The first signs of the virus showed up in March 2020, during our one-day trip to Catania. It was unclear to us how difficult it would be to get there. We were so wrong when we thought it would be so simple! The idea that we might stay in Italy turned into a day in Catania. We tried to get our money back before our flight, but were told that everything was fine and that we could fly. That’s why we couldn’t get our flight tickets to Catania, Italy, back. After reading that, my mom and I chose to go to Italy instead of losing the money.When we got there, I couldn’t wait to see the city and the nature! But it looked like no one was on the street where our hotel was. It had a creepy vibe. I talked to the owner of the Akemi hotel, and he was really nice and helpful.
Our little Hidden Peaceful Spot
The room felt like it was cut out of an ice cream shop once we walked through the gate and up the stairs. It was bright blue and had cookies and other pastries on a table next to a pretty round table and chairs. We were told to take whatever we want! You could get the sweets, coffee, and other food items.
After that, my mom and I went to look at our room. It said “Queen” on the outside. As we walked in, we saw high ceilings and two towels on the bed folded into swan shapes kissing. It was so cute, and it would be great for two people. It made me and my mom laugh because it seemed strange.
Catania, Italy
TBEX Survivors Last Meal Together
I sent a message to the TBEX survivors group to see if anyone was interested in going to dinner together. We made plans to meet up at Be Quiet Restaurant. We had barely any time to look around because my mom and I had only been in Sicily for a few hours. But we were able to take a walk before we ate. Seeing the old buildings rise up so high made me feel excited. I thought tomorrow would be a good day.
When we got to the restaurant, our group was already there, sitting at a long table. Meeting new people was going on, and as soon as we walked in, it was our turn to meet them. Some of the people there had been there for days and were still friendly. My mom and I were pretty worn out from our two flights. We flew from Sweden, but there was no direct flight for us.
I asked for food without meat because I’m a vegetarian, and I soon learned that it would be brought to us. It ended up being an appetizer, a main course, and more food kept coming! I was shocked! I don’t know if this happened all the time or because of the virus problems in Italy. But it was my first time!
TBEX Survivors at Be Quiet Restaurant
One Day in Catania Ends!
All of a sudden, we heard the news. Now we were in a red zone! It only took a second at the dinner, but all of Italy is a red zone. A few of us had to quickly figure out what to do next. It was something my mom and I talked about. We wanted to make sure we could at least get back to my house in Sweden. My mom is from the US, but she came to see me and go on this short trip.
It took a long time to find a flight, and everyone was busy making plans or deciding what to do next. When we finally got back to our hotel around 11 p.m., we were both tired and sad that we only had one day in Catania.
Check out tours in Catania here!
Onward to Amsterdam!
We quickly left that place the next day and headed to Amsterdam. I didn’t want to take several flights with the virus, and neither did my mom. There were no direct flights to Sweden. I knew it would be busy in Amsterdam because I’ve been there before and have friends there. This time seemed crazy. The streets that are usually full of tourists only had half as many people as usual! We went out and met Cindy and Penny from the TBEX dinner on our one day in Catania after taking it easy for a day.
Check out tours in Amsterdam here!
Photo taken by Cindy
We rode down the hop on hop off canal tour. Beautiful views of the city were amazing from the rooftops. The four of us walked around Dam Square and enjoyed a great view at Blue restaurant. Cindy had been there before and knew about this restaurant with a great view.
They let us stay in Amsterdam for two nights and rent a car because my mom and I didn’t want to be on any flights with all the chaos going on. After having one last meal with Cindy and Penny, we said goodbye and left to go see my friends in Eindhoven. Even though our time with them was short, it was nice to see someone we knew in a busy time.
Amsterdam Canals
Unplanned European Road Trip
I and my mom decided it was time to get on the road. I drove until we got to Germany. Even though it was getting dark, I felt like I had to get closer to Sweden right away. It was a long trip, but we made it to Rodby, Denmark, the next day by ferry. I saw that one of the restaurants on the ferry was closed, and there were only about 30 people there, which didn’t seem like many given how big the ferry is!
We stopped to eat when we got to Copenhagen, Denmark. After that, it was time to hit the road again! I could feel my eyes getting heavy as I looked at the road. A ferry to Sweden was going to take us there soon. The moment we pulled up to the ferry, I felt calm. We will soon be in Sweden at last! My husband called me, and I could tell he was scared. He asked us right away where we were and told us that Denmark was closing its borders! Denmark would have held us up! We were lucky that we were already on the ferry to Sweden, though.
Back in Sweden
In Jonkoping, the weather was very different from where we had been earlier that day and from the one day we spent in Catania. There were icicles on the trees and a biting cold wind. There was a nice hotel called Vox where we could rest and try to calm down after driving like crazy. There was time for us to visit some castles and beautiful churches in Jonkoping and Linkoping before we had to return the car. We were taking the car to Stockholm, where we had a lot of time to spare. So, before we returned the car, we went to a museum in Stockholm to see the famous Vasa ship. It didn’t feel like there was a virus spreading through this place; everything seemed to be the same. Seeing it was a little strange, but it was also nice to see.
Learn more about Vasa Museum!
Vasa Ship in Stockholm
One Day in Catania… Wait, Sweden Again?!
The next thing we did was take the train to the county of Värmland. I live in a small town that is surrounded by trees. Which seems like the best place to be right now! These days, I can walk my dogs through the woods behind my house every day. We’re no longer in self-quarantine after two weeks, but it doesn’t feel any different. We’re still staying away from other people and alone. My mom has decided to stay longer than she had planned because the virus is spreading so quickly in the US. We both think this is a safer place than many other places in the United States. That one day in Catania was short-lived, but it was nice to see, so now once this chaos is over, I plan on visiting that beautiful place!
Is Sweden’s Way the Best?
Even before this virus, Swedes were known for keeping their distance from other people. Because of this, many of them are very good at staying away. A lot of people still think this virus is funny, though. Swedish people haven’t reached the peak yet, and I think this month will show us what the future holds. Soon, everyone will find out if it was a good idea to be lazy like the Swedes and do it, or if it didn’t help in these uncertain times. A lot of the countries that are close to Sweden have closed their borders and made it harder for people to leave their homes and businesses to stay open. Sweden, on the other hand, has only shut down schools for kids ages 16 to 25. A lot of people are still acting like it’s any other day, and many businesses are still open. What do you think will happen next?
About me
Who am I? My name is Dani James and I’m a kooky American woman who loves to travel and explore nature. In my travel blog posts, I like to take people on hikes in the areas where I’ve lived for five years. Look up on Hiking in Sweden and you can also read more about me on my “About me” page.
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