COVID-19 Lockdown Barcelona – Day 12

The last few days have been particularly boring. In some strange part of my mind, I have suddenly decided to pick up baking. On Monday, from scratch, I made strawberry shortcake. It didn’t taste like a disaster but it sure did look it. On Tuesday, I made zucchini bread and this turned out pretty darn good. Today, I had a hankering for oatmeal raisin cookies so I took that on. I keep wondering why I am baking things. I don’t cook and I don’t even like cooking. Then, I read an article that baking relieves stress. Maybe I am subconsciously relieving stress by making cakes and cookies.  Who am I these days?

In order to make these oatmeal cookies, I needed oatmeal. This means, excitedly, I get to make a grocery store run! I have not been to the grocery store since Friday, which was 6 days ago! The “normal” culture here is to buy fresh and buy daily, so going once a week to the market is daunting task for most of us. Surprisingly, the Cross Family did really well on inventory for the last 6 days. We could have lasted another 2 or 3 days but a few staples were running low. So, we made a list and looked outside to wonderful sunshine. I was mentally preparing for my grand adventure to Mercadona. I filled out my online “self-certification” form stating where, when, and for how long I was going out in case the police stopped me.

I grabbed my back pack and extra reusable shopping bags. Once I left the flat, I felt a bit of freedom. It was a bit chillier than I expected and the clouds had decided to roll in. But I didn’t pay it too much attention as I decided to take a different route just see if anything had changed in the neighborhood in the last week (it had not). I smelled jasmine and lemon blossoms along the way. I felt the wind in my hair. I had pep in my step.

I was 3 full blocks (1/4 mile) from Mercadona when I noticed the people, all standing in a line with masks and reusable shopping bags. I stared at that line for a good minute slowly realizing that was the line to get into Mercadona. There had to be over 200 people in line. I quickly walked another block to check on another supermarket and a similar line was in place. I thought it best to just get in line for the ‘Dona where at least I knew all the products and their placement. I waited 50 minutes. And I prayed that the sudden black clouds headed my way would slow down. I mentally made a note that I would stay in place should it rain, and hope that others would bail. Thankfully, it only sprinkled a bit, but I was surprised that all the locals were just as stubborn as me. Nobody quit the line. Troopers!

New things have happened in the last 6 days since I have been away. Only 40 people at time are allowed inside the grocery store (hence the really long lines). Also, the store will close at random times and completely disinfect the entire store which takes about a half hour. In addition to the hand sanitizer, we are now required to wear plastic gloves. All employees were gloves and masks, and one person is always cleaning the floors with bleach. Once inside, I felt a bit like a queen having entire aisles all to myself. And the store was fully stocked! Worry not, the wine aisle had also been replenished to my great relief and happiness.

I purchased enough food to last another 6 days, unless my baking needs go exotic and I have to find some pumpkin puree. Until then, STAY HOME.