Escaping the US COVID-19 Pandemic
It sounds so dramatic, “Escaping the US Coronavirus Pandemic”. But that is my reality. I have spent the past couple of months visiting my family in the United States. When I left Costa Rica at the beginning of February, there was very little talk about the disease that was erupting in China. At that time, I booked a one-way ticket because I wasn’t sure about my exact return date. I was planning on staying until late March.
After visiting the majority of my family in Colorado I took a flight to Sacramento, California to visit my 90-year-old grandfather. The idea was to spend some time helping him while my aunt who is his caregiver went on a trip to Israel.
California, Israel, a Quarantine, and Bare Shelves
About a week before flying to California, my aunt had called to let us know that their trip may be canceled due to the epidemic. They wouldn’t know for sure if the trip was happening until up to the day it left. My father and I decided to continue our plans to visit my grandfather regardless of their trip.
Well, my aunt’s trip took off as planned but on the fourth day, they were quarantined to their hotel in Israel. This is about the time I decided I should look into my situation. My wife and daughter were back in Costa Rica. There were increasing indications that this epidemic would keep us separated if we didn’t fly soon.
While caring for my grandpa, we made a few grocery runs. The United States had requested people to keep social distancing and crowds, but things were fairly normal. The difference was spotted when we went to the store.
None of the stores we visited had hand-sanitizer or cleaning wipes. Two of the three stores we went to had no toilet paper. The third had toilet paper but much of the food was picked over and some shelves were bare. The toilet paper was limited to two small packages per person.
It is clear that people in the states are starting to react to the impending threat.
Costa Rica vs The United States
For us to be together I need to return to Costa Rica, or they need to come to the U.S. The Coronavirus seems to be spreading fast and several countries are taking action. If the borders close, we have to decide where we feel is best for us.
The reports came out, Costa Rica is closing its borders to all non-residents. We have to make a decision, or we will be separated for the foreseeable future. I have already been away from my wife and daughter for almost two months. It’s time to reconnect.Where should we wait out the virus?
My home in Costa Rica is in a small village. My wife and I work online and our daughter attends online school. We live fairly secluded during normal times. Reports say that the store shelves are fully stocked with all items. It is hard to say how much different our day-to-day life would look during the pandemic. The medical care in Costa Rica is of good quality. But because we live in the jungle by the beach, it is about an hour to medical care.
By joining me in the United States we would not have to worry about the issues of a foreign country. We are not citizens or residents of Costa Rica. Our Costa Rican visas are travel visas that will expire.
But what if something terrible happens to our family and we cannot get back to the United States? With the stockpiling and hoarding will we be able to access the supplies we need? Where will our health be less at risk? There were several variables to discuss.
Weighing all considerations, we decide it is in our best interest to retreat to our jungle home by the ocean. That is where we will wait out the crisis.
Catch the Last Flight
2:00 p.m. March 16th, it is time. After sorting through the most recent information I am escaping the US Coronavirus Pandemic. Most flights to Costa Rica have been canceled. I jump on the United website and book the last flight from Sacramento arriving before the border closure. My flight leaves in 10 hours. I will depart Sacramento International Airport just past midnight. There will be a layover in Houston at 6 a.m. and I will land in Liberia, Costa Rica at noon.
I spend my final few hours before my flight watching an old John Wayne movie with my grandfather. I pack my bags and prepare to say my goodbyes. My dad drops me at the Departures doors of the airport at just 10 p.m. and I am off.
Quiet Airports and Empty Flights
The Sacramento International Airport is quiet. There are many fewer travelers than usual. It’s not quite a ghost town but not many people in the terminal or at the gate. Check-in and security were short lines and very quick. I got to my gate with plenty of time to wait.
Upon locating my seat, I break out the disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. I wipe down the seat in front of me and all around me. I don’t know if I’m being overly cautious but with this one, I’d rather error on the side of caution.
This first flight is very light. There are only about 30 people on it. I am able to sit in the window seat and the nearest person is on the opposite window. It feels a bit eerie that the plane is this vacant.
Feeling like Tom Hanks in “The Terminal”
When I arrive in Houston the people get even more sparse. I make my way to the gate. Finding a chair near an outlet to relax, I settle in for the three-hour layover. Fifteen minutes past six in the morning is not exactly rush hour. But normally this terminal and the bar serving breakfast would be buzzing. This morning it is just me and the flight crew waiting to head to the tropics.
Escaping the US Coronavirus Pandemic
So, this is it. This next flight takes me out of my home country for the foreseeable future. I am escaping the US Coronavirus pandemic and betting on Costa Rica as my sanctuary. I am a bit nervous but trust we have made the best possible choice with the information available.
The flight to Liberia, Costa Rica is bare bones. I feel like this is a chartered flight. Without bending my head around the seats, I cannot see another passenger. I am conflicted between enjoying the empty flight and the implications of why it is empty. I pray we have chosen wisely.
Bienvenido a Costa Rica
The plane touches down and I am officially in Costa Rica for the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. I collect my bags, head through customs, and get to the parking lot to meet my ride. But… The girls are not here…
Of course, they are late to pick me up. Why would I expect them to be on time for the apocalypse?
When they do finally show up, I am relieved we are reunited and am confident in my decision. I believe it is best for the girls and me to endure the coronavirus pandemic in Costa Rica.
