US Local Vs International Pandemic Traveling Experience
2020 marked our lives, leaving a historical footprint as the year that the world hid behind the black death blue mask. The airborne pandemic we are still trying to overcome has and continues to take innocent lives worldwide. Our so-called advanced scientific technology and the great minds of our “modern” society have yet to find the cure or vaccine while giving us protective measures that some choose to take as mythical remedies. Most businesses, local or international, ceased to operate at one point, and although some have finally reopened their doors, it is still considered an act of bravery to step out of your doorstep. During this time, traveling has become challenging for those who must go a great distance to earn or indulge in the daily bread that must be served at their tables. But how exactly? Here are both my local and international travel experiences.
Airport Comparison
While at the Dubai International Airport, the staff seemed to follow health guidance. The restaurants’ open-sitting areas were clean and adequately marked so travelers could easily identify the distance between one another. Shopping baskets and carts were cleaned at customers’ sight and served with sanitizer upon entrance, regardless of the area.
During my layover at Amsterdam International Airport, I felt a bit claustrophobic and yet safe. The Airport’s restroom had staff to ensure cleanliness and sanitizing procedures did not fall behind. However, the food court seemed to lack room for me to feel safe enough to remove my mask and eat there. While boarding the flight, we were told to remove our masks to verify our identity, but the short gap between the airline staff and me made me cringe.
Upon arriving in the United States and through my few flights while here (Georgia, Virginia, and Washington), I felt more at risk than traveling internationally. Walking alongside the food court felt like watching an unincubated butcher’s feeding area where oblivious parents fed their kids with freshly made free contaminated air. The airport staff did not seem to enforce health regulations to ensure that the virus does not spread among them or travelers.
People and Health Guidance
In Dubai, it is noticeable that people did more than care about keeping themselves safe by kindly reminding those nearby about the health measures. There was the occasional inappropriate wear of the mask properly, but it was quickly addressed. The locals or Dubai’s population all seemed to follow the Health guidelines. Being there felt nice because people were kind and gave you the proper social distancing instead of getting in your space.
While running errands in the United States, I felt concerned for my safety. In almost 90% of the areas I’ve visited in Virginia and Washington state, an incredible number of individuals wore masks incorrectly, coughed without covering their mouths, and walked in a hovering mode around me as if there was no COVID-19.
Hotel and Public Transportation Comparison
Hotels staff were so concerned about maintaining a clean image to the point that it almost startled me for a minute, including the taxi cab drivers during my short time in Dubai. They stopped certain services, such as Sheesha (Hookah), to prevent the spread of the virus. The hotel staff was careful enough to remind the guests about them wearing the mask properly.
My stay in Washington State made me realize that the United States has a long way to go regarding the lodging experience. For 200 dollars a night, my room was equipped with a 70-year-old carpet, a bathtub bard up on the side (I specifically requested a room without handicap features), an electric fireplace that wouldn’t turn on, and an empty fridge or snack bar. The hotel’s reception desk did not offer sanitizer or had a staff opening or closing all entrances/ elevators, and the maids did not even bother to wear their masks while cleaning each room. My stay there was awful; this sort of “I should be glad of even being allowed in” mixed with COVID-19 type of pollution in the air almost made me gag and almost throw up.
Conclusion
As a born and raised American, I felt disgusted; writing this review is a shame and embarrassment because I know we can do better. Our airports and logging industries need to radically change to serve and cater to the customers better, whether those are tourists or us. I hope that sharing my experience can shed some light on this aspect and that my voice will be heard by those who can make a change. Public Health is a matter for us all. Protect your loved ones by wearing your mask, using the sanitizer when needed, maintaining social distancing, and staying home if you do not feel well. We can only protect each other if we follow health guidance.
