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I Compared My Quarantine Routine In Seoul To My Sister’s In New York City

A lot can change in a few months.

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As you all know, most people around the world have had to quarantine this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. But quarantine routines can look a little...different depending on your situation.

For example, I used to live with my sister in New York City. But this past March, I ended up leaving New York at the last minute to be with my parents in Seoul, South Korea.

"STAY STRONG NYC" written in chalk on a sidewalk

I thought it would be fun to compare how different our routines have become as a result of quarantine!

1. Waking up in the morning:

my sister waking up tired and me waking up happy

2. Getting ready for the day:

my sister opening her closet and me walking my dog with a mask on with signs about the coronavirus and masks everywhere

3. Breakfast time:

my sister drinking coffee at her computer while I eat a muffin at a cafe with my dog and a mask on

4. Lunchtime:

my sister looking in the fridge while I stand outside a restaurant wondering "what will my temperature be today"

5. The afternoon slump:

my sister working at her computer with coffee while i grocery shop with a mask on

6. Dinnertime:

my sister ordering delivery while I fill out forms on my temperature and information and wonder if my temperature has changed since lunch

7. Working out:

my sister in our apartment with a yoga mat and me in a gym with treadmills getting my temperature checked

8. Going to sleep:

my sister going to bed tired while I go to bed happy

In conclusion: It’s weird to see how our daily routines, which were once so similar, are now completely different from each other's (and from our old routines).

I feel like quarantine has allowed me to take a break and reflect on how I’ve been living my life. My initial one month stay in Seoul has extended to the entire summer, and I am so grateful to have space for me to take time for myself (even though I am constantly getting my temperature checked, wearing a mask everywhere, and writing down my personal information in different public spaces). Meanwhile, my sister hasn’t really left the apartment besides going to the grocery store and going on the occasional neighborhood walk.