Grrr...COVID19 burst our bubble.

A worldwide pandemic? While expecting curveballs on this adventure, we did not see this one coming.

Gabi enjoying our deserted "front yard";
the Portuguese are being very obedient and staying home.

There are two ways for me to look at this, and I'll admit, my heart and head are in conflict:

Negative Nelly:
This is fate telling you that you dreamed too big.
Take two steps back, you lose.

Positive Polly:
Rally: what a year to be somewhere warm, with amazing food, beautiful beaches, Mark working only part-time, and you not working.
Deal with the disappointment that so many plans are cancelled (good-bye Barcelona & London in May, au-revoir Paris & Netherlands in July; adeus summer road trip through Portugal; and ciao to most of our visitors). 

Unlike the apocalyptic shit show happening next door in Italy and Spain, with ice rinks converted to morgues, drones and military patrolling streets to make sure people are not out unnecessarily, cases and deaths escalating...things are still relatively calm here.  Portugal seems to have acted quickly with their lockdown, closing schools and non-essential businesses earlier than others. We are still allowed to go out for groceries, meds, and daily physical activity. 

April 9th we'll be told if school is canceled past Easter (we know it will be, question is for how long). We would love for the kids to get to say good-bye and have closure, but have to be realistic that its not likely they will be back this year.  We will stay put for a couple of months yet--we are safe, content, well fed and there is no toilet paper shortage.  Best to steer clear of germ infested airports!

Like most of the world right now, we are trying to make the best of this mandatory pause on life, social distancing and being house-bound. The kids have been great! Of course, these photos do not capture the yelling that *occasionally* happens in between...

Sun's out, Guns out!
Mark's military look:
what happens when you and your barber don't speak the same language...

We get out for a walk along the beach at least once a day;
we are not allowed to "set up" at the beach, gotta keep moving.

The Municipality sanitizes the sidewalks with disinfectant a few times a week.

The market is still open daily, but there is a huge reduction in number of stalls operating. See our fresh grilled fish?
The butcher shop only takes online pre-orders; you get a call when its ready to pick up.
The little grocery stores in town allow only 3 people inside at a time. Hours are reduced.
People are pretty good natured about the extra waiting and the changes.

We are exploring places we hadn't got to yet!
Biking along the pier we see from our window.

The bakery is still open--fresh pastries keep us smiling.

A little yoga to keep us sane and grounded during this time of so much togetherness...

The older two got lots of homework sent home.
More comes weekly from their teachers.

Glad the weather is so conducive to getting out...makes apartment living bearable!

Movie nights abound. Suggestions on movies that span ages 3-9 are most welcome!

When Mamma needs some space, I walk the beach.
Mark swims the bay. Not simultaneously, of course.

Outdoor gym closed, park taped off...
luckily the beach offers many natural play spaces!

How many monkeys fit on a hammock?

The prettiest beach I've ever seen--a 5 min drive, then 20 min hike down a cliff.
Picnic, swimming and climbing, and only two strangers for company.

Catarina kept up with the others. #thirdchildtough

Spot the kids!

Catarina says to me, while swinging on our hammock, watching the waves and the boats:
I love our casa so, so, so much.

Seeing how dad's work applies to the real world.
And yes, Mark's desk looks out onto the ocean.
He closes the window during calls to block out the sound of waves. LOL

On day 12 of no school, Gabi says:
Time flies when you're having so much fun!

Currently, 9 units of 42 occupied in our building (up 3 from last month).
People moving to their summer home for "quarantine".
Only one other kid here--he shoots hoops in the other courtyard.
This one is all for us! Like the telephone cable doubling as a skipping rope?

Update: Covid19 situation in Portugal is on day 12. Portugal's population = 10 million.

• Thursday March 12, we are told school will close as of tomorrow afternoon.
• Friday March 13, last day of school for at least a month (school cancelled for 2 weeks, then 2 weeks of Easter holidays). Kids come home with a whack-load of school work. To support families, government announces one working parent with children under 12 years can stay home with kids and earn 66% of their income (of course, does not apply to us!). 
• Saturday March 14, all public places close (libraries, pools, parks, museums etc). We are asked to stay home and practice social distancing. 169 confirmed cases, no deaths.
• Wednesday March 18, President of the Republic of Portugal announces a state of emergency for 2 weeks, after which it may be extended. The Prime Minister and his cabinet now run the show. (Just that morning, Jonty and I had learned in his Social Studies homework about how the Portuguese government was set up. Talk about timely information!).
• Thursday March 19, Prime Minister closes all non-essential services.
• Thursday March 26, 3500 confirmed cases, 60 deaths.
• Peak anticipated for April 14.