QUARANTINE in the modern era has taken a different meaning.
The STAY HOME NOTICE (SHN), a mandatory isolated stay of 14 days is required to be served at a government allotted facility with a hefty price. This was something I wanted to escape. Yet, due to an interesting trip outside Singapore, upon my return I had to serve SHN.

Travelers who had been through SHN, their stories weren’t entirely comforting. All we knew was, the government quarantined folks entering the country in 3-5 star hotels.

Nonetheless, I had my own experience with Ms.S. and Mr. I.
So here goes my story….

The Return.

We flew in from Abu Dhabi, UAE. The flight had a total of 8 passengers of which three were us. A 7 hours and 30 mins flight was a good ride. As usual, I can truly stand by the fact that these kids are amazing travelers (touching all the wood around me). and the Cabin Crew was fantastic as well.

The Landing.

We landed in Singapore at 12:35pm, 24th Sept. 2021. The empty airport felt like a scene right out of an apocalyptic movie. At a distance, a group of blue clad ground crew were awaiting our arrival. With swift directions we were taken for immigration, there were no helping hands at the airport. So, the baggage had to be pulled off the belt, the children had to be told to stay still. Both tasks were pretty exhausting.
Onward, our arrival PCR tests, it was quick for Mr.I. and myself, but a fight for Ms.S., always. Its traumatizing, and it really does make me feel guilty. Today, travel comes with a price, bills yes, but a painful memory as well. We were then handed our passports and guided towards a shiny car. Upon a little probing I was informed of my secret SHN quarters. The JW Marriott.

SHN Day #1

We arrived at 2:30pm. Upon reaching the hotel we were quickly informed of the rules, finances and of course assured of any assistance required. “Room 508 ma’am.” Said the lady at the front desk. The luggage was safely delivered into the room. Beyond that, no human soul, except us, would step into the room for the rest of our stay (Not housekeeping either). All items to be given and taken would have to be kept on the chair, permanently stationed outside the room door. I was happy with what we were given. The sound proof windows were the best part. It allowed all the light and bright transport filled roads to soothe the eye, without a single decibel reaching the ear. Our biological clocks were messed up, we got tired and slept by 7:30pm, only to wake up at 11pm and stare into space. We played and made merry until 2am. Goodnight.

SHN Day #2

Our eyes opened at 8am. It was a rainy Saturday morning. Ms.S. had to attend online madrasa classes, so to keep our voices down was the mission that morning. It was also Big Human Papa’s Birthday, so we sent a small surprise chocolate treat to PAPA dearest and got a treat ourselves from a close friend. Arabic desserts with a modern twist. It was a slow day, getting comfortable and playing with the mechanized curtains and blinds, testing the dozen light buttons around the room, testing the fluffiness of the beds. Mostly playing lava and land.

SHN Day #3

A rainy Sunday morning again. Large raindrops hitting the clear glass windows. The wet roads transported me to the dewy smell that surrounds one, when rain drops hit the earth. The children did not feel or understand. Ms.S. was a bit under the weather, so we painted, sitting by the large windows. We spoke of colors. Calm conversations in a cool room. In a jiffy the beds were a mess, well, jumping needs no invitation. Also, all of us took self supervised ART tests. Oh! the inconvenience.

SHN Day #4

The day started off with a slightly cranky Mr.I. His morning had an addition of a runny nose and lots of uneasiness. I always turn to Lego when we are down. The endless possibilities of creating keep us busy. There was HBL (Home based Learning) for Ms.S. after which we played, did school work, watched movies, wasted time….. Our games were quite innovative. We would take turns get to hide 2 pieces of clothes, and then we had to find them. The places were legendary!

SHN Day #5

This was day two of little human 2 being unwell. We continued playing with Lego and drinking loads of warm water, ate tons of fruits and he had a good rest. And for just short while I got a break. I sipped on chai in silence and peace.

SHN Day #6

The day started of on a great note. We were all fresh and fun. Homework was sorted and the kids were at their cutest best. We did a pool day, threw in loads of lego and random hotel room items to play with. The big bath tub was like my rewarding system for the little devils. While Mr.I. was a tad bit afraid, Ms.S. went all in.
splish! splash! splosh!
While they were having fun with water, I made the best bed ever. The hotel should award a self taught housekeeper! I also intend to put this housekeeping experience in my resume. its a freaking life skill!

SHN Day #7

Well, it was the day the flu knocked my airway. I woke up with a sore throat, heavy feeling in my chest and a headache. I needed more sleep. Unfortunately, my positivity bar was getting lower. We were required to do a 7th day ART test (a self supervised CoVid test). Quite stressful for the kids. That day, for some reason the kids were calm. I wasn’t nagging the kids or asking them to behave. I just let them be. They got plenty of tub time and screen time. I got chai time. The window and the rain was our savior anyway.

SHN Day #8

Frankly, nothing was bothering us as much as the food wastage. We had asked the hotel staff to decrease our meal portions time and again. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of guests at the hotel, we always ended up with extra food. which sadly went to the bin. We packed the untouched food in a bag and wrote a note, to give it to someone else who might need it. But I understand, Covid, is scary. We painted a little something for the staff and put it outside our door. We were extremely thankful for their hospitality.