My wife Sarah and I are on our third quarantine, and I have to admit each one has been quite different. Each time comes with a new set of challenges, new rules, and even new things to watch on Netflix.

Quarantine #1

Taiwan Puts in Quarantine

The Taiwan government mandated that all individuals traveling through Hong Kong would be put on a 14 day quarantine period. This was like so devastating to us. We had work that was all planned out, no food at home, no masks, or a thermometer.

Our Quarantine

Within those 14 days, we practiced being vegetarians. We learned how to cook vegan meals. Being able to work on projects was something we had more time to do. It was not so bad. The world was ok, we were good, the economy was roaring.

Quarantine Ends

At that moment, the idea of traveling to Antarctica came to our mind. The Coronavirus was still only in Asia, and the world seem to be doing just fine. We set-up a trip to go to Antarctica, and a week later we left.

Quarantine #2

This new quarantine started when were out to sea in Antarctica. We had taken the ship Ocean Endeavor to see Antarctica with our expedition team from Quark Expeditions. On March 13th, we were notified that the Argentinian Government was blocking all flights back to the USA starting on March 17th. We were heading back to Ushuaiah Argentina a day early to arrive on the 16th. 

On March 15th, our shipmates and us were notified that Tierra Del Fuego Province government was going to require us to quarantine for 14 days. So we would have to be on the ship until the 22nd of March. 

This announcement put a wrench in everyone's travel. We were now on the ship for an extra 5 days, and the crew needed to help us stay sane, have fun, fed, and be able to get off the ship and back home. 

Fun in Quarantine

The expedition crew kept us with high spirits by providing us with additional services. We now how workout days of boot camps and combat training. Our nights were filled with entertainment such as karaoke, comedy, movie nights, dancing, and at large St. Pattys day party. The afternoons had games, VR, and even a trivia time. Life was good. 

Reality Kicks in

Quarantine #3

Living in Taiwan, it seems like every day life is going quite smoothly. The people are working, the kids are playing and in school, and there are only like 380 cases of Coronavirus. For not being a member of the WHO, looks like Taiwan is kicking ass. 

Sarah and I are in strict quarantine here in Taiwan. We are being monitored by the police, the CDC, and even our school is making sure we are safe and healthy.

It feels like a bummer to know we have friends traveling on the holiday weekend as we are stuck inside hoping for daylight to peak through our tiny windows. 

Our Routine

Quarantine 2020 is definitely hitting our year off with a blast. So many stories to tell. So many days stuck inside. Who could have thought?

Tips for Isolation

8 Tips for Isolation

1. Get into a schedule. Start small. Just set an alarm and wake up at the same time every day, even if it’s to go watch five hours of Netflix on the couch.

2. Motivation does not usually come before you start the task, so don’t wait for it, but it will surprise you by arriving when you begin. Sitting down to write one paragraph is an achievable goal and it might just turn into a lot more. Those ten push ups might become fifty. Just begin the task and see how you feel.

3. Exercise at least every second day. Not only does it help you stay strong physically but it will also stop you from developing aches and pains, as well as benefit your mental health. There are loads of bodyweight exercises: lunges, squats, push ups, sit ups, etc. Add in a chair or resistance bands and the sky’s the limit.

4. Set yourself three small goals a day. They can be super basic. Today mine are: buy groceries, exercise, and write this note. Anything you do after that is just extra achievement.

5. Think of your own needs. Are you an extrovert lacking interaction? Start a Zoom call and play Cards Against Humanity online. Are you creative and need to make something? Take some time out to write, or paint, or sing. Do you just need to lie in bed another hour today? Do it.

6. If you’re so inclined, learn a new skill. There’s language exchange apps and then there’s a YouTube video for almost everything you might want to know.

7. Be grateful for what you have. There are people trying to make do with a lot less than we have right now

8. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a tough time. You’re not being lazy. Just remember that by sitting on your sofa, eating your fourth bowl of cereal, and wondering if you’ll ever wear something without an elastic waistband again – you’re saving lives.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”

Walt Disney