These days, many of us would benefit from a good, therapeutic scream!  Fortunately, the country of Iceland has stepped up to the task.

Since travel remains limited throughout the globe, the website Looks Like You Need Iceland invites visitors to “let it out” virtually. Read through the tips for scream preparation, offered by Icelandic therapist Zoe Aston. Choose one of seven gorgeous Icelandic settings — which include a beach, a waterfall, and even a dormant volcano.  Press the yellow “Tap to Scream” button. (You’ll be told: “Please scream responsibly. The world is listening.”) If you give your browser permission to access your microphone, your scream will be recorded and played over a speaker in the actual location that you chose. And if it helps to know you are not alone, you can also listen to the screams of others around the world!

If the idea of visiting the location of your scream someday appeals to you, the website also offers information to help you plan an eventual trip, as well as the country’s current COVID-19 status and travel restrictions.

Written by Erin Fitzgerald, GMS, Content Manager

Have you or someone you know been separated from an elderly loved one during the pandemic?

Maybe your situation is as simple as not being able to visit a parent or grandparent because of their age or risk factors, or because you live in a hot spot and can’t risk traveling to them. Perhaps an international assignment has left you stranded abroad.

Residents of care facilities and their families have the added burden of being isolated. In an effort to stop virus transmission, visitors have not been allowed in-person contact in many places.

Finally, you may actually be responsible for an elder’s care, which can be complicated by concerns over personal visits, resorting to remote communication with the loved one and medical personnel, and the general angst and separation brought on by service shut-downs.

Here are some ways to address these:

Navigating a virtual world
Workers aren’t the only ones who have quickly adopted new technologies. Senior citizens of all skill levels have embraced Skype, Zoom, Facetime, and other apps and platforms that let them see and talk to family. In some cases, it’s brought far-flung family members together more often than was possible when everyone’s schedules were so full with conflicting commitments.

Due to increased screen time and Internet shopping, make sure your senior has all the latest security protections against malware and viruses. Encourage them to be cautious with any communication or offers coming from unfamiliar sources, and vigilant about sharing personal information.

Increased reliance on Internet shopping has led many people to expand their web presence. Be sure your senior uses strong passwords when setting up new accounts for online deliveries.

Staying on top of managed care
Families with loved ones in assisted care facilities may have been refused visits in the past few months. Tablets, smart phones, and laptops have become lifelines of connection and a good way to lay eyes on the elder person to gauge their health and well-being. Health care staff have ramped up these alternative methods of communications, often providing a device to residents for these virtual visits.

In some areas, outdoor, socially-distanced visits are now possible. Facilities that make these visits available typically require face masks and a distance of six feet maintained between people.

Medications, doctors’ visits, and therapies can be monitored from the outside via phone calls and emails between the family and staff. You might also tap into the routine professional meetings that may now take place remotely between care team members. Regularly calling in or participating on Zoom can keep the family up to date with changes in health and to help plan for future needs.

Planning for what’s next
Though things are opening up in many places, older people will likely be the last group to experience a return to pre-pandemic freedoms. While restrictions are still in place, it is a good time to ensure that things are in order. If estate planning is non-existent or documents outdated, now is a good time to address that. Discuss with your loved one what their wishes are for the next stages of care, and beyond.

No one knows how long it may take for our elderly population to be medically safe from viruses like COVID-19. But family members can be creative, flexible, and persistent in making sure elders are cared for and connected to those who love them.

Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group

Due to COVID-19, the Fifth Pillar of Islam will be limited to a very small group of followers this year.

The Hajj is a week-long pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar — beginning on July 28th, in this year’s Gregorian calendar. It is a journey that every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lives, if they are physically and financially able to do so. The Hajj is different from Umrah, a generally shorter pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is responsible for facilitating these two types of Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. This includes working with travel and hospitality industries, religious officials, and logistics coordinators, among others, to ensure safe, smooth, and adherent journeys. In recent years, technology has played an important role. For example, pilgrims are issued identifying water-resistant e-bracelets with their medical information and GPS access, that also alert them to prayer times. This is no small feat particularly during the week of Hajj, which typically has 2.5 million attendees.

