Global Tamilian: Spring dawns in the US, sans any travel promise

The much-awaited spring is here, with the shiny, bright, green coloured lawn beckoning everyone for the fun, trees on their part showing up by decorating their barren branches with swaying masses of new leaves, and the cold winter weather disappearing. So, is everything well and ready for us to pack bags and set off on those road trips to celebrate? Unfortunately, the lonely roads seem to tell a different tale that reminds us that now is not the moment, as the invisible enemy is still around looking for the vulnerable ones to fall prey to its tricks.

For the first time as far as the memory of mankind goes, the fun-loving Americans are tied back to their homes even when the cherry blossoms as originally planned by nature’s calendar. No road trips, no parties, no barbeque, no vacation, no joining the family and so no visits to the great Cherry blossom festivals in Washington DC this year.

Spring breaks, the much sought-after days for the children to step out to play, soiling themselves at the parks, is not the norm this year. Biking and trekking with groups that kickstart the season are not happening now. The wait to come out of the cold winter months is getting extended for many across the world. Sadly, the COVID-19 has challenged the fun for the young and old alike.

On the bright side, it is interesting to watch how people have set their adjustment bells moving to online vacation mode. For many, the fun seems to continue on the virtual platform. Who said video conferencing is only for corporate discussions to favour ideas to make money? Happy hours on the online mode is becoming a new norm. Like-minded friends and colleagues meet online and through the video chat continue their happy hours’ plan. Facebook groups are full of postings and live events by people showcasing their artwork and talents. Many new and fresh talents seem to come unearthed.

There are virtual talks and meetings for the serious ones, where important exchange on the visa extension procedures and tax implications or the medical tips to tackle the COVID fears keep flowing from experts. While many continue their fun plan, there are quite others engaged in mobilising the relief efforts. Organising food drives, collecting the much-needed food donations, forming groups to ready homemade face masks, helping the old and needy with groceries also keep happening.

Many online education platforms are extending help on their part by engaging kids with educational supplements and college counselling offered free or at a discounted price. A great relief to the parents of young children who struggle to engage their little ones with a creative, yet fun-filled activity.

Quite striking to life in India is the fact how Indian immigrants learn to live confined to the immediate family. Much of learning this skill starts during the initial years of moving out of their country. Many are already trained to live the life of separation from the loved ones and are exposed to technology to connect with people in remote locations. So for the Indian American community, the challenge is not new. Yet compromising the spring vacation is hard for many.

“We spend more time talking with family and friends through WhatsApp. It feels good to see them on video. This is something we are used to after moving to the US. Initial days used to be hard for us to handle the separation from our extended families in India. We got used to handling this but today’s situation of separation is different as there are more pain and fear of the virus attacking our near and dear ones and we are not able to reach them in case of emergencies,” is everybody’s concern.

“Our kids are learning Carnatic music and every April we travel to Cleveland. It is a big plan with kids preparing for the performances and all of us getting ready for the festival. This year we are tied home and this is hard for the kids,” vents Arutha Ramanarayan.

“Spring is the best part to travel in the US with weather not so warm like in summer or extremely cold like in winter. We plan road trips to cover far off states. It has been so much fun to drive with the family, on those long highways crossing states across America, stopping at the local food joints on the way. We as a family used to have fun exploring the local lifestyles across America. All these are not happening this year,” expresses Nagpal.

In many Indian American families, children who have moved to colleges and work are back home and they get a chance to stay with their parents. For many, this is a blessing in disguise. “The thought that during these grim hours both my kids are back home and are staying safe with us is so much of solace that we are thankful for,” feels Ranjini Ram.

On the other hand, many parents have their medico sons and daughters fighting in the frontline, caring for those unfortunate ones infected. “Every minute I sit before God praying for my physician daughter and her patients,” says Ramya Nagaraj.

Fear of life has gripped us all so bad that everyone is confined to their circle and plan to keep engaged and contributing. There is not much noise and all have accepted that stay at home seems to be a better option to fight this crisis. However tempting the spring is, the general mood is leaning towards lockdown even as they wait for the invisible villain to change his mind and exit the show. In the meantime, people seem to learn the trick of tolerating their housemates and find meaningful ways to spend together time within the four walls. COVID gift to the new world!