It’s almost May! I can hardly believe it – not just because it feels like I haven’t done much this year, but because the weather in Amsterdam is (expectedly) cold, rainy, and miserable. I’ve been doing much of the same as last month. Ordering in takeout from our favorite places, keeping up with at-home workouts when I’m not training, and trying new beauty products.
There is one big change though. We had originally planned a trip back to the US for May, which we’ve had to push back. During our routine PCR tests to get our travel certificates, I unexpectedly tested positive for COVID. It was quite a shock, given that I had exhibited no symptoms and my husband tested negative. Even more of a shock because we’ve been abiding by indoor social distancing rules, mask requirements (even wearing masks at the outdoor farmer’s markets, which isn’t technically required by the Dutch government), and I can count on one hand the people I had been in “close contact” with the past week – all of whom tested negative. Due to the continued poor vaccine rollout by the Dutch government, we even had vaccine appointments scheduled in the US for after our quarantine.
It’s definitely been a learning experience in many ways. 2020 had already given me a new perspective and forced me to be more flexible. But I’m viewing this as yet another opportunity to learn to be accepting when things don’t go according to plan. I also now understand the unfair stigma and guilt people who have had a positive COVID test feel, even when they’ve been abiding by the rules.
But the biggest takeway from this experience is that I’m incredibly grateful for the testing requirements for travel. Without testing and with being asymptomatic, it’s entirely possible I may have spread it to someone unknowingly – and that’s the scariest part. That’s why we’ve always gotten PCR tests prior to travel – even when testing wasn’t required last year when we traveled to Santorini & Mykonos. Even though we’ve been in this thing for almost a year and a half, remember to stay diligent and responsible – and keep your fingers crossed for an end soon.
Mercedes
What I’m reading: these two (very different) books
I’ve been doing my best to read every night, and I keep a variety of books on my nightstand. I just finished Kitchen Confidential. I love Anthony Bourdain (the No Reservations episode on Tokyo was what inspired my first trip to Japan), and this book is a funny, easy read. A friend of mine also lent me her copy of The Moonstone. It’s a really cozy British mystery similar to an Agatha Christie or even the Amelia Peabody series.
What I’m wearing: these white sneakers
This week I wrote about my favorite Dutch fashion trend. I’ve been wearing these white sneakers (EU) constantly – they’re the perfect way to make a satin midi-skirt more casual.
What I’m eating: protein oats
As promised, here is my protein oats recipe! I’ve found that getting carbs + sugar in the morning keeps me from craving sweets later in the day. My favorite is the Greek version, but I top mine with kwark instead of Greek yogurt (tastes the same, but even higher in protein and lower in fat).
Not going to lie, it’s a little weird at first to mix egg whites into your oatmeal. I also made the mistake the first time of trying to use almond milk. But it’s creamy enough with water, I promise! And make sure to get the egg whites super fluffy. I use a mini handheld mixer like this one – it’s portable, easy to clean, and also great for protein shakes.
What I’m doing: ordering lots of takeout
With quarantine we’ve been ordering in lots of takeout from my favorite restaurants. But I’m also looking forward to visiting some terraces soon, which just reopened for outdoor dining in Amsterdam!
What I’m listening to: this song on repeat
I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this song lately, and have had it on repeat. I also just discovered this playlist, which has a Scorpios Mykonos vibe that reminds me of summer.
So proud of you for sharing your experience and so sorry you tested positive. Hoping you can make it back home a few weeks later.
Xx, Kelsey