The Hajj has been cancelled occasionally throughout history, but not since the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 1932. This year, the Ministry has declared this year’s Hajj pilgrimage will be limited to individuals under the age of 65 who are already in the country, do not have chronic health conditions, and test negative for COVID-19. In addition, participants will be further limited to a number that officials feel can be safely accommodated using social distancing methods. Currently estimates are that these limitations will result in approximately 1,000 Hajj pilgrims — a very dramatic decrease from the usual.

For more information about this year’s Hajj, as well as services and programs available to all pilgrims to Mecca, visit the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website.

Written by Erin Fitzgerald, GMS, Content Manager

Let Living Abroad’s International Relocation Center, Global Business Travel Center  and Culture Coach Online equip your assignees, families and global business travelers with the tools they need to navigate the unfamiliar with confidence.

The International Relocation Center contains a wealth of information about national, cultural and religious observances — many of which will also be greatly affected by COVID-19.

If you’d like to learn more about the depth of our content and resources, request a demo!

When those of us in Global Mobility talk about “talent,” we normally mean a person with skills, aptitude, and experience particularly suited to a job or project.

But during the pandemic, we’ve discovered new ways to appreciate a different kind of talent. With performing arts venues closed, musicians, dancers, actors, and comedians have made their way from their homes into ours, via the small screens on our computers or phones.

Video collaborations have been sources of both calm and soaring beauty, like the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony or the New York Philharmonic’s performance of Boléro as a tribute to healthcare workers. The lovely “Raining on the Border,” by the globally-mobile band The Troubadours, was composed as a project to instill relaxation in its musicians as well as listeners.

Professional musicians have popped up in the unlikeliest of places. American actor John Krasinski surprised a little girl — who’d been disappointed that her long-awaited Hamilton performance was cancelled – with the Broadway cast serenading her with the title number from their homes. See the SGN (Some Good News) link, at the 8:27 mark.

Now that things are opening up in some countries, residents may once again venture out to public performances. Outdoor venues will open first, especially those suited to groups that have space to spread out. Indoor venues have a bigger challenge to keep performers, staff, and patrons safe.

People in countries that are “open” now have a better chance of seeing some live performances. For example, Sweden’s stunning natural outdoor arena, Dalhalla, starts its summer of performances in July. Reykjavik Iceland’s Harpa concert hall is open for a range of music and other acts.  In Seoul, South Korea, there are shows and musicals happening at various venues around the city.

Of course, while these events are accessible to residents, there may still be border issues for travelers and regulations are subject to change. Check with the appropriate authorities before booking travel to any of these locations.

By the way, you will find these links in our Sweden, Iceland, and Korea reports, for your easy reference when the time is right for you to attend public gatherings again.

Meanwhile, those of us who are still in some degree of shut down are counting the small steps toward healthy freedoms with gratitude and hope.

Stay well!

Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group

In what feel like new and overwhelming times, it can be helpful to look at the familiar. Here are five articles from the Living Abroad blog that are as useful now as they were on their dates of publication, before the pandemic: What You Should Know: Emergency Readiness offers a checklist of things you can do now, whether you are at home or abroad, to smooth processes in many kinds of emergencies. With so much interaction occurring at long distances, cross-cultural communication skills are more important than ever. “Good morning, Mr. Morris.” “Hi, Julien.” looks at the challenges global communicators face, and the opportunities that cultural agility provides. Streaming media use is at an all-time high, and many new services are launching this year. Digital Content at Your Fingertips outlines important considerations before buying equipment and clicking the “subscribe” button. Those who are sheltering in place, or otherwise compelled to purchase goods online, may find some things to think about in Order Items Online around the World. While global mobility has become more complex and challenging than ever, Voting Whilst Abroad reminds us all that preparation for civic duty should be a part of everyone’s plans. Written by Erin Fitzgerald, GMS, Content Manager Let Living Abroad’s International Relocation Center, Global Business Travel Center  and Culture Coach Online equip your assignees, families and global business travelers with the tools they need to navigate the unfamiliar with confidence. If you’d like to learn more about the depth of our content and resources, request a demo!