Teacher Tayler Swan first moved to Bordeaux in 2015 for her year abroad as she studied French and Spanish at the University of Glasgow.
The 23-year-old graduated three years later and decided to move straight back as she had friends and a base in a city she adored. She took up a post at the Université de Bordeaux Montaigne teaching English – a job she “absolutely adores”.
When the coronavirus reached Europe, the very first known case was actually recorded in Bordeaux back in January. The closure of all educational institutions – Tayler’s work included – was announced on March 12, followed by all bars and restaurants two days later. Full confinement was announced by French president Emmanuel Macron on March 16, to come into effect the following day at noon.
Tayler said: “At that time, to be honest, going home was not something that I considered at all. I do miss and love my family very much. I feel at home here with close friends, but mainly due to the fact that cases were rapidly rising here and there was a significantly higher risk of me bringing the virus to the UK and to my family, especially considering I work at a university.”
The former St Joseph’s College student outlined her daily life since the coronavirus outbreak, where if she wants to leave her home she is required to fill out an ‘attestation’. “It’s a form with your name, date of birth and address as well as your reason for going out,” Tayler explained. “You must also include the date and the time. This must be carried alongside a form of ID and together they are checked by the police whose presence has increased dramatically. This has been quite worrying especially considering the actions of the French police during the Gilets Jaunes protests and the consequent distrust and fear. Failure to present these documents results in a minimum fine of 135€ which increases quickly if not paid.”
Equally, residents are forbidden from going further than a kilometre from home. However, Tayler hasn’t noticed any shortages in supermarkets apart from the initial pasta drought, and is now working remotely, marking papers and exams from home. She added: “When I’m not working, I’m forcing my flatmates to do ridiculous activities, such as joining me in a tent I set up in the living room as a retreat.
“People have been getting really quite patriotic about France being the best country to be confined in, so I can’t complain. Although right now I would sacrifice all the 3€ red wine in the world for a walk with my dog in the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway.”
