Coronavirus Update #3: The End of the Road

We arrived in Somerville on Sunday and were pretty blitzed from the red-eye flight and general stress of traveling through airports at this particular moment in time. We discovered last week that our friends Leah and Ariela’s apartment was unoccupied and they agreed to let us stay there for the time being, especially as we voluntarily self-quarantine for two weeks. It is full of furniture and books and is nice and warm, and we are so grateful, especially as we are currently both unemployed.

I keep looking at my calendar and seeing what I would have been doing if life were going on as normal in Brazil: attending book clubs and lectures at the state public library, going out on the bookmobile, observing staff-patrons interactions. I would be in Portuguese class, and giving lectures in Portuguese, and going to Inhotim with my UFMG “buddy.” Instead, we’re here, and not going back anytime soon. We’re sad, and scared, and hopeful, and taking it day by day. If by some miracle we are able to go back someday, I hope to revive the ol’ blog (or start a new one when I can’t log in – I know myself).

And so, life goes on. We cook and eat, and run outside when it’s nice. We read and apply for jobs, video chat our friends and family, hope for the best and wash our hands. It’s all anyone can do right now. I’m trying to stay in touch with my contacts in Brazil to keep learning from them, and I’ve got two books about libraries from them as gifts to help me. But for now, since my Fulbright is officially over, I’m going to stop posting on the blog. Be well, and enjoy a picture of daffodils (my favorite flower) blooming in Massachusetts right now.