My everyday view. ©Lisa Anselmo
Coming up on week one of confinement here in Paris. Too early to get reliable data on the effects of this, but there is definitely a change in the city in terms of number of people out and about. One can only assume in time this will help “flatten the curve,” as they say, cutting down the number of new cases, and helping ease influx at hospitals.
Today, I’m thinking about everyone on the front line. Healthcare workers, grocery store staff, delivery people, city workers keeping things going. Here in France, every night at 8pm, we have a little ritual to thank the healthcare workers who are putting their health on the line for us: we all open our windows and applaud for one minute. We clap and hoot, and the few cars on the streets start tooting their horns. It’s a moment when we all come together. After the minute is up, we hang out our windows and chat. It’s fast becoming my favorite time of day.
I took a video, here. (Watch with tissues.):
Community is what gets us through tough times. Being isolated during confinement makes it harder to feel a part of a community, but it’s still there. At 8pm every night, I’m reminded. Do what you can to reach out to your community, even virtually. Over here, we’ve taken to organizing virtual aperos on Zoom to replace our habit of meeting up at cafés for drinks before dinner. And every morning, I have a coffee chat via Whatsapp with my posse to keep the ideas and good vibes flowing.
This time of confinement can actually connect us more than ever, so make an effort to check in on “your people” regularly. The best way to get out of your own head? Think about others.
Get caught up on my diary, here.
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Tip for the day:
If you feel alone, join an affinity group on Facebook. I know this isn’t groundbreaking advice, but if you’ve never joined one, it’s a great way to connect and share ideas. There are many out there, so you can find the perfect fit: book clubs, expat hangouts, writers’ groups, parents’ support, creative spaces, entrepreneur coaching, music lovers—the list is endless. Or start your own. We’re here for you.
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Books from my community of friends
From Amy Thomas. Click book to buy.
From Oliver Gee. Click book to pre-order.
From me! Click book to buy.
My (Parttime) Paris Life 
Hello Lisa
I am up to about three weeks in isolation
and likely for some time to come. I have family in the UK are doing three months 100% isolation in their homes !!!! I use whats app and Facebook messenger awesome !!!
Thank you for the applause video …wonderful people. My thought for the day !!! Are we over reaching? This comes to mind especially this weekend in Canada and USA people LOTS of them hanging out on beaches and parks deffinitley not 2 mts away I wonder when will they get the message. I am staying in regardless. Pamela
Overreaching how? You mean the total shutdown? Who can say? In Japan, where their number of cases are low, yet the population is high and very densely distributed, they are not on lockdown. It’s all mystifying.
Hey Lisa, thanks for writing the updates. My wife and I were supposed to fly out to Paris tomorrow. Bummer. I haven’t seen anything like the 8pm thank you to healthcare workers in the US yet. Maybe in NY?
They aren’t doing it in NYC, yet. It’s really lovely. Hopefully you will be able to come back to Paris before too long. L
Hello Lisa
Thank you for the video love the appreciation applause to all the people helping us get through this.
At times I get a bit tense I think my isolation time is about 3 weeks so can I share this. I found it on Facebook its proberbly UTube
Tina Turner..Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu
Peace Mantra
Sanskrit Mantra Sung For Calmness, Harmony and Peace For All Beings.
Merci Pamela
Hi Lisa
I’m near Toronto (Canada) and we are self-isolating. Of course there are people apparently having campfires and parties in parks etc. but generally, most people are complying. Non-essential stores etc. are closed (which means I am not working). When walking our dog, people wave and cross the street (or we do). Definitely my husband and I are erring on the side of caution. Even going to start ordering our groceries online.
So are my cousins in Buffalo.
Really appreciating your blog posts from Paris Lisa.
Take care all,
Christine
Ah yes, sister cities! Stay well in Toronto. XO