COVID-19 Lockdown Barcelona – Day 4

I skipped Lockdown Day 3. It is okay. Barcelona had one of those uncommon days where it rained. Even if there was not a lockdown, nobody would have been out and about, and nothing would have happened anyway. We will just chuck this day out the window as only Netflix remembered me.

 

 

 

However, Day 4 is different. I have much to report with some seemingly good news about the locals. I took Blue Jeans for an extra long walk this morning as I planned a route that was close to home but in a really roundabout way (in case I was questioned). The streets were dead and I only passed one person also walking a dog. Gone were the groups, vanished were the couples, and the curious disappeared. I suppose Facebook has succeeded in shaming everyone. Well done, social media. On that note, I have thoroughly enjoyed all the wonderful, hilarious videos and memes swirling about my social sites and texts. I have spent the better part of my 12 waking hours laughing hysterically. I think the US will find these funny, too, in a few short days.

After a late breakfast, I decided to venture to the supermarket. Mercadona is the store I like best and it is a 10 minute walk downhill, but a 20 minute back up the hill. We had an ongoing list because food is very important in my family of 3, and it had been 5 days since we have been shopping. My husband loves to cook and I love to eat. I also have a teenage daughter that is simply, “Always STAR…VING”. Cue the exaggerated syllables, the eye roll, and the sigh. I hoped to avoid this scenario by collecting our necessities and purchasing a few snacks and goodies for her. It is going to be a long time on lockdown, so I need to keep the household in good spirits.

I came upon the Mercadona and found new taped lines on the sidewalk and a line of people waiting to get in. The new rules implemented only allow so many people inside of an establishment and the taped lines (inside and out) now give guidance on social distancing. Most of the workers wore masks and gloves, and I noticed all conveyor belts were sanitized between shoppers. The meat department was fully stocked. The toilet paper has always been stocked and all of Europe is scratching their heads at the US because we all have bidets here.

 

 

But, curiously, the yogurt and butter shelves were empty, and, GASP! The wine and liquor aisles were scarce. I picked up the last bottle of good ol’ Kentucky Bourbon. I was able to complete 80% of my list with loads of vegetables and long shelf life items. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

I ended my night with a virtual wine date with my lady friends, Ania and Edyta. I figured out group video chats on Facebook, and it was soooooo good to hang with my girl friends. I had to let them go because our nightly ritual of clapping and hoots and hollers and whistles was about to start. This is my new normal.