Dear Inmates, Today is the 9th day of our countrywide ”lockdown”? I’m convinced that this worldwide catastrophe will be experienced in multiple ways by the world’s people. And I wonder how we’re all doing?
The front-page headline on the last edition of our weekly local newspaper said; Preparing for Lockdown! The article informed us of what measures will be in force during the lockdown period:- Beaches will be CLOSED – Caravan Parks CLOSED – Sports Centres CLOSED – Community Halls CLOSED – Tourism Offices CLOSED – Traffic Department for licensing CLOSED – Libraries CLOSED – Cemeteries OPEN!
How ironic that as the living withdraws from public places and goes into hiding for protection, the cemeteries remain open to receive their dead. A good friend of ours, Louis Wilsenach, sadly became the 3rd victim in SA to be snatched away from us by The Big Bad Wolf. The other sad is that only 4 solitary figures stood at his open grave to say their last goodbye and lay him to rest. Close family members who had contact with him are currently under quarantine. During the lockdown period, there are strict protocols on funeral procedures, so no fanfare farewell from family and friends.
In my younger years, I was involved in the SA Rag Trade. Career-wise it was the most fun years of my life. I was fortunate to find my forever company, Lonstein Fashion Group, within 2 years, after stepping into the fashion world with my Charles Jordan stilettos. While my peers were behind filing cabinets and typewriters, I was dressing up. Hair, make-up, fashion accessories, daywear, and cocktail dresses were my daily portion. In our showroom on our little catwalk, we paraded the latest trends from Paris and London. We modelled our clothing range for the upcoming season for fashion chain stores and boutique owners countrywide buyers. Due to the nature of the business, I was fortunate to meet and work with interesting people.
I laboured with 2 beautiful ladies, Patti and Marika, in the showroom department for many years. All three of us were mannequins. But our duties stretched far beyond just modelling clothing in the company. If we could write a book on the tales of staff members, buyers and other supply companies, the mysterious disappearance of stock garments from the despatch department (we had a phantom called Katie), the switchboard saga and the dangerous ”it’s a stick-up!” situation Marika once found herself in. I promise you it will be on the New York bestsellers list.
Marika sent me an update from her home town called Magyarkanizsa. Yes, it was a mouthful, same as Hermanuspietersfontein. Years ago, she relocated back to Europe after the company closed down. Magyarkanizsa is a Hungarian city in Serbia, 10km from the Hungarian border. At one stage, it was part of Hungary. Their lockdown period started way before ours, and this is her experience thus far:
”Hi girls, what a luxury to be at home! I kind of like this corona business. All the ”boere”(farmers) who usually sell their fresh produce every week at the market are now delivering to our homes. They are all on FB, so you pick up your phone and call them. Dairy products, fruit, vegetables, smoked meat sausages, and honey, you name it. Everything gets delivered to your doorstep. Lekker, isn’t it?
Now all I have to do is my early morning walking which, of cause is prohibited. We are not allowed to go out! But nobody sees me strolling next to my beloved river except for our local storks. We have a deal, they won’t tell on me, and the returning swallows in the blue sky also mind their own business. Now I am waiting for a delivery from the potato man (not the postman), and he is eye candy. Nice day to you girls.”
The undertone of most messages I’m receiving is anxiety and uncertainty of what the future will hold for us after lockdown. It’s totally understandable as we are in unprecedented circumstances. If you need encouragement, you can visit a Facebook page: hermanus4jesus
4/4/2020
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