We thought we were sheltered here in Vietnam from the panic and the fear.

It found us.

We headed south after Coline’s mother left us, to Tam Coc, surrounded by steep sharp hills of rock, rivers and rice fields. It is a Vietnamese paradise, we had just over 5 days to wait for Coline’s visa extension to go through, so we thought what better place to go than somewhere… quiet.

The quiet was the symptom which only got worse, Tam Coc and the surrounding areas despite its rural charm and feel is still a popular tourist destination on most Vietnam itinerary’s. We saw as the days go on the rapid effect the global events had on this place. First the temples and the attractions, then the restaurants and the shops started to fall into indefinite closure. Every day on our walks to get food or explore, the population seemed to thin out more and more, a phew more locks on doors with the dreaded COVID-19 apology.

It affected us little up to this point. Now with the fear spreading to even the homestay owners, we realize we are what they now fear. We are the ones moving around, the potential carriers and infectors. We learn that this is happening all over the country in quick succession, almost as if every destination we just left barred its doors to any other that followed behind.

The fellow traveler’s we meet follow the same pattern, feeling the pressure and fear of the unknown of the global situation mount on them. Being so far away from home and not knowing if they will be able to return home as planned.

So we have decided to leave also.

Tokyo calls.