THIS IS HOW YOU PANDEMIC - DAY 13

One. More. Day.

I’ve got one more day until my release. Honestly, I’m a little nervous about leaving here. Not only has this unrealistic living situation in this insular room been a refuge from the outside world for the past two weeks, it’s also been my bubble against my fears and anxieties upon returning home. As I mentioned before, it’s been a while since my whole family has been under the same roof, and there are reasons for that. Certain dynamics between myself and my family are sure to be exacerbated given that our reunion was born out of a major health emergency. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t any dread mixed in with all the other emotions. But at the end of the day, all I can offer is my love and my best. Everything else will have to play out on its own.

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We start Day 13 with some art.

My sister was released today and I poked my head out long enough to give her a brief goodbye-and-see-ya-later!

Before becoming a “self-made entrepreneur” and starting the first organic Farmer’s Market in Beijing - Farm to Neighbors, Erica was quite the artist. She’s always been extremely talented, effortlessly picking up instruments and paint brushes like she was born with them. She is essentially the opposite of me.

Some of Erica’s artwork in her early 20’s. I’m really glad I saved them. Her self-portrait is my absolute favorite.

Some of Erica’s artwork in her early 20’s. I’m really glad I saved them. Her self-portrait is my absolute favorite.

 

I was always a little sad she never continued pursuing art, but we each have our own road to travel…which brings me to this piece of work left at my door this morning -

Erica left this in front of my room along with some leftover snacks since she was being released from quarantine today.

Erica left this in front of my room along with some leftover snacks since she was being released from quarantine today.

 

It’s clear that she hasn’t lost all her artistic touch, however, me exploding out of the quarantine hotel with the slogan “Taipei 2020” is a little subpar in my opinion.

Maybe I’m just a little miffed because she just HAD to accentuate my flat, pig nose-

I GET IT. I HAVE A FLAT NOSE. Also, why do I only have one earring?

I GET IT. I HAVE A FLAT NOSE. Also, why do I only have one earring?

 

Despite all that, I love it. It will go into my Erica-art collection. One day, I’ll show the collection and tour it around the country.

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Grilled pork sammies for breakfast today, and instead of kimchi as the added surprise, it was egg salad. It was so delicious I didn’t even have time to take a close up shot before shoving it in my mouth.

I never noticed the cracked egg shell on the Mcmuffin wrapper. Not sure how I feel about it.
 

The weather has been getting pretty chilly here so the hotel ordered us hot pot soup for lunch, which was DELICIOUS.

Crepe with egg and corn, and radish cake with sweet soy sauce.
 
All sorts of goodies inside - cabbage, egg, baby corn, fish cakes, tofu, pork belly… oh my!

All sorts of goodies inside - cabbage, egg, baby corn, fish cakes, tofu, pork belly… oh my!

 

Dinner was an equally delicious lunchbox. I’m glad meal game is ending strong!

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We’re near the end, yall.