Welcome to the reality of travel, sometimes things go pear shape. I am 57 and Sally is 42, a Baby Boomer and a GenXer slowly travelling around the world. We decided to leave our full-time roles, travel and work remotely back in 2017. Now I am sitting in a beautiful Airbnb in Vienna, Austria under quarantine due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. How did we end up in this situation? Our friend was celebrating her 50th birthday in a fabulous restaurant, ice Q in Solden, Austria perched high up in the Alps. We would generally turn up to a letter opening, so we jumped at the opportunity to detour our travels to enjoy some apres skiing. We’ve been following the COVID-19 virus since early January as we travelled through Morocco. Like most of the world, it was in China, and we kept it only a thought in the back of our mind as we explored Morocco and then Tunisia. Even as COVID-19 spread, we flip-flopped on our travel to Austria, yes one day, no the next. However, we decided about ten days ago to fly in and celebrate our friend's birthday. Well, Houston we have a problem, within days the situation deteriorated and celebrations cancelled. That’s ok. Fortunately, our friends made it on one of the last flights back to Australia. Meanwhile, we just followed the advice of the government, and we stayed put. Now we’re in quarantine. Let me share some real-world facts. Assume anything posted on a social media platform is false. I always reverse search for any image posted on Google. I always check anything via a fact-checker like Snopes. Assume all newspapers reporting is incorrect, it will be exaggerated and often be factually inaccurate. Your government is more worried about the political ramifications and will act too slowly. So who do you trust right now? For us, it’s the World Health Organisation. Why? It’s non-political, non-business, just realtime facts. They'll never take our freedom! Yes, the government can and will lock you in your house, no you cannot go for a walk in the park or a drink at the pub. How can they do it, well they close the pubs down and most other businesses, and yes you can close a park down. It’s like house arrest without the bracelet. Our current rules in Vienna. That helpful fancy travel insurance policy that you bought before travelling, well most likely it is now null and void. So now some real-world facts. You will end up at some stage having some form of physical distancing enforced in your region. If you are panic shopping congratulations, you have broken already the rules around physical distancing. Personally, if I had my freedom right now the last place on earth, I would be, is in any social environment. Even if you do not care about getting sick, it is a fact you can spread this virus to another human that is the issue. People have died, enough said. So we sit here unsure when we can go out, the planes have stopped, and borders closed, so team Australia, it is a struggle to get home now if we tried, mind you I think the Austrian people are currently showing us up. I applaud the Austrian people. For your absolute resolve to not panic, to treat everyone with respect and dignity and not focus on just yourself, you are going about your daily life and shopping as you usually would, we have an abundance of choices in our supermarkets. I have this one simple request for everyone. In 2021 will you be proud of your actions in 2020? Above is the view from our Airbnb in Vienna of a closed playground.

So today we ventured out to buy food, one of the few restrictions not in place. I keep loving Vienna and this country, Austria. No panic buying, no crowds, people kept their distance, pure joy. Meanwhile, in my home country of Australia. I feel ashamed of all the stories I am hearing, where there is a minority who lack respect for our fellow citizens, it is quite alarming. So our day was filled with some fantastic moments. One of my clients, an accountant that I mentor Kelly Chard from GrowthMD, delivered a webinar to her clients. Instead of another email about working from home, Kelly’s gave clients some practical advice about how to manage their practice during the current situation. Kelly’s client base is mainly in the medical industry, so they are the front line putting their life at risk for ours. I will say that again; they put their life at risk for ours. Just like those in retail right now (imagine writing that three months ago). Going to work, the risks they are taking to ensure we are all nourished and not knowing who they contact might be a carrier. Kudos to all of them, it isn’t going unnoticed, and we are eternally grateful. The webinar was a fantastic experience, and the questions from doctors showed that it’s up to us to help each other through these tough times we are all facing. So, I’m now doing this for several accounting firms (best use of my time and skills). I reached out individually to another 20 people (it’s something I’ve tasked myself to do each day) to check on their mental health. Something we all can do (not a bulk are you ok?). An individual message each day to a new group of people. Sally worked so hard, that’s the one thing working from home. With no distractions, you end up working crazy long hours, which has been her life for the past few years, she is adept to this work-life. Tomorrow I’m seriously going to try and watch some Netflix hopefully. Ok, that bit probably won’t happen, just too much opportunity at the moment to do good and help all those that need a helping hand. In 2021, will you be proud of your actions in 2020?

