01 APRIL 2020 | ISSUE 446 | FREE
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The O’Brien family left Nagambie for a holiday of a lifetime to Bali, the night after they attended the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the MCG with an 86000 strong crowd. They were aware of the Covid19 situation but along with many others didn’t expect the pandemic to escalate as quickly. “Jo and the kids went to the Women’s T20 World Cup the night before we left and at that stage they let 86000 people sit together, so although Covid19 was ramping up, along with many people we didn’t understand the immediate threat,” said Mr. Jason O’Brien. When in Bali the O’Brien’s stayed at Febris in Kuta, “we have stayed there a few times. We holiday every second year with another family from Avenel so there are 4 adults and 8 kids,” said Jason. “The weather was humid and hot and great for swimming. We went to Waterbom Bali, a water theme park, rode 4 x 4 motorbikes and overall had a fantastic time. Waterbom Bali was closed the second week we were there due to Covid19 and the lack of attendance,” said Mrs. Joanne O’Brien. The O’Brien’s first heard of the changes to international travel restrictions via Facebook and from the airlines.
“I think most people we spoke to felt a little bit lost and confused with no government notification. The airline and Facebook posts alerted us to what was about to happen. We tried to go home early but the cost and ability to get 12 people on a plane was almost impossible,” said Joanne. “Our initial thought was to try and get home but with all that was happening it was out of our control so we relaxed and enjoyed a bit of time around the pool,” added Joanne. Finally, the O’Brien’s were back on the plane heading to Australia. “I think the wives were relieved to get on the plane, I have never seen Bali or the airport as quiet as what it was, it was surreal,” said Jason. Back in Nagambie and in isolation, life is good for the O’Brien’s. “Isolation with 2 adults and 5 kids is fun and I think everyone should enjoy the time together. I’m sure that people have been putting things off around the home for years so it’s probably an opportunity to get them done,” said Jason. “The school has sent work home for the kids which is good, although the boys were not impressed,” laughed Joanne. Jason has been working from home and the families 14 days of isolation will finish on Saturday, “Jo and I will be able to work which is a relief and we will put some normality back into our lives. We’ve enjoyed this time together as a family and backyard cricket has never been as good!” finished Jason.