Authorities around the world have been putting measures into place over the last days and weeks to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 Virus. In Berlin this has meant the closure of restaurants, bars, and shops alongside new rules that forbid gatherings outside of more than two people. Toilet paper has inexplicably become harder to find than precious metal and working from home is now the new norm. But in this time of uncertainty, how are we all adjusting to life in the lockdown?
We asked our colleagues to share their quarantine routine, top tips for staying sane, and what they’re looking forward to when life returns to normal.
Nathalie
What is your new quarantine routine?
I live in a small studio flat with my husband, so working remotely has been pretty challenging to deal with in our small space – especially when we both have meetings at the same time. It’s definitely not an ideal office space, but I do really appreciate the quality time that working from home together has given us.
Are there any new hobbies or things you've taken up recently that you never would have found time for before the quarantine?
With all this extra time indoors, I’ve had much more time to get back into painting and brushing up on my German language skills. I’ve also been sewing quite a lot and even got to work on a skirt that I’d designed but never had the time to put together before.
What are you looking forward to when the lockdown is over?
Despite all of these new hobbies, I am very excited to see my friends (in person) again and get back to travelling. We are also moving to a much bigger apartment in June, so that’s something we’re both very much looking forward to!
Matty
What is your new quarantine routine?
I’ve been getting into yoga recently and have been doing 30-minute sessions each morning with my girlfriend to try and stay fit.
How are you keeping entertained?
Catching up on TV shows I’d missed, such as The Walking Dead, and spending more time on cooking nice meals.
What are you looking forward to getting back to when the lockdown is over?
I am looking forward most to being able to train properly and play rugby again, as our season was cancelled just before the first game was due to take place.
Katerina and Alexander
What is your new quarantine routine?
We have two children, so there is no time to get bored! Juggling kids that need to be home-schooled and work when both parents have full-time jobs is a challenge, so the quarantine has definitely pushed us into becoming even more organized and efficient (and exhausted and a bit crazy). Our days start early and end later than usual, but we are very lucky to have flexible working hours and great colleagues who support us in these times. We need a lot of coordination and a clear split of responsibilities to succeed.
How have you been juggling work and keeping the children entertained?
Entertaining the kids is easy: we have so many board games at home, building blocks, and books, but making them work on their school stuff is difficult and needs a lot of support (they are still very young).
Are there any new hobbies or things you've taken up recently that you never would have found time for before the quarantine?
We haven’t really had the opportunity to take up any new hobbies of our own, but we do allow the kids some more Nintendo Switch time and have enjoyed a few rounds of Mario Kart ourselves.
What are you looking forward to getting back to when the lockdown is over?
I [Katerina] miss walking around the city, exploring Berlin by foot. I’m really looking forward to being able to visit my favorite sushi place near Friedrichstraße and go to the bookstore afterwards.
Abdul
What is your new quarantine routine?
Quarantine has brought my busy routine to a halt; however, in slowing everything down it has helped me to relax and has given me a chance to reconnect with loved ones living far away!
How are you keeping entertained?
This time has boosted my creativity and allowed me to start experimenting more with cooking. I’ve also taken up some simple workouts in my apartment and board games with my housemates.
What are you looking forward to when the lockdown is over?
I think traveling is going to be very interesting when this all calms down and it will feel strange, but I definitely can’t wait to get back to the seaside. I’m also looking forward to getting back into the office and being able to work from my desk and chat to my colleagues.
Moritz
What is your new quarantine routine?
I am doing nothing, really. The quarantine actually is driving me insane!
How are you keeping entertained?
One thing that keeps me from succumbing to madness is working on fun videos for our GimmeMore website.
What are you looking forward to when the lockdown is over?
I am looking forward to not having to deal with myself 24/7.
Kostiantyn and Kseniia
What is your new quarantine routine?
The quarantine has (finally) provided us with some much-needed free time for our board games! We have lots of them and some games require many hours to play a round – so that's what we’ve been doing in the evenings.
How are you keeping entertained?
We watch movies, read books and do sports every day. We haven’t picked up any new hobbies just yet, but we can sleep a bit longer, which is a great bonus!
What are you looking forward to getting back to when the lockdown is over?
We do miss our walks around Berlin - it's springtime now and nature is waking up. And we miss our travels... but we understand the importance of staying at home. Thankfully, we have an amazing view of the Berlin TV tower from our balcony and can have our lunches out in the fresh air!
The quarantine has forced new and different experiences for us all, but one thing that we definitely share: an excitement to get back to normal and back to exploring Berlin. In the meantime, we wish you all a healthy and sane lockdown.
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