Day 10- New Jersey

July 1, 2020

I slept in a Hampton Inn last night and it was absolutely glorious. Not just because it was an actual bed with air-conditioning and a bathroom all to myself but it was only 12,000 Marriott Bonvoy points which is like so super cheap. A serious win on all fronts.

Like everybody in the travel industry, we wonder how is travel going to change not only during COVID-19 but also after? and I think hotel cleanliness is number one on everyone’s mind.

I asked the woman behind the desk while checking in when the last time my room was occupied? She said three days because obviously they’re trying to keep these rooms as empty as possible for longer periods to protect against any possible virus contamination. They also use a different type of industrial cleaner, I don’t know exactly what that means, but it’s different from what they were using pre-Covid.

Regardless of their cleanliness, when I got into that room I Lysoled the shit out of everything. Every countertop, the bedspread, the floor, especially the bathroom, the toilet, shower and the walls, all the handles, the remote, and the light switches… basically every inch was completely moist from my Lysol. Just to be safe.

I am being so careful. I don’t eat fast food. I don’t go to restaurants. I make everything myself. I don’t interact with people. I drive to a lighthouse. Park. Walk to the light. Snap photos. Get back into my car and leave. There is no lounging on the beach. There is no socializing. Nothing. I see a human and I see a giant image of the corona virus in place of their head.

I actually slept in until 7:30 am! Wow. And to think that just 2 weeks ago I wasn’t waking up until noon everyday after watching Netflix until 3am. I am SO glad to be out of that strange rut.

I made my way to the southern point of New Jersey and came to my very first lighthouse of the day The East Point Lighthouse which was also on a nature preserve. There were little turtles all over the road and it was nearly impossible to drive. Several times had to get out of the car and move them to the side so they wouldn’t get hurt.