Lockdown Diaries: Madrid, Spain

Time in Spain: 8 years living in Madrid ???? (originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ????)

I am currently an Analytical Consultant at Google and Adjunct Professor of Advanced Analytics at IE Business School. Besides my busy professional life, I am also a travel junkie (55 countries so far!), book nerd (I read a book a week!) and continuous learner :)

(1) What was your life like a week or 2 ago vs. today?

I was actually traveling through Jordan and Egypt with my fiancé right before this virus hit Spain hard! I returned to Madrid just in time, on Sunday, March 8th. So my life right before this situation was relaxation without a care in the world while on vacation. I was monitoring the situation in China at that time but it seemed so far away. The moment it became serious in Italy, I knew that Spain next door was in danger. Everything has happened so fast, my life now is a complete contrast to before.

Today, I am confined to my apartment with no end in sight on when exactly we will be allowed out. As I write this, we are on day 13 of complete lockdown. We can only leave our homes for necessity (food, medicine), and even then, we can only go out alone. I am lucky to be working for a company (Google) that is more than prepared for a remote work environment. As well, my teaching at IE Business School has been moved completely online, so that is something I have had to adapt to. 

(2) What do the streets look like?

Desolate. I live fairly central in Madrid, next to Retiro Park, and it’s always lively around here. Now there are no people in the streets and few vehicles, besides police cars patrolling the area to keep the lockdown in place. They are following a zero tolerance policy, so we all must stick closely to the rules. 

(3) Have you witnessed any random acts of kindness / uplifting things?

I have noticed the younger population offering help to the older, more at risk during this pandemic. Neighbors are leaving notes in apartment buildings offering help to buy groceries, medicine, etc. for those not as capable. It is encouraging to see there is still so much good in the world :) 

(4) How are you personally coping - any tips for others?

I am an introvert and homebody, so the lockdown does not bother me as much as I would imagine it is bothering others. I am taking advantage of this time to study and read books even more than before, as well as take care of things I never got around to doing - that endless to-do list. Besides, we must look on the bright side; this extra time means that we can all spend more time with our family and friends, even if it must be virtually.

(5) What is the first thing you’ll do once the lockdown is over?

As soon as the lockdown is lifted, I will go on a walk through Retiro Park. Then I will book a flight back home to the US to see my family! I was supposed to visit over Easter week but my flight was cancelled. Now I am not sure when I will be able to get back to the US. It has become very complicated with airlines cancelling flights and air spaces being practically shut down. I just hope this all passes sooner rather than later. I know we are all eager to get back to our normal lives!

(6) If you could tell the government one thing right now, what would it be?

Put politics aside to focus full efforts on the good of the people and an exit strategy. I think that Spain is still weak after the last economic crisis (2008-2014) and I am worried about how the country will come out after the virus spread is controlled. We also must consider that this is a GLOBAL pandemic, borders aside, governments have to work together to solve this.