Jim, Andalusia (Spain) -Global Perspectives: Stories of Solidarity during COVID-19

Global perspectives: Stories of solidarity during COVID-19

At the WCIA, we understand that the outbreak of COVID-19 is difficult for so many people across the world. In uncertain times like these, it is heartwarming to see communities uniting in solidarity, and even song in some cases. We are reaching out to people worldwide to share global perspectives on COVID-1, recognising the global nature of the issue, and some of the similarities and differences of experiences in different countries. We want to identify and share the positive stories emerging from the situation as a source of inspiration for people in these challenging times.

Click here to view our Global Perspectives map sharing solidarity stories from all over the world 

 

First, this is Jim:

Jim Blythe is from the UK, but is currently staying in Andalusia, Spain until it is safe to return.

“I am still locked down in Andalusia, sunny today but a bit of a breeze so not sunbathing weather but better than the UK, which helps. However, that’s not what I really wanted to say.

“People here are staying very calm, and just getting on with whatever they can do. My neighbour Miguel is continuing to tunnel through the rock so they can convert their stable to a living room, I hope he doesn’t undermine the foundations. Lute and Gines continue going out to their fields. The fishmonger still comes round in his van (food deliveries are allowed). The village Tannoy system played its lively tune yesterday for an announcement from the Town Hall, but it was only wishing everybody good luck on the lockdown, try to be patient.

“People here are staying very calm, and just getting on with whatever they can do”

“I baked some bread for my neighbours Gines and Moni, and also for our elderly neighbour Aurelia. They brought me some fresh eggs from their chickens, and some lettuce and home-made goats cheese. And a bottle of wine, again home-made (Gines owes me, I went harvesting the grapes with him last year, and Sue trod them).

“We’re allowed to go to the shop, so I went today and got a few bits and pieces and some whisky (hurrah, I was running low). No panic buying at all. The staff in our little village shop were wearing gloves and face masks, and they were only allowing six people in at a time. The atmosphere was a bit serious – usually it’s all gossip in there, but not today, so I cracked a couple of jokes with the young lady on the till which broke the tension a bit. I asked Aurelia if she needed anything, but she was fine – Moni has been doing some shopping for her.

“Not normal, but also not at all panicky. Blitz spirit”

“On the way back I had a brief chat with another neighbour (Carmen) who was standing in her doorway getting a bit of fresh air. Otherwise the village is dead – no cars, no old blokes hanging around for the bar to open, nobody on the plaza, nobody standing around yakking. So not normal, but also not at all panicky. Blitz spirit.”

 

 

Would you like to share your story of the situation/ challenges facing your country?

We are asking anyone willing to share to answer the following questions and send to – bethanmarsh@wcia.org.uk 

• What is the situation like in your country?
• What are some of the main challenges for people?
• Are there any positive stories coming out of this situation that can be inspiration for others?