ways unlocked the mental stress, anxiety, and confusion about the way things would be. It gave us our first view of the changing world.

Second Mental Unlock - Embracing the new normal in Goa

At the start of July, the Goa government announced that they would be accepting tourists. They stipulated a set of guidelines that included a mandatory Covid-19 test 48 hours before entry. Our earlier planned trip to Goa in April got canceled, and it was my birthday at the end of July, so, we decided to go. It was our experience of the trip to Madurai, that gave us the confidence, that driving would be safe and hassle-free if we took the necessary precautions. 

To be back on the open road especially one that is as green as the Bangalore-Pune (which we have to take for a large part of the journey) highway was bliss! 

This time around, based on our recent road experience, we stocked up on a lot of munchies, just in case. To our surprise, there were a lot more cars on the road and the traffic was almost like in ‘normal times’ (didn’t imagine I would ever use that phrase). There were a lot more food joints open, and we got a decent fare at the one where we stopped for breakfast and lunch. A tip though, if you see an open restaurant, you stop and refuel. Don’t wait for another! 

We had booked ourselves in a timeshare property (Royal Haathi Mahal) we own a share in. Only government-approved resorts are permitted to be open and all guests are expected to follow a 48-hour self-quarantine. The details of our Covid-19 tests, a declaration, and our booking information were thoroughly checked at the Goa state border before allowing us to proceed further. 

Benaulim Beach

We had initially planned a week but decided to extend for another week and work from our resort. This was a very different experience of Goa, the beaches, and restaurants had only locals and a trickle of tourists like us. Most places were shut or half-open. 

This trip helped us build our confidence in the system about taking the necessary precautions to control the spread. It also helped us get comfortable with the new normal, as we took a Covid-19 (antibody) test, we wore our mask everywhere (even to the beach), and practiced social distancing. We began to appreciate, acknowledge, and encourage the many people who were out there doing their jobs exposed to the possibility of catching the virus. 

This post is not a travelogue or about tips on what one should do when traveling during a pandemic. It is my experience of coming out of the 'lockdown' mindset and coming to terms with a reality that none of us possibly imagined. I call it the 'Unlock mindset'.

Stay Safe!

P.S. We did return home Covid-19 free and followed the required quarantine and hygiene guidelines after and during each trip.