01 Jun What happened to the Fun
Where do I start? Let’s take a little happy trip down memory lane!
Once upon a time, hundreds of years ago (Well, actually early March of 2020,) there was this crazy couple making the coolest of cool t-shirts and providing fun things to do for our visiting vacationers, snowbirds and local residents! It was the middle of High Season for our tropical paradise! This means we were in total high gear when we got the news that some Cootie had hit our shores! COVID! What the heck is a COVID?
Well, we knew it was dangerous because we have Facebook (A reliable source for news!) We still held out hope because there was the rumor that the warm air will kill the virus. Great News, it’s 33° C (90° F) everyday! Panamá is Kryptonite for this bug! Sadly, that was not the case and the rumor was proven wrong.
Within days, we were self-quarantined. “NOW WHAT” was the only question on our minds. “It’s only going to last a couple of weeks…..RIGHT!! Then along came March 24th or as I like to call it Black Tuesday! This is the day that the Government decreed there will be no alcohol sales or consumption, I will repeat that, NO BOOZE at all!! You could hear the screaming, wailing and gnashing of teeth all the way through town! (Side Note: Fortunately for us, our business requires us to keep a supply of various beverages for our bus trips.) Sadly, within weeks we were sure someone had stolen all of our booze because it was missing.
At this same time, we were under a mandatory quarantine by the Government. 24/7, we could not leave the house. Ohhhhhh this will test your patience with your significant other!! The first week was fine, but for our own safety reasons we decided to hide all of the knives, forks, machetes and the weed wacker. Never the less, I slept with one eye open at all times.
Well, I think you get the Gist!
Within seven minutes of quarantine, social media started blowing up! It was amazing to see how Facebook turned back the clock 11 years! People were communicating again and not just with shared questionable memes. Actual thoughts and conversations and a few puppy videos (always a favorite!) Missing our friends, we started having virtual Happy Hours using Zoom or Messenger! There were actually some folks that were violating the law by consuming what was then illegal beverages! I will not mention any names! You know who you are, and you should be ashamed!
In the midst of the first weeks of the Pandemic and Quarantine the first organizations and restaurants immediately started the tremendous support for local families in need. Our friends from Picasso (Sylvie & Michel) and Sandbar ( Gabriela & Johannes) were there right away, by collecting donations, cooking food and delivering necessities to those out of work and did not have the resources to support themselves.
Shortly afterwards Dorothee and I started the “Sharing is Caring” program from our Coronado Concierge platform (OK, Dorothee started it but I did help with the lifting and toting, hmmm Déja Vu!) As I stated above, the thought was the quarantine would only last a few weeks. Turned out that we were wrong!
Just one of the many days in the Sharing is Caring Program , with Beth McCuyton
Without question, this was the most amazing and positive experience for us during the last nine weeks. The support from people was enormous! We have received hundreds of messages, offering help in any form imaginable. We received donations from the US, Canada, Europe as well as our fabulous Community right here in the Beaches Area! With every passing week, we had more volunteers, more messages about people in need and connected with other teams to distribute the goods. Needless to say, it didn’t get very boring over the last two months! And it saved us from going insane, so we must say an additional Thank You to all of you!
Other groups in Gorgona, Altos de Maria, Vista Mar (San Carlos) and organizations like the Rotary Club, JLM House of Hope, the Coronado Bible Church and many more have done an incredible job. As well as groups helping animals in need, such as the Animal Rescue of Anton and Andy’s Rescue in Gorgona.
As for the couple making really cool t-shirts, well.. it was time to teach an old dog new tricks. With all non-essential stores still closed, including those that sell our shirts, we dove into the online classes of how to create an online shop. Oh the struggles and frustration that came with it! Countless hours on hold with support, gazzilion of messages to Facebook and Instagram ensuring them that we really are who we are and finally getting all sorted out. Well, at least we thought we did .. until these social media giants arbitrarily changed the way they handle on-line businesses. But that doesn’t stop us, just slows us down a little and keeps us on our toes.
As much fun as it is to spend quality time with Dorothee, It was always great to see a friend and share a “Coffee” (Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge, Say no More!!) During these world saving conversations, you quickly realized it is not just you and your little world that were struggling. The pandemic/quarantine/lockdown took its toll on everyone! But, there is good news! The quarantine has been lifted as of today. We can now move freely about until 7:00 pm every day of the week.
There will be days and events during the rest of this pandemic that will test our resolve. Just looking back at what the Beaches Community did over the last 10 weeks, we will get through this and come out of the crisis in great shape. When we support each other, there are no obstacles too great to overcome! You have my back and I promise I’ll have yours! So, as we return to some form of normalcy, let’s get together at the Happy Hours, restaurants or a pool party and raise a glass! I know for us, we just can’t wait to see you all and just have some fun!
By Bill Upchurch