COVID-19 is a weird spot in history. I can’t think of another time when the world managed to completely stop. Even during the wars when everything was devoted to the war effort, there was still industry moving and people on the streets. But now there’s nothing. Its very eerie walking around and seeing no one there. The trams are empty and its noticeably faster to drive anywhere. The other day I was walking around the city and there was no one on the street, I think it was busier at 3am on a weekday in the past.

Its very disheartening to walk around and see so few people. The lack of people on the street is compounded by the lack of interaction we have with people otherwise within our daily lives. This whole home self-isolation thing is very lonely and video calls aren’t really a substitute.

And uni is still going ahead. There’s been little change to the course load, except for part of the course being postponed a little so that now I have an assignment for every subject due at the same time. The lack of face to face content is really affecting me. I find that I learn much better talking with those around me and being able to interact during live lectures. With the current learning from home situation, there are no live lectures and you don’t have that same ability to turn to the guy next to you to clarify what just happened. What I miss most of all is the ability to discuss a lecture after it happened, since everyone watches lectures on their own. As a result I am writing notes after every lecture, rather than writing headings during a lecture. This is a much more time intensive process that I find is the best I can do as a substitute, but its still not the same.

Its also quite interesting how much the weather is affecting my mood at the moment. I mean, normally there is a slight change but now its a very noticeable change. This really sucks going into winter, with the shorter days and more clouds. It’s affect my motivation and ability to work. Some days I just start at my screen, edging towards a video and others I can just go and pump out whatever I’m doing. Its a real pain as the work is really starting to pile on. There are some days when it feels like there’s not really a point to it. The feeling of stagnation is really growing.

At least I still can go out and walk around during the day. Every now and then you see someone on the streets, although the parks are pretty full. Its pretty good when the sun is out and you can just walk wherever you want while enjoying some warmth. That said, its still a bit lonely.

I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over and to be able to see people again. Anything has to be better than this. And its not looking too hopeful that everything will be going back next semester, but lets hope that at least its better.