Re-opening

It is very interesting traveling and watching the states and cities reopen. Reopening is all over the map and quite frankly a bit chaotic. I’ve been to bars where masks are not worn and have been to strict establishments where they sanitize everything and socially distance their staff and guests. As a traveler, I’ve always kept my distance and never deviated in my approach to going out during this “thing.” I’ve never felt unsafe. I’ve just been curious and shocked by the human behavior I witnessed. (note: much like “he who must not be named” from HP, I refuse to say anything more about what we are going through as a “thing.”)

The one thing I am convinced of is people need to go out. In the US at least we are not built to be home bodies for this long. This is why the service industry is so huge here. We need to experience things. Going out socially validates us somehow.

That being said, I’m stunned at what I’ve witnessed recently in my travels. From grown adults doing multiple shots and being loud at bars in Fort Wayne to hugs between adult friends they haven’t seen in months. I think I can understand this. I’m not going to lie, it is nice seeing something familiar when I travel after months of living and eating in hotel rooms without maid service. I feel society has had enough and people can’t control themselves right now. Ugh.

I’ve been on the road during this “thing” so I never had that much isolation I suppose. My normal didn’t change much. It just changed where I ate and stayed. However as a traveler through all this I am aware of what I’m witnessing and it doesn’t feel right or good.

From a social study perspective, I’m not sure what Im seeing. History will explain and study this some day. Right now my family is my judge and check for me. When my Jersey family is happy with the way things are, I will be. Until then I’ll continue to observe and be distant as best as I can.