An Encounter in Times of Corona
A surreal storybook depicting an excerpt of our contemporary pandemic times
Last month I finished a book with photographs and accompanying text telling of my encounter with a 92-year-old woman on her way to receive the Corona vaccine. Lo-fi photography of Berlin’s Messe Nord Station and convention center grounds where the vaccination center is located, set the scenery for two strangers meeting and sharing a moment….
Here is an excerpt of the book. Hope you enjoy! Scroll down for a complete flip-through video of the book :)
On my way to receive the second vaccination, I sat on the train daydreaming about random snippets of things to do, appointments coming up and unfinished projects. My mind was scattered and jumping from thought to thought, slightly worried about the potential drowsiness/light-headedness and fatigue coming my way shortly. With music blaring in my headphones and the internal monologue in full flow, I almost didn’t notice a petite elderly lady approaching me wanting to ask where the vaccination center was.
We walked along together while she allowed me a glimpse into her long adventurous life. On a visit to Rio she had to vaccinate herself and recalled standing in a public restroom injecting herself with a syringe. Her stories were highlighted by matter-of-fact words of wisdom. She didn’t have much time left and didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities for traveling and experiencing the world while she was still able to do so.
She loved Italy and reminisced about a beautiful trip to an island with her youngest daughter who had just turned 18 at the time. We shared a moment appreciating the importance of adventure and experiences which turn into the most cherished memories.
As we approached the expansive building in which the vaccination center was temporarily housed, she told me about having attended balls there many years ago and I imagined her dressed to the nines, enjoying an evening out dancing in glamorous halls. At the entrance, we wished each other well and parted ways...
- Publisher : Talissa Mehringer (September 2, 2021)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 32 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978–3967570113
- Dimensions : 11 x 8.5 inches
- AVAILABLE HERE
