The last few days have been confronting, confusing and to be a honest, a little crazy. COVID-19 is dominating the media landscape, conversations between family and friends and at the moment one can’t help but think about it a few hundred times a day.
Last week when things felt a bit calmer, Paul and I accompanied Adam on a business trip to Melbourne. We didn’t have much planned – it was really just about soaking up big city life for a few days in between Adam’s work commitments.
Now it feels like that little break was a final hurrah to ‘normal life’ for the next few months and I’m relishing the space if offered…
Our base for our few days away was a compact Airbnb apartment in Richmond, just to the east of the Melbourne CBD. When Adam made the initial booking, it was just for him. And although there was enough room for the three of us… if we were to head back to that part of the city again we’d probably look for something a little bigger. The location however was hard to beat – right on a tram line, walking distance to the city and with an abundance of coffee shops, bars, restaurants and shops right by.
We quickly became regulars at Horse to Water, a minimally designed café which ensured we got a fantastic coffee every morning. I enjoyed its simplistic aesthetic, delicious breakfasts (Highly recommend their ‘Breakfast Greens’ – buttery toast atop with avocado; sautéd kale, snow peas, broccoli; a poached egg; and served with feta and a beetroot hummus) and its steady stream of diverse clientele – grey haired older couples, hospital workers, tradesmen and hip 20-somethings with much cooler outfits than I’ll ever be able to pull off.
My favourite outing however of the trip was a morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens. There was a sense of peacefulness amongst the trees and open lawns. We meandered through different gardens, quietly chatting amongst ourselves while Paul napped in his pushchair. It was relaxing and calm, and I think what we both needed as news around Coronavirus started to ramp up.
We’re now home and taking each day as it comes. The industry Adam works in has been heavily affected by the restrictions the Australian Government has put in place, so we know life will probably look little different over the coming months – not so many trips away, more hunkering down at home.
No matter where you are, look after yourself. Follow the advice of authorities. Keep an eye out for the elderly, sick, people who need the support of carers and those living alone. Now more than ever, we need to care for each other.
Have a wonderful week.
M. x
Wattle and Ash 