Photo by Cytis – Pixabay
Wow! We went from Happy New Year and Happy New Decade to Happy Chinese New Year of the Rat – Gong Xi Fa Ci and Gong Hey Fat Choy (for those that celebrate) to complete and utter pandemonium in just about every corner of the world.
From the Australian Bush fires still raging out of control. Followed by the seemingly endless Impeachment Trial and all its drama in America, to Brexit in Great Britain, just as The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Meghan and Harry), announced they were stepping back from their Royal Duties and opting to spend some time abroad (do they know something we don’t?).
British Pound Sterling
As the endless month of January inched towards an end, we learned about the tragic death of Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant and his Daughter Gianna, as well as 7 other passengers who were flying with them to work with children. Then the declaration from The World Health Organization (WHO) confirming our worst fears – that the Wuhan Coronavirus is now a Global Health Emergency with most experts saying its beginning to look like a Global Pandemic.
When tragedy strikes, it gives everyone pause, but if you Live A Global Lifestyle and are away from friends, family and loved ones, you have to stop and think. The Wuhan Coronavirus hit me hard, because just 8 weeks before I had been in Asia and China, attending the Hong Kong and Singapore Fintech Festivals, hearing about the latest and greatest in finance and technology and then spending time talking to Expats, Travelers, and Global Digital Nomads to discuss their most pressing issues in Living, Working, and Managing their Finances While Living Abroad.
As someone who has gotten sick in a China, and not been able to leave until I was medically cleared, I feel for the people in China, especially the foreigners. As most people are working and earning a living there, it presents the problem, do I go or stay.? With airlines and countries shutting down flights to and from China and closing borders, where can people even go? and for how long? It seems like China is going to be shut down for at least the month of February. What happens if the food really starts to run out, and basic supplies (there are already reporting that masks and gloves are on short supply) become hard to get? What’s next? medicine? water? How many businesses are going to suffer globally because of Coronavirus?
January 2020 might go on record as the longest month in years (it sure did feel like it), but I prefer to be positive and grateful and look ahead. Starting with today’s date – 02-02-2020 – a rare Palindrome that hasn’t happened in over 900 years.
We have a lot to look forward in February: Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day (a long weekend for many) American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day.
No matter where You are in the World, Celebrate Each and Every single day.
Safe Travels!
Lisa
