Travels with Forty Roses: March 2020

Here in Paris things are probably not much different than where you are. The world is shaken , worried and gripped with fear as we are fighting a war in which we cannot physically see the enemy and have no idea who it might attack next.

How rapidly our lives changed. Going from day to day we expect the planes will fly, the trains will run, groceries will be on shelves, our children will go to school, we will work or do what has usually filled our days. Now all that has evaporated . What we do now is watch media, check our internet or phone for the latest statistics and speak to friends and family about their situations, their precautions , the environment in which they are living. Borderless Europe has become border bound, communities have been shut off and shut down and each one of us is now surrounded by our own self distancing boundary.

Today a good friend from down our pontoon sent me this:

The woman who wrote it is a stranger to me. However by simply reading it to each other we have calmed our minds and focused on what each day brings.

The streets of Paris are empty except for emergency vehicles and those where essential work requires a vehicle. In order to leave the Port, which is locked so no one may enter to use the park area, we must prepare an Attestation form signed and dated and ready for presentation to the police. For those without the attestation or for those not abiding by the reason for being out (narrowly defined) a steep fine is rendered. Stay home is the strict message. And we are doing just that as we try to plan our next step.

Of course John’s big birthday surprise that I have planned since August 2018 is cancelled at least for us. I had intended to surprise him on April 5 with tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix but COVID-19 intervened. So we are requesting cancellations there and in Nice where we intended to stay. We are exploring options for the boat but must see to her before we book a flight. Canals are closed until at least April 20 to all but commercial traffic. Maybe we can stay where we are…for a price…maybe we can reach Port Ilion or make it to Migennes. None of that is clear just yet.

I am adding just a few pictures this week as I had planned to tell you all about the wonderful Paris Agricultural Exposition. Instead, for those of us confined to the Port a couple of pictures depict small activities to keep us socially distanced but mentally balanced!

And a post script: The most amazing thing just happened. At vingt heure In all the apartments overlooking the Port people came out on their balconies and opened their windows. Boat dwellers came out on decks and we all called and waved , blew boat horns, rang bells and shouted in appreciation for all the Healthcare Professionals who are struggling against this pandemic and also, I believe, for our own fortitude and courage, in a spontaneous act of solidarity. It was moving and uplifting.