I went to pilates this morning and was somewhat surprised to see that the market was on as I had thought that markets were being closed down for the duration. That being said, I understand that markets in Haute Savoie will, indeed, be stopped as from Monday. Those poor people - can you imagine being prevented from making a living "until further notice"! There were far fewer people at the market than usual but at least it was on today. After that I went grocery shopping and I have to say I didn't really notice any shortages. Plenty of tp, maybe slightly less well-stocked shelves of rice, pasta and couscous, but not really anything that noticeable!
On a whim I looked up the exchange rate and sure enough the Swiss franc is starting to soar as in times of crisis other currencies traditionally take refuge in the Swiss franc. It's now at it's highest level against the euro in decades (SF 1.05/€1 right now) and US$1 will now only get you 0.94 Swiss francs. To give you an idea, when we got married my ex was paid in US$ and at the time it would have bought him SF 2.50!!! Even if you never leave your home country such roller-coaster rides in currencies makes a helluva difference. For me, for instance, since my pension is paid in Swiss francs, I will make more money when I change it into euros. But it makes Swiss exports and tourism more expensive, and imports into Switzerland cheaper. The downside of the strong Swiss franc is that interest rates on savings in Swiss francs are negative (and have been for quite some time). So you're actually paying the bank to keep your Swissies safe!! What a mess this whole situation is, but ultimately I'm sure this lockdown is probably the right thing to do. I'm just glad I don't have any travel plans!
That being said, yet again I can only say how relieved I am that I no longer have to worry about work and day care. Others, sadly, are not so lucky. So with that in mind I am going to use this "free" time to try to get in more exercise/walking, as well as more sorting, decluttering and sewing as the weather is supposed to pick up (hopefully). At this point I'm not even sure if our yoga classes/sewing club will be allowed to meet as from Monday. What can I say! Hang in there everyone and stay safe!
Its all getting very end of the world as we know it now isn't it. My son's girlfriend has just found out her boss has the virus and most unusually she's been in the office with him this week. She's away from home and is now terrified she's got it and of course she's now wondering how she'll get home. My son is on a training course and we've advised him to stay with us this weekend until we know whats what. This monster is getting bigger by the minute and all our government have said is 'be careful and wash your hands'! I've been told we are not even screening people coming off planes from Italy far less anywhere else!! It's an ongoing nightmare. Stay safe. x
ReplyDeleteWhen you are caught away from home the big worry is where to stay while you're blocked isn't it. I mean, if your son can stay with you that's great, but if you end up staying in a hotel they're gonna want to be paid too aren't they! And this business of not screening people getting off planes is madness! It really is scary stuff!
DeleteI'm on complete overload tonight with all of it.
DeleteI wish I lived in a country as sensible and sane as the one you live in though.
France isn't always sane and sensible but I do think this is the right thing to do. And I think everyone is in complete overload to be honest but we're at the point (here at least) that we need it drummed into us that it ain't safe!
DeleteThis shutting down of everything hurts the most vulnerable of us all.
ReplyDeleteCarlos and I discussed that I might not be working as much, or at all,if this spread continues, and we realize that we can last months before worrying; others aren't so lucky.
I think that's what scares me too Bob. Just how fragile some people are economically. Hell that might have been us when we were married despite having darn good incomes. Single, I can manage no worries (you may need to read between the lines there). It's just another added stress for so many isn't it, but I'm glad you guys will be ok. Hope you enjoyed those "papers"!
DeleteIt is good to hear from someone not on the news how it really is. Keep up the info. thanks.
ReplyDeleteI guess the shutting down of the borders might be the next thing. The first thing that came to mind on that was "what about petrol"? And while we are going in to spring and France has the ability to grow an awful lot of its food (if not all?) they do import a tremendous amount, from Spain and Italy in particular. Makes you wonder how long any country can last in complete shut-down doesn't it. We're all so inter-dependent!
DeleteThere are rumors flying around over here as well, about companies being shut down for 2 weeks... which doesn't make sense. I guess that's why people are hoarding the toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteGee, I think I lost a day somewhere...
I think many companies are encouraging staff to work from home, but that's not always possible is it. Certainly round here it's not too bad at the moment. Fewer people out and about maybe but certainly not lockdown thank goodness. But I would guess by week 3 of lockdown things would start to bite wouldn't they.
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