Day (13) 07 January: hotel

 

I 

got my get-out-of-quarantine papers today. A final visit from the nurse, a chat with an ADF gentleman to book a departure time and I’m issued a certificate stating I am Coronavirus free, several guides to good health and how to avoid Covid-19, and an orange wristband saying I can leave on Friday at 1615. Hurrah.

I wonder what the wristband is worth on the black market?

A final and reflective post for this trip will go up tomorrow, so today a review of the Amora Jamison hotel that has been home for 14 days.

The Good

• The basics run very well: hotel, medical, police and military personnel are polite, helpful and confident in a way that says ‘we are here for you, we expect you to follow the simple instructions’. 
• The rooms are a decent size and supplies are replenished mid-quarantine (and more often on request).
• Three meals arrive regularly every day and for a small fee quite decent barista coffee is available.
• Friends and delivery services can drop-off extras. Microwaves and exercise equipment seem to be popular choices - not sure why.
• The hotel’s quarantine Facebook group is very welcome, providing much needed humour and contact with other quarantinees.

The Frustrating

• Getting any maintenance done took a bit of pushing (not withstanding Covid-19 restrictions).
• The food has been very average and on some days lacks dietary balance. No desserts with lunch was a big disappointment (in our household desserts are mandatory).
• It was impossible to dry towels (insufficient air flow in the bathroom).
• The daily call from the nursing staff was a bit too perfunctory and overly focused on Covid-19 to the neglect of other ailments.
• No fresh air (definitely my and many people’s biggest gripe) compounded by no operable windows and a defective bathroom extract. 

The Conclusion

• A reasonable experience, certainly not the prison like conditions reported in some media. You have to go with the flow, accept what you cannot change and make the most of what you have. 
• Could do better with a little bit of attention to detail and a little more explanation of what can (and cannot) be provided on request to the hotel reception. 
• As with most things in life it’s the people that make the difference, those looking after us and fellow quarantinees all helped to make these 14 days a positive experience for me.