My sister and I recently returned from a dream vacation in Greece. There is so much to say about the experience, I am going to tackle it in two parts. This one deals with my thoughts on traveling as an American and a comparison to what I experienced in another country during the pandemic.
*(If you’ve had enough hearing about vaccines and mask mandates, scroll down for the next installment.)
To say my sister and I were concerned leading up to this trip is an understatement. We watched the Travel Advisories like hawks, and kept tabs on the changing requirements while holding onto cautious optimism that this adventure might actually happen.
With that in mind, I bought a bunch of rapid tests, signed up for my state’s COVID app (NY), and read the vaccine/test requirements like I was studying for a final exam. I even got a booster (I have asthma).
Armed with at least 20 extra masks, and plenty of hand sanitizer, we headed to the airport.
Right from the start, we had to prove our vaccination status. We had to wear masks the entire flight, unless we were eating.
Were there people pushing the limits of this on the plane? Yes, but only a few, mostly English speaking.
I say this, because with all of the hoopla and controversy we left behind, I was curious to see the difference once we were on foreign soil.
We landed in Istanbul to change planes. We sailed through passport control and got to our gate for our flight to Athens. There we were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test (Within 3 days for a PCR test or 48 hours for a verified rapid test).
For those anti-vaxers, you can travel, but you will have to test. And they do check. A lot. But I will address that in a moment.
We showed our proof and boarded no problem.
On the cab ride from the airport to our hotel, we asked the driver how he viewed COVID. He answered that in his day to day life, he didn’t see much of it. On the news, he said, it sounded horrible. Much like here in the states. Except, he had to be vaccinated to drive the cab. Yes, gasp, his employment required him to be vaccinated. And he did it. While, I admit on a 30 minute drive, we didn’t get to know him intimately, but he didn’t seem upset by the fact that his job made such a demand.
Our documentation was checked again at the hotel. And at every museum or site. And again when we got on the ferry to Santorini, when we went on a sailing tour, when we boarded our flight to Rhodes, and every site there, and when we returned to Istanbul, and when we got to our gate to fly home.
And this wasn’t just a flash the card situation. This was hand over your proof and your passport and they looked at both closer than a bouncer checking IDs while a liquor control board inspector looks on. Pretty much every time we entered a public building, they checked. They asked those not wearing masks to put them on properly.
People did.
I never once heard anyone rail about their rights or complain. They simply complied with the rules.
Which made me sad for the state of our country. Why has a global public health problem become a rallying cry for individual rights? What happened to community responsibility. Why is rugged individualism heroic instead of selfish?
As we traveled around Greece, I saw it. People from a multitude of countries, speaking so many different languages all followed the same rules without having a hissy fit or arguing with shopkeepers and public workers. We followed the rules.
This is what bothers me most about those who complain the loudest. Why should you be exempted from rules that aren’t that odious to begin with. I saw no one pass out from carbon monoxide poisoning even as they climbed up the Acropolis. No one turned blue during our nine plus hour flights to and from Greece.
We followed the rules because science says it helps reduce the spread of the virus.
The other thing I noted was the number of testing sites. They were everywhere. If you chose not to be vaccinated, you certainly had ample opportunity to get tested. But it wasn’t free. So figure if you are gone for nine days how many times you would need to be tested. And heaven forbid you forgot to be tested before leaving the country!
A fast track PCR test at JFK airport was $300. In Greece it costs anywhere from 60-100 Euros for a PCR test. If you have to test every three days, that can get a bit pricey.
Again, they check. Frequently.
Which brings me back to what I don’t understand about the attitude in the United States that this virus is a hoax or a way for the government to take control. How can it be that when the entire world is fighting the same virus? Every country is making their own decisions on how to contain the disease while preserving some economic and individual freedom. If wearing a mask reduces the spread, and globally the accepted science is that they do reduce it, the why wouldn’t you? If the vaccine is required for work because they reduce the intensity of infection, which in turn reduces the strain on healthcare systems, why wouldn’t you get vaccinated? Or conversely, if you choose not to get vaccinated, get tested frequently and wear the damn mask.
I find it ironic that the people railing against the vaccine are also the ones complaining about wearing a mask. It makes me sad, actually. That this ideal of rugged individualism, something that could be so empowering, has supplanted a sense of community. Instead of latching onto every reason why we should do this for the betterment of all, there is a large portion of our population that latches onto a “you can’t make me” attitude.
We have all been required to have certain vaccinations to be a productive and equal member of our society. Polio (virus), Measles (virus), Mumps (virus). I could go on. Is this a new virus? Yes. Is it hard to pin down and are we learning how best to fight it? Yes. But this is a global fight. As such it will require us to be global citizens. Hell, I’d settle for good citizens, ones who are willing to put up with a bit of personal inconvenience so we can get a handle on this virus.
I’m not saying masks and vaccines are a perfect solution. But they’re what we’ve got. They are all the entire world has right now. Let’s not forget we are all in this together.
Nancie Abuhaidar 