Thursday, May 19, 2022

First PCR Test

Had my first PCR test yesterday and I was quite annoyed about it because I should not have taken it. I'm going home tomorrow and I've actually been hoping that Indonesia will remove its pre-departure PCR test requirement. I waited and waited but as my departure date approaches, I have no choice but to schedule one. Then the president announced some COVID relaxation Tuesday night, but his announcement was short and it wasn't clear if pre-departure PCR test was removed. I tried googling all over and it seemed it was a yes but then I think people were waiting for official later or something like that. For a president who wants things to run as efficiently as possible, I don't think this whole announcement and release of new rule is that well-coordinated. The new rule should be signed, stamped, and come into effect as he announced it or at least by midnight. Instead it seems on Wednesday when the new rule started to take place, people were still waiting for the official notice. So my PCR test was scheduled for 11:15 AM and as I made my way to the clinic, I kept on refreshing the Indonesian embassy website for updates, but it was still the same old rule. I was so torn more because I find the test to be expensive even though the place I went to was the cheapest one I found at SGD 98 - a price that shocked my mom because it's cheaper in Indonesia. Anyways I was there and I did the test, my first one and though the doctor said there's no pain, I had to tell him there was pain and I had tears. The swab was up my nose and it definitely went much deeper than what I did when I had to do regular self-test. I wonder what's the process like for PCR in different countries and how much they cost. Mom said in Indonesia it's normally both nose and mouth swab. When she was in Turkey, it was just mouth swab. So anyways back to my annoyance with this whole PCR thing, when I went back to check the Indonesian embassy website in the afternoon, the page was updated and it is shown that pre-departure test is no longer needed, ARRRGH!!! That's precious SGD 98 gone :( The only good news is I don't have COVID. Yay! I'm still clean.

So tomorrow is home. People other than me seem to be more excited about it than me. It's just, starting this week off from the long weekend, I just suddenly kinda feel down, the usual unexplainable unexpected restlessness and so instead of being excited and looking forward to it, anxiety is growing in me. Maybe I'll feel better once I land and meet mom and get to eat. Gosh, I just realize I forgot to ask for chicken soup, my favorite comfort food. Maybe she'll get me nasi uduk tomorrow? That nasi uduk has been the topic of many conversation because one of my cousin loves it. After 2 years, this trip of taking a plane and going through whatever COVID procedure there is, it just feels like a test I need to conquer, like if I do this alright then we can climb other mountains. I know I'm making it a bigger deal than it should be, but it's just me and my weird brain. Alrighty, be good people and as always, may your days be glorious.

:) eKa @ 11:17:00 PM •