A Journey Through Silence: Germany, December 2020
It is Thursday afternoon, December 9, 2020. The air is cold and thick with fog. I stand on the platform, waiting for the train, a sense of quiet anticipation settling over me. Finally, after a long hiatus, it’s possible to travel to Bogotá, Colombia, once again, even amidst the pandemic.
The situation is undeniably strange. I see remarkably few people. It’s rush hour in Germany, and I had braced myself for an overcrowded train. Yet, the Intercity is absolutely empty. I have an entire carriage to myself. An eerie silence accompanies me throughout the entire journey to the airport.
Frankfurt Airport: A Glimpse of the New Normal
I arrive at Frankfurt Airport. Normally, this place would be a hive of activity at this hour, but today, the airport is deserted. All the shops are shuttered, and for the first time, I truly feel the extreme effects of the pandemic measures. In the nearby hotel, I encounter the same stark image. Very few travelers are staying, walkways are meticulously marked, and many areas are cordoned off. I am even restricted to having breakfast alone in my room.
A sense of relief washes over me when I return to the airport on Friday morning. The atmosphere, however, remains oppressive. Shops and restaurants are still closed, and the ground staff appear noticeably tense and agitated.
Finding Relief in the Skies
Once on the plane, the situation finally begins to relax. I consider myself lucky. I find my seat next to a very entertaining Colombian woman, and immediately, I know this flight will be enjoyable. The mask is certainly a nuisance, but it’s a minor inconvenience I can tolerate. I am on my way again, heading back to Bogotá.
