A Weekend of Firsts

I can’t tell you how many times this past weekend my friend and I said to each other, “this feels almost normal.”

That’s because we took a staycation and spent a few days doing touristy activities, eating out, and staying in a hotel.

We looked at cool things, wandered in and out of fun shops, and when we felt hungry, we ate something, even if it was our second dessert of the day.

This was also the first time since March 2020 that I stayed in an actual hotel and I have to say, it felt great.

I thought I would be more paranoid about wiping things down and being really conscious of things like that, but I can honestly say I was no more germ-avoidant than I was pre-pandemic.

Things many people touch are still gross to me and that will not change.

The hotel room still had beds, a clean bathroom, and other things we needed for a comfortable stay. That hadn’t changed. There were two small packets of individual antibacterial wipes, which was nice.

The only thing that made me a bit anxious at the hotel was when other people got into the elevator with us. Until then, I hadn’t been with people I didn’t know in a small and enclosed space. I felt myself holding my breath.

The hotel still required masks in public areas and one of the museums we went to did also. Some shops also had signs on the doors requesting face coverings and in those places, I was happy to oblige.

In the first few situations without a mask, I did feel a bit naked and exposed, but quickly felt okay.

In larger spaces, I found myself feeling fine without my face covering even if there were many people. Even if it isn’t true, I can convince myself the people who aren’t wearing masks are vaccinated.

I still don’t know how I feel about being in smaller places with people I know are not vaccinated.

What do you think?