What a weird year 2020 has been so far - and it’s only the beginning of April! Personally, I made the big decision to move to Sydney for the year, but obviously, I’m not the only one in a brand-new situation; thanks to Covid-19, we’re all going through an adjustment period, and a very steep learning curve, whether at home, or on the other side of the world.

Thanks to a dear friend I met in Morocco, I am now currently experiencing lockdown from Australia’s Blue Mountains (there’s a reason I wax lyrical about joining travel tours when travelling solo!) I am a city girl at heart and while I love my place in central Sydney, there’s a lot more open space here, whether you stay at home, or go for the once-daily sanctioned walks (while practising social distancing, of course). There are many towns within the Blue Mountains National Park - so-called due to the vapour that’s given off by the gum trees - but wherever you’re based, there is plenty space to roam while adhering to government advice. I can’t stress how much time ‘in the green’ has changed my mindset in a short time during this lockdown; I know I am lucky to have this option, and I am so incredibly grateful. I urge people to seek out fresh air too, where possible, safe for themselves and others, and within your country’s restrictions.

There are a few things keeping me busy during the lockdown, and while some are specific to this period of time, or the area I’m staying in, others are also relevant if you choose to visit the Blue Mountains after this pandemic is over.

Take in (some of) the local sights

I’ve been to the Blue Mountains once before, visiting the waterfalls and the famed Three Sisters, which of course isn’t appropriate during the current climate. However, within walking distance, we have two parks, both abundant in space and the Mountain’s characteristic tree-laden paths. Similarly, a noted cemetery lies pretty close by too, and while seemingly a little morbid, is actually pretty fascinating for a walk, much like The Cimitero Monumentale in Milan.

Go on a bear hunt

I won’t lie, when my friend’s mum waved the two of us off on a walk with a “look out for the bears”, I almost $@#t myself! Much like the drop bear fable, there was nothing to worry about: during the lockdown, people in the local area are placing teddy bears and other stuffed toys at the window for children, and children at heart, to spot on their daily walks. What I did have to watch out for is the cars - there are no curbs or pavements here!

Go on a bushwalk

The National Park is beautiful and, as long as you have Google Maps or a local with you (from your household right now obvs), you (probably) won’t get lost. Spend a few hours really socially distancing from the world, walking through the bush, stopping to admire the trees below - wear good shoes though, as the hospitals currently have bigger fish to fry than a broken ankle! Sitting down on your walks isn’t allowed at the moment, but lookouts are a great spot to sit and reflect once this is all over.

Birdwatch

Two close friends of mine are avid bird watchers, and I never really understood the appeal until now. There really is something magical about listening to bird calls as you wake up, relax or WFH. There is a plethora of wild birdlife here, including cockatoos (pretty, but boy, are their squawks loud), rainbow lorikeets and crimson rosellas.

Recognise the silver lining

Whether you’re in London, Sydney or the Blue Mountains, this is one you can do from anywhere: recognise the positives, no matter how hard this whole situation gets. Most of us have a home and our health, and apart from those essential and front-line workers, our duty is just to stay home. Yes, many of us are facing issues with job security, but we can seek comfort and advice from those in the same situation. Use this time to keep smiling at the little things, from the buzz of a home workout to the buzz of homemade cocktails. I’m also currently buzzed off being able to still watch EastEnders, thanks to BBC UKTV…

And once lockdown is over…

There’s a whole world out there! I was lucky enough to return to the Mountains a few months after writing this piece, and indulged in all the bits I missed during Autumn; find out more here.

Stay safe and follow government advice. Keep up-to-date here (UK) and here (Australia).