So today we decided to move Airbnb, as Austria is now in lockdown, quarantine extended until April 13. Like many of you are already and like many of you will soon experience. While our current Airbnb is stunning, we just wanted a balcony, yard or patio so that we get fresh air. Consider that for a minute. I am writing about the word fresh air as a priority in your accommodation instead of 400 thread linen. So after much searching, we found an Airbnb that looked perfect, great reviews, area, etc. Knowing that we’re allowed to travel within Austria for short distances (no, sightseeing is not essential), we booked an Uber. Can we all pause for a second. Maybe you have the luxury of walking around with a mask (the jury is still out on the effectiveness). Consider all the people that are out there, helping us, like those cashiers who still are working selling you that 24 pack of toilet paper. All are going without that mask. Anyway, that’s for another post. Sally packed our suitcases (we learnt early in our travels, that for our marriage and sanity that Sally should pack the bags - as I don’t seem to do it to ‘Sal standard - a bit like Sal does not iron to Wayne standard). I love Europe when prestige cars are used as a taxi and uber. In this case, our Mercedes Benz dutifully dropped us at our new Airbnb. Ok, we already sensed we had a problem, as we walked past the rat traps lining the corridors. Seriously you cannot make this up. However, with the attitude that the glass is always half full, we pressed onwards. Let’s say the photos didn’t match reality (a bit like Tinder). No the Wayne of old, would have done a dummy spit, however as seasoned travellers we are (eye roll). Sally immediately started cancelling our booking using the Airbnb Wifi, while I looked for an alternative place. No tantrums from me as per the past, we worked the problem and boom we are now sitting here writing this blog. Once settled into our new pad, a quick trip to the supermarket. Again has Austria known about #COVID19? Check out the markings on the floor. These have been here for years. Physical distancing at its best. Again plenty of food and no panic buying. So the lesson for today. Just be kind. It definitely pays off. In 2021, will you be proud of your actions in 2020? PS. We told the owner the first Airbnb with the issues, and they truly appreciated us sending photos of the place etc. I genuinely believe that they didn’t know the state of their house and appreciated our feedback.

No family or support group in a country that is in full quarantine. So why did we decide to stay in Vienna, Austria instead of flying back to Australia? Being married to the queen of data, we took a more pragmatic approach. The numbers don’t lie. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ Firstly our travel insurance is now void (specifically for COVID-19), and the thought of flying and being in close contact with others helped make our decision easier. Some Australians are definitely not showing that Aussie spirit, especially after the terrible bushfires and floods that have recently ravaged large parts of the country. Austria just gave us the impression that they are well prepared. https://metropole.at/coronavirus-in-austria Having a strategy and plan The youngest head of state 33 years old, Sebastian Kurz Closing their borders early Convert an exhibition centre in Vienna to an 880-bed hospital Two dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in Vienna (a city of 2 million) Closing Tyrol, no one in or out (the main hot spot for COVID-19) Practising physical distancing Acting early to introduce a quarantine Can test for the virus within 90-minutes A people-first approach Regular updates (considering English is not the main language spoken) No panic buying or hoarding Below is a video from a supermarket in Vienna today, physical distancing and no hoarding. We are allowed to leave our Airbnb to shop only. Some random thoughts from today. It’s physical distancing, not social distancing, thank you, Clayton Oates, for keeping it real. Things move fast, as shown in the United Kingdom. Keep reaching out to people one by one, no group messages. Give your mind time to process what is happening and reflect what you have already. Social media is so important right now for allowing us to stay connected and share experiences. In 2021, will you be proud of your actions in 2020? Let’s rise to the occasion, stay united and support each other.

We enter our second week of at least four weeks of quarantine in Vienna, Austria. How are we making use of our time? Ted talks are always a great personal development resource. Scott Kelly spent a year in space. He has some practical tips on isolation. Scott's recent article in the New York Times is well worth reading. Which tips am I following from his article? Give your business an online brand refresh. Six quick online marketing tips for your business. Give yourself an online profile refresh. The first twenty-minutes of the video below shows how to refresh your LinkedIn profile. Learn new skills I improved my knowledge of developing and designing websites using the Wix platform. My Digital Nomad tool kit Make sure you’re using all the latest remote working tools. Finally, make sure you’re in contact with people.

