Planning During a Pandemic

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post called Keeping the Faith. It was written mid-March, when we had just received word at work that we were to gather our things from our building and plan to be out of the office for an undetermined amount of time. While that was overwhelming to think about, the way I processed that information and the feeling of uncertainty was to create a list of things that I wanted to do during confinement, things that I could still plan for, and general tasks that would give me a purpose and make me feel like I was still making progess towards my goals. For me, that is how I am able to look forward during a time of uncertainty.

Luckily, from the next week onward, my work duties continued. I had a few major projects to complete that took me to the end of April, then my schedule and tasks went back to something close to what they were before, albeit much different in their delivery. Our staff continues to power through by meeting virtually and conducting business in new and creative ways. While I did not accomplish several of the items that I had planned to when I wrote that initial list mid-March, I am glad that I put the time and energy into creating it. Why? Because that list helped me to process what was going on at the time, it helped me see that there is a future beyond the “now”, and it gave me direction. This brings me to the purpose of today’s post: Planning during a pandemic. Perhaps more importantly, why plan during a pandemic.

There are people – myself included – who love to plan. Now, that said, when I plan trips, I understand that everything may be set for a lovely day walking on the beach, and we wake up to a thunderstorm. I always have a Plan B, in every situation, but I also know that it’s important to be flexible with plans. It’s having the information I need to make the best decision possible that day that brings me peace. I have put together itineraries for every trip we’ve taken, from things to see and do, to restaurants that serve dishes for both vegetarian and carnivorous palettes, to solo and “down” time. I’ve put together itineraries for others who are visiting France for the first time and those who have visited France but perhaps want a more “off-the-beaten-path” trip the next time. For me, thoroughly enjoying a trip means some time and careful preparation up front. I am excited to say that this experience will help me when I move to France in the near future, but more on that later …

So, why plan for a trip when we don’t know when that trip will be? Will it be this summer? Likely not, but maybe. I’m guessing that many people will be unsure not only if they can travel this year, but also if they feel safe doing so. That is, of course, a personal decision. My thoughts are that it is still a good idea to think about the future, what we want to see and do, and to start planning. That gives us a sense of purpose and a reminder that life really will go on, that we will move past this, and we will see and do great things.

I’m personally looking ahead at 2021, when I know my wanderlust will force me beyond my borders.  I already have several places on my list of things to see once I am allowed back in France. The Forest of Broceliande, for one, has been calling my name after a trip to Huelgoat last year (see link to post below). I would love to see the ancient stones at Carnac and the Ile-de-Brehat, the island off the cost of Paimpol. I would also like to get back to Josselin and tour the chateau and gardens.

So, what can we do in the interim? We can watch documentaries of places we’ve always wanted to visit, or surf through Rick Steves videos until we land on something that catches our eye. We can watch movies that take place in another part of the world and open our eyes and minds to the possibility of traveling there one day. We can read novels, tales from authors who picked up and moved somewhere far away. If on social media, we can join groups and/or follow pages (like the Tales from Brittany Facebook page). I have, in fact, met lovely people through Instagram and am inspired every day by their stories and photography.

I would, therefore, ask that you not give up on your dreams. Those dreams may be to see more of your state, your country, or the world, and those dreams can still come true. Until you feel comfortable traveling, do a little something every day that will inspire you and help you keep the faith. If you need some ideas or guidance, I am happy to help. Please do comment below with how you’re doing (or send an email, if you prefer) and where you hope to travel to once we are through this difficult time.

Below are previous posts that I have written. May they help to bring you some joy and inspiration.

Stay safe and well,

Amy, from Tales from Brittany

General Information

Welcome to the blog!    https://talesfrombrittany.com/welcome-bienvenue/

France, the beginning (of a love affair)    https://talesfrombrittany.com/france-the-beginning/

My first trip to western France https://talesfrombrittany.com/my-first-trip-to-western-france/                                                                                                                                                               

The many things I love about France https://talesfrombrittany.com/the-many-things-i-love-about-france/

Market Day in Brittany https://talesfrombrittany.com/market-day-in-brittany/

Travel tips

Traveling to Brittany https://talesfrombrittany.com/traveling-to-brittany/

Pack light, pack right https://talesfrombrittany.com/pack-light-pack-right/        

How to pack a personal item https://talesfrombrittany.com/how-to-pack-a-personal-item/                                                                                                                                                   

How to Plan your Trip https://talesfrombrittany.com/travel-tips-how-to-plan-your-trip/

Driving in France https://talesfrombrittany.com/going-further-afield-driving-in-france/

Destinations

An afternoon in Rennes https://talesfrombrittany.com/an-afternoon-in-rennes/

Things to see and do in Lehon https://talesfrombrittany.com/things-to-see-and-do-in-lehon-bretagne-france/

A day in Dinard https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-dinard-bretagne/

Becherel, a book lover’s dream https://talesfrombrittany.com/becherel-a-book-lovers-dream/

Visitor’s guide to Fort la Latte and Cap Frehel https://talesfrombrittany.com/visitor-guide-to-fort-la-latte-and-cap-frehel/

The magical forest of Huelgoat https://talesfrombrittany.com/the-magical-forest-of-huelgoat/

A day in Quimper https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-quimper-bretagne-france/

A day in St. Jacut de la Mer https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-st-jacut-de-la-mer-bretagne-france/

A day in Dinan https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-dinan-bretagne-france/

A visit to the Chateau de Fougeres https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-visit-to-the-chateau-de-fougeres/

An afternoon in Vitre https://talesfrombrittany.com/an-afternoon-in-vitre/

Recipes (in French and English)

Flan d’oeufs and cake nature https://talesfrombrittany.com/comfort-food-is-good-for-the-soul/

Cooked apples with salted butter topping https://talesfrombrittany.com/les-recettes-pommes-cuites-caramel-beurre-sale-recipes-cooked-apples-with-salted-caramel-topping/

Trout with cream sauce and almonds https://talesfrombrittany.com/les-recettes-truites-a-la-creme-et-aux-amandes-recipes-trout-with-cream-sauce-and-almonds/

Scallops and plum clafoutis https://talesfrombrittany.com/recipes-from-brittany-les-coquilles-saint-jacques-de-la-baie-de-saint-brieuc-in-french-and-english/

Apple cake https://talesfrombrittany.com/recettes-de-bretagne-le-gateau-aux-pommes-apple-cake/

Uncategorized

On keeping the faith (during a pandemic) https://talesfrombrittany.com/on-keeping-the-faith/