An Asian Trails’ Day in the Life of…
An Asian Trails’ Day in the Life of…
Yves van Kerrebroeck – Managing Director, Asian Trails Thailand
“I write this short message on the last day of a 14-day self-quarantine after my return from Europe. I’m grateful the simmering anxiety of recent days can make place again for the togetherness and intimacy of family life. At least these trying times have placed what matters most sharply into focus.
It’s interesting to see how also our family has joined most of the world in its appreciation of the outdoor space we mainly took for granted before; for some it’s a little local park, their garden, outdoor patio, or (for most of us in Bangkok) our balconies. Our family has also now moved a large part of our daily routine to these 24 square meters that open onto the outside world and a promise of normality. It’s become our morning yoga space and our late afternoon gym, it’s my office for the first half of the day when the area is still shaded, it’s our favourite breakfast spot, and as well where we unwind at the end of a busy day with a cup of tea whilst Bangkok’s lights fade out.
From our condo’s balcony, we’ve seen the city below us slowly but surely shut down. As everybody should right now, we’ve been adept at “social distancing”; no more play dates and trips to the playground for our daughter, no more yoga sessions at the gym for my wife, and no more 5-a-side football games for me. Although we keep physical distance from others, the contacts and virtual interactions with friends, family and business partners all over the globe have never been more frequent nor more meaningful. There is a real sense of togetherness and camaraderie as everybody is going through the same rough times. I hope that is at least a takeaway from this whole crisis; a hope that it helps us create a global appreciation and a belief that when everybody contributes, also a seemingly insurmountable issue can be overcome.
In the meantime, it’s time to get back to the balcony for my afternoon bicycle ride…”
