Day #290 in lockdown in Mumbai, India hotel…2 days and counting…Covid-19 tests done!…

The excellent staff served us at the Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport. They couldn’t be more attentive and concerned about our needs and those of the other stranded foreign nationals staying at the hotel during this difficult time. Thank you, dear staff members, for taking such good care of us, including taking everyone’s temperature this morning.

Today’s few photos are a continuation of those we posted during our first few months in India on tour, in today’s case, on March 30, 2020. See the post here. We’ll continue on this path, sharing more tour photos until it’s time for us to depart on January 11, 2021, hopefully. From there, God willing, it will be an entirely new world!

When I reviewed past posts from 2020, searching for photos to post here today, I ran across the post from March 30, 2020, with a heading that read: “Please unfriend me, if…Social media during the lockdown.” After uploading that post, I referred to it on my Facebook page, asking any “friends” that felt compelled to post negative comments during the lockdown to feel free to unfriend me. Only one such “friend” did so. None of us needed to see toxic vitriol during this challenging time.

Overall, other than political jokes and some negative comments here and there, my Facebook page has been friendly and uplifting since that time. Of course, advertising has been annoying, as I’m sure they’ve been for all FB users. It’s not that I spend much time on Facebook but, at night, when sleep is elusive, I scroll through zillions of posts, mainly from “groups” I’ve chosen to follow,  geared toward the masses as opposed to me specifically. That works for me.

From time to time, when I encounter an offensive (to me) post, I click to “hide this post” to remove it from my view and those who may be following me. There may be one of these every other day. I’ve yet to begin using Twitter and Instagram because I already spend enough time on my phone and laptop.

During the lockdown in India, the Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has created this heart image as a show of supports using lights in various hotel rooms.

This may change at some point, but lately, there hasn’t been much to say or share based on these ten months in lockdown. I didn’t want to be wracking my brain every day, trying to find something noteworthy to post on either of these. Tom and I are good at sharing our views and seldom feel a need to express them elsewhere.

Now, as our departure time nears, we’re wrapping up a few tasks. This morning we sent our proof of health insurance and both of our Indian visa extensions to the front desk to print. Finally, last night, my extension approval came through, which was a huge relief. Without proper stretching, there’s a possible fine of US $500, INR 36,690, per person for an “overstay.” Also, not having an extension could result in delays which may result in missing a flight.

This morning, a rep/phlebotomist, well masked and wearing protective (PPI) gear from a certified diagnostic lab in Mumbai, arrived at our room for our Covid-19 PCR test and the antigen test which we may have done needlessly.  When we became ill with an awful virus on our last cruise, which ended on November 8, 2019, we both had horrific coughs that lingered for two months. I had to seek medical care and inhalation therapy to be able to breathe. We both had the most dreadful coughs of our lives.

Although unlikely that it was Covid at that early date, we’ve always wondered if it was possible. The antigen test will put those thoughts to rest. The PCR test is required by the airlines and the countries we’ll be entering during the upcoming flights. The cost of the two tests for both of us was US $41.77, INR 3060, done right here, right at the hotel outside of our room door.

After we’d read how uncomfortable the test was for so many people, we were surprised to discover it was no big deal whatsoever. For the antigen test, a blood draw was required, here again, quick and painless. We’ll have the results in our email within 24 hours, perfect for our departure on Monday morning. We’ll print several copies of each.

Right now, as I write this, in 48 hours, we’ll be landing in Dubai. It’s hard to imagine we’ll be on our way. Please stay with us as we wrap up these last few days.

Stay safe and healthy.

Photo from one year ago today, January 9, 2020:

 A dazzle of zebras in an open field from a two-year-old post. For the year-ago post, when we included the cost of our 55-day tour of India, eventually cut short, please click here.

Comments and responses Day #290 in lockdown in Mumbai, India hotel…2 days and counting…Covid-19 tests done!…

  1. Jane Reply

    Hi Jess and Tom my husband Rob and I met you on a cruise many years ago and we have been following your adventures off and on for the past couple of years. We are keeping our fingers and toes crossed for you that you will be able to board your flight to Dubai then onto Johannesburg. Stay safe and well and enjoy your the next part of your journey. You both certainly deserve some yummy food and a glass of whatever takes your fancy. When you have arrived at your destination we will raise a glass and say Cheers to the perseverance and patience that you have demonstrated during the your last nine months of lockdown in Mumbai. Rob and I would have been lucky to last a week 😂
    Kind Regards
    Jane and Rob
    Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺

    • worldwide-admin Post authorReply

      Jane, you made me laugh about your comment about you and Rob. If Tom and I hadn’t been so used to being together 24/7, it may not have been as easy as it was. Hopefully tomorrow we’ll be on our way. Can’t wait for the yummy food and drink. Alcohol is currently in “lockdown” in SA but our dear friends Louise and Danie saved some for us. Thanks for toasting us!
      Stay safe and healthy!
      Jess & Tom

  2. Caro Smith Reply

    Keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well for this final stage and await with baited breathe as to hearing about the next few days. Certainly challenges to be faced in SA but you have obviously thought it all through- and we wish you both the very best of luck. Peter and Caro

    • worldwide-admin Post authorReply

      Caro, we are still holding our breath wondering if, in fact, we’ll be able to get on those flights. But, we are hopeful. Thank you so much for being so kind and supportive of us. It means the world to us both.

      Stay safe and healthy,
      Jess & Tom

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