In Another world

Yesterday, I arrived in Tokyo, serendipitously on the last flight permitted before the Japanese government halted all international arrivals. It feels almost fated that I'm here to embark on my master's in public health, especially during a global crisis as defining as the COVID-19 pandemic. My passion for public health has been a beacon throughout my studies and career, and it has never felt more relevant than now, in these trying times.

The transition hasn't been without its challenges. Last night, a blend of excitement and jet lag kept me awake, with mild headaches adding to my restlessness. As I adjust to the time difference, I find myself wide awake at what would be dinner time back in Bhutan, while it's already midnight here in Tokyo. The city feels different under the weight of the pandemic; the eerie sound of sirens outside and the unusually empty streets serve as stark reminders of our current reality.

Japan has intensified its measures against COVID-19, particularly with the emergence of new variants. My journey here, alongside a fellow teacher, was marked by stringent safety protocols on All Nippon Airline, including mandatory masks and face shields. Upon arrival, the airport's rigorous screening process and the compulsory 14-day quarantine underscored the severity of the situation.

Isolation has heightened my longing for home. The lack of activities during quarantine leaves me with ample time to reflect and miss my family even more. My daughter, Jetsun, is in the third grade, and we've found joy in exchanging love emojis and seeing how many she can capture on her tablet. The screenshots of her tally are a small but significant source of happiness. Dharma, still a baby, astonishes me with his rapid development, which I follow through videos sent by his mother. Witnessing their growth from afar, I'm reminded of how quickly children evolve, both physically and intellectually.

The uncertainty of when I'll return to Bhutan looms over me, but I am committed to completing my master's program. Japan's advanced development offers a stark contrast to Bhutan, and I'm eager to explore its many facets. Today marks my first day of quarantine, with 13 more to go before I can truly experience Tokyo. Despite the pandemic's restrictions, I remain hopeful that I can make the most of my time here and enrich my understanding of public health in a context that could hardly be more relevant.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

APEMS – Assistance for Privately Enrolled Medical Students

Image
Are you a freshly passed class XII Student? Or are you a teacher or parent to the fore mentioned category. If So, I would like to share you about What APEMS is, it's benefit, advantages of holding onto one, which place is better for you, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?, Does it discourage students from lower socio-economic background to take such a chances?.. Well you are going to see it!!  APEMS stands for Assistance for Privately Enrolled Medical Students. By it acronym , and its name it is defined somehow to be looking like just assistance by which in that matter you are actually paying for your own course. This is completely wrong idea. In proportion to other international scholarship awards; APEMS sanction actually is a very generous scholarship offered very diplomatically, or rather I would say only those students who are well aware of it are delighted to take the chances. Those coming from poorer background are discouraged definitely just by the acronym and its name. I w
Read more

Why I think the NC's decision to tobacco act is Right

The recent furor over the tobacco amendment bill, endorsed by the National Council, ignited a flurry of discussions across online forums in the country. Opinions varied widely, from staunch support for the legislation to vehement opposition, with a significant number of citizens observing the debate with a nuanced eye, pondering the broader implications of such a law. With eighteen votes in favor, the bill was set to be discussed in the National Assembly's summer session. For many smokers, this development was met with jubilation, yet it also sparked a lively discourse among the online community, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives to consider. Reflecting on the tobacco ban's impact in Bhutan reveals a complex picture. At both the individual and national levels, the ban's enforcement highlighted stark disparities within our society. Instances where ordinary citizens faced severe penalties for minor infractions contrasted sharply with the apparent impunity enjoyed by th
Read more

Iwai English Camp

Just two days after completing my quarantine in Tokyo, I received an invitation from the Kita City Office to facilitate at a Junior High School English camp. The opportunity came at a perfect time; having recently navigated the essentials of settling in, such as residence registration, health insurance, and setting up a bank account, I found myself eagerly awaiting the next steps in my journey. So, I accepted the invitation without hesitation. I reside on the 11th floor of the Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC) in Odaiba, a bustling area known for its vibrancy. Each morning, as I open my curtains and settle in front of my laptop, the sight of the Yurikamome line weaving through the city evokes a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of moments back in Bhutan. Japan's development is evident in its skyline, a testament to its architectural and urban achievements. Yet, participating in the Iwai English camp offered me insights beyond the concrete landscape, into the cultural and socia
Read more