After months of stay-at-home orders and sheltering in one place we really needed a short trip, but during a pandemic that’s not as simple as it sounds. We needed to consider the risks posed by the pandemic and, as the infection is associated with duration of exposure and density, we wanted to visit a place that allowed us to follow the social distancing rules.

Few weeks ago we hopped in the car and went to skip through a Lavender field, not only because that way we can stay alert and safe, but mostly because in mid-late June and early July the lavender can be witnessed at full bloom. Even though it was a daytrip I have never enjoyed going out as much as I do now, after being unable to leave home except for essential needs. To be honest, if there is anything that I’ve learned during this whole world crisis is that I should be more grateful for what I have and not take anything for granted.

People flock from all parts of the country to visit and take photographs in the Lavender Field named Tărâmul Lavandei (which translates to The Land of Lavender) in Mădăraș, Mureș County. As we were skipping through the lavender field bees were buzzing around us and butterflies were happily flapping their wings. Bees are naturally attracted to me and I have been stung by 4 or 5 of them, but luckily I am not allergic to bee stings so we could continue our walk.

The warm sunshine lighted up the clear blue sky above and the blooming lavender filled the air with its fragrance fulfilling my sole desire. Scent is a powerful thing, all of us have specific fragrances that instantly remind us of certain moments. This one reminded me of a particularly difficult time when I found comfort and felt cosiness drinking lavender tea and, as the scent transported me back there, I felt a tingling sensation in my chest. Thus, for the first time in months, I felt a tiny bit of normality coming back to me.