#1 Hello!
Hey! It’s Gloria, the Spanish volunteer :D (You can know me better if you read this).
Things are crazy, aren’t they? This global pandemic is a historical situation. I could imagine that every single one is freaking out a bit with all the steps and restrictions the governments are setting, or at least I am. I mean, it looks like dystopia has become true. But I’m a Spanish girl doing my ESC in Latvia, so the purpose of this blog is to show everyone who are interested how’s the life of an European Volunteer during the COVID 19 in Latvia.
I’ve been living in Liepāja since November 2019, so I’ve experienced all the process with a very different perspective, because back home the situation is way more critical.
At the beginning of March the Latvian government began to advise avoiding social contact, increasing hygiene... but nothing seemed too serious. By the time it started to feel like everything was changing here, there was already confinement in Spain. At first everyone was joking about the virus, but I had the impression that nobody took it seriously. At the same time, I, who am always in contact with my family and friends back at home so at the same time I kept on receiving information about how crazy things got there, and I started to get a little scared, thinking that the same thing could happen here. It was around March 14 when the measure to close educational centers as well as many shops came into force, and the restrictions began. By then in Spain it was already prohibited to go outside with fines implemented by the police and with the supervision of the Army.
Here, little by little, more strict measure were implemented, such as limiting the capacity of bars and restaurants, respecting the safety distance in public shops... At first, everything seemed very normal, but then all events got canceled. All concerts. National celebrations, fairs, festivals… From the side of the project, we stop going to the office daily to work, we change to online work.
I feel very fortunate because due to the project I have financial stability and I don't have to worry about how I will pay for food or rent these months. Also, unlike my Spanish friends and family, I can go outside!!!! I think that's what I'm most grateful right now. Personally I follow the emergency recommendations: I go to the supermarket once per week, I respect the security distance and I have not entered into a cafeteria for a month.
At first I was motivated, but after a month I begin to notice how I'm losing the sense of what I’m doing related with the project. Life has changed a lot for me, and for all of us, but I walk every day on the beach or the forest and enjoy the wonderful spring this country has. At least, I appreciate the privilege of being able to do it…
I’ll keep reporting!! XoXo
Volunteering project “Solidarity Seekers” is financed by the European Solidarity Corps Programme of the European Union that in Latvia is administered by the Agency for International Programs for Youth. This publication reflects only the viewpoint of the author.