Our original travel plans were to go to Hong Kong for four nights at the end of our South East Asia trip. The return flight I booked was Hong Kong -3 hour layover in Taipei - Chicago. With the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, before we ended our Vietnam trip we decided we would eliminate Hong Kong and spend that time in Taipei. This had been our plan if the Hong King protests got out of hand, but Conspiracy Theorists would say that the coronavirus virtually wiped out that issue. So, for $500 in change fees and pricing differences EVA Airlines agreed to change our return ticket to originate in Taipei and terminate in Chicago, no Hong Kong leg. Same seats on the plane. Oy!
Our four days became three days when our Sunday flight from Jakarta to Taipei was canceled and we were moved to Monday. Lucky for us the Jakarta condo we are staying was available for the extra night.
Our taxi driver arrives a little early for our ride to the airport - great! We wear masks as we enter the departures area and are aware that our body temperatures are being monitored. We must not be running a fever, as we’re allowed through. The Jakarta airport is very quiet and the airport lounge is nice. Because of the flight cancellation for the previous day EVA is using a larger plane which has a 2-4-2 configuration and William and I settle into one of the 2’s. It’s a good flight which arrives a little early.
Again, temperature scanners are monitoring everyone who enters the country. We’re asked to fill out extra paperwork regarding our travel history and must attest to our health. We’re also given a paper explaining the symptoms of SARS, MERS and COVID-19 and what do do if we develop the symptoms. By the time we’re through immigration our masks are back in our backpacks. The CDC doesn’t advise using them unless you have symptoms or are caring for someone with the virus, but 95% of the people here are wearing them. The question is...is this their cultural norm, or is this due to the virus? Probably a little of both. When we arrive at the taxi stand they hand us masks before allowing us to get into the car.
When we arrive at the Roaders Hotel they must take our temperature before allowing us to check in. The desk clerk sanitizes an in-the-ear thermometer with alcohol then takes the temperature. Thank goodness they don’t have to use a rectal thermometer (as our brother-in-law likes to tease “the way momma used to take temperatures”). Of course we also have to provide our travel history and attest to our health.
Our four days became three days when our Sunday flight from Jakarta to Taipei was canceled and we were moved to Monday. Lucky for us the Jakarta condo we are staying was available for the extra night.
Our taxi driver arrives a little early for our ride to the airport - great! We wear masks as we enter the departures area and are aware that our body temperatures are being monitored. We must not be running a fever, as we’re allowed through. The Jakarta airport is very quiet and the airport lounge is nice. Because of the flight cancellation for the previous day EVA is using a larger plane which has a 2-4-2 configuration and William and I settle into one of the 2’s. It’s a good flight which arrives a little early.
Again, temperature scanners are monitoring everyone who enters the country. We’re asked to fill out extra paperwork regarding our travel history and must attest to our health. We’re also given a paper explaining the symptoms of SARS, MERS and COVID-19 and what do do if we develop the symptoms. By the time we’re through immigration our masks are back in our backpacks. The CDC doesn’t advise using them unless you have symptoms or are caring for someone with the virus, but 95% of the people here are wearing them. The question is...is this their cultural norm, or is this due to the virus? Probably a little of both. When we arrive at the taxi stand they hand us masks before allowing us to get into the car.
When we arrive at the Roaders Hotel they must take our temperature before allowing us to check in. The desk clerk sanitizes an in-the-ear thermometer with alcohol then takes the temperature. Thank goodness they don’t have to use a rectal thermometer (as our brother-in-law likes to tease “the way momma used to take temperatures”). Of course we also have to provide our travel history and attest to our health.
The hotel has the vibe of trying to attract people in their 20’s and 30’s. In the lobby there are couches, tables, complementary electronic bar games and a projector TV. There are bicycles and umbrellas which can be borrowed. Our room is simply decorated and oddly shaped with a curved wall - it will be fun for 3 nights.
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