The First Thing I Learned in Isolation Was…

Readers’ experiences around the world.

… that what seemed the most important (work) can actually wait. ELENA LOPEZ, MEXICO

… fear MARTHA LAMOTA, ECUADOR

… that I should have bought that exercise machine when I had the chance. ED BAUTISTA, PERU

… to make my own mayonnaise. VINCENT DEBERQUE, FRANCE

… that during lockdown the planet is recovering from us. SONIA MARÍA, COSTA RICA

… that there is no enemy too small. JORGE ALBERTO GARZON NARVAEZ, COLOMBIA

… that who we are depends on others. FÁTIMA CORDEIRO, PORTUGAL

… that Paraguayans, despite our love of drama, can keep our sense of humour. MARIELA PANIAGUA, PARAGUAY

… how pleasant an old-fashioned game of cards can be. GERT VAN WESEMAEL, BELGIUM

… that my hair grows faster than I thought. MAKS, SLOVENIA

… to train my positive thoughts and to get them to gain muscle. PAOLA DI MARCO, SPAIN

… I shouldn’t have worked that hard all my life. AH MAR, MYANMAR

… that the neighbours are noisy! DENISE MEURANT, AUSTRALIA

… that it´s silly to hoard toilet paper. RITVA LÖNNQVIST, FINLAND

… that there are many people willing to help me. JANS WESTLAND, THE NETHERLANDS

that no one can serve you better than yourself. DEEPA SEHGAI, INDIA

… that you can eat garlic with a much clearer conscience. MICHAEL, GERMAN…

… that the cat thinks I’m a chair. JANE TOBIN, NEW ZEALAND