Hello solitude, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. (adapting from Simon & Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence).

Social distancing doesn’t bother me as much as it should, being used to an occasional self-imposed isolation.

Since our daughter lives in another town, shopping for groceries is done by our very kind younger neighbours. It isn’t a law of the land but rather an earnest request for people to stay home, especially those over 65 who can be quite vulnerable.

Seeing our daughter was rather a painful experience, having to stand 3 m. away from her. No hugging, touching, let alone kissing.

With friends and neighbours we communicate via internet and other means. We talk with them through the open window or standing on the balcony as seen from the pictures.

Switzerland is a quiet and peaceful country at best but now the atmosphere is rather eerie - like a ghost town.

This very global crisis will pass eventually and we can only hope for better times. Until then, stay safe everyone.