Musings of a Virtuoso Travel Advisor …
- AN EPIDEMIC is a disease that affects a large number of people within a community, population, or region.
- A PANDEMIC is an epidemic that’s spread over multiple countries or continents.
The first thing I think about when looking at this Maasai warrior keeping watch over his cattle near the Ngorongoro Crater in Africa is that he doesn’t have to worry about social distancing. His job is protecting his herd so that his family can use their milk, hide, and blood to sustain themselves. The symbiotic relationship between the warrior and his herd is akin to the one between ourselves and the rest of the world. This has never been more apparent than right now.
Our planet is ailing. Whether we roam the plains of Africa, float on the canals of Venice, live in the jungles of Brazil, or walk the streets of New York, COVID-19 has found its way to our neck of the woods. Race, religion, age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, social class – the usual categories that describe and often divide us – have all been affected by the pandemic. Just as one place sees a flattening of the curve, another area suffers an outbreak. One continent can be healing while another is in the throes of the disease. Borders and fences haven’t protected us. Uncertainty is, well, certain.
A CONNECTION is a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else. It is the key that unlocks the humanity we share throughout the world. To help deal with the epidemic uncertainty of this pandemic, look for the good in the world. Honor the heroes. Thank the front line workers. Give of yourself in ways that can help others. Appreciate the blessings in your life. Look for beautiful commonalities, and blur the lines that divide us.
Our planet needs to heal, and so do we. The health of our symbiotic relationship with each other will determine our future. If we each do our part to care for each other, our planet will be nourished and we will be certain to overcome this pandemic, together.
Travelista Alli 