#COVID19 It is so important to keep socialising while in quarantine, remember it’s just physical distancing. After seven days in quarantine, I thought I had it all nailed. I was wrong. Heather Smith runs a daily online webinar for those in the accounting industry, with people from Malta, Australia, Slovenia and Austria joining the discussion. I dragged myself out of bed for the early 7 am in Vienna (4 pm Melbourne) chat. This session just made me more aware of how social us humans are, so if you are in the accounting industry, feel free to join Heather. Music To keep us positive during the day while we eat and work we re-discovered the benefits of Spotify. We put music on as soon as we wake up now, and keep it on while we work. We are grateful we built a playlist as we travelled, as a song we loved or reminded us of where we were travelling. We added it straight to the list, we now have 1500 songs to keep us in good spirits. We have found that music is perfect for our mental health and keeps us positive. Listening to all the beautiful songs that are full of special memories of loved ones, moments and places. Sorry, Sally, for my terrible singing and potentially eclectic playlist. Dancing This lovely lady used to walk past the restaurant opposite our place we rented while in Koh Samui. Red Moon always had fantastic live music, and she always stood with her husband both in their 80’s, tapping away to the music. My motto in life is first on the dance floor, enjoy and dance like no one is watching.

Home in Downtown - Three Nights Look no further if you are lucky enough to be viewing this beautiful apartment, and it is available. By far one of the best Airbnbs we have stayed in throughout our 7 years and over 30 stays on Airbnb. Britt, our lovely host, should be incredibly proud of her home and all the thoughtful touches she has made. The design and quality of the home are incredible. You will wish you had booked more time (we even tried and unfortunately were too late and it was already booked). The home is fully stocked with absolutely everything you need for cooking up a storm, a full range of cleaning products and an unlimited supply of towels for your visits to the beach. There is even a bag for groceries. The bathroom has the most amazing water pressure and a brilliant shower! Location is perfect and a short walk to all the must-see spots and lots of dining choices too on your doorstep. Definitely recommend Britt's beautiful and spacious home.

Boutique Apartment Borghetto - Two Nights We only had two nights in this Airbnb, that is about ten minutes by car from Pula. It's a nice clean, well designed with nice decor. Has a beautiful large pool and surrounding area to relax and enjoy. It continues to surprise us how these places can squeeze in a fully functional kitchen. We were able to dine in for breakfast and dinner, a great little market across the road. Perfect. Vili, the host, was very accommodating and responsive; his Mum also lives onsite if you need anything. The guests were all young during our stay and had a good vibe and energy. The only thing was the address was incorrect as there are two ''Centar 3' in Pula, be sure to confirm with the host before arriving. Location was close to the beach areas, and Uber was always available. Definitely recommend great value and relaxing weekend away. The highlight was making new friends from England and catching up from a friend from Australia. It's amazing what you can achieve in two nights: great conversations, laughter, food, wine and live music. Drinks and live music at Bonaca Restaurant & Lounge Bar - Pula, dinner in La Puntulina - Rovinj and drinks our two favourite bars in Rovinj, Molo Grande Caffe bar and Riviera Aperitive Bar - Rovinj. Big shout out to our new friends from England, Emily and Gus. You are both so perfect for each other. Now how do we work our way into your wedding? Thank you, Troy, for changing your plans to extend your stay in Croatia.

Boka apartment 5 - Four Nights Incredible views and beautifully furnished apartment. We enjoyed four nights, and the apartment has everything we needed and more. The kitchen was very well equipped, we cooked most days, and the bathroom had ample towels and amenities. The bed was very comfortable, and the room was also very dark to ensure you had a solid sleep. Internet was strong as we were working for a few days and experienced no issues, note the upload speed was low though. The views from inside were magical, and the terrace was very comfortable and spacious. You are also spoilt with the sunsets. Location was perfect, a few steps to the beachfront and wonderful esplanade, great for walks and sunsets. You are also a short walk from the old city where we enjoyed some delicious meals at Portofino and cocktails at Kod Spira. Nada and her husband were an absolute pleasure to deal with, and nothing was too much for them, they were incredibly kind to help us carry our luggage to and from the apartment, there are a few minutes walks via some stairs to access the apartment. We also needed a transfer to Budva, and they organised everything at a good price. Definitely recommend staying here, you will not be disappointed.

Boat restaurant Silistria - One Visit Located on the water with lovely views in a small village. This place was making a great trade, as it was the only place open. Considering our visit was after tourist season and during restrictions, the restaurant was well visited. You could feel the soul of this restaurant is gone at the moment. Yet the number of covers on the day we visited would make this quite a profitable business. We enjoyed a quick bite and glass of wine, clean restaurant, service was fast, and quality fresh food. A little overpriced for Montenegro, but I assume this is a popular location for tourists during normal times. Only accepted cash. Bring on competition, as let's say it's overpriced for the quality of the food. I would assume the place in summer would be quite different, as there was a collection of plastic rubbish in the waters. Trust me, and I used every trick in the book to make these photos look good and careful cropping. You were kept company by a clowder of cats throughout your meal, therefore I would recommend avoiding if you are not a fan of cats.