Many of the restrictions on movement and physical gatherings have been lifted in Lagos where i live. It seems the virus never existed as many where on about their business even with the restrictions put in place (covertly). Many still call it a scam. I really do not have an opinion about that anymore.
Asides the time i spend coding and learning, i have been spending less time on the digital space--twitter, hive, e.t.c There has been a lot of physical activities and engagement. In fact, one such pressuring events is my girlfriend's birthday. Although that has drained a lot of my resources and time recently i am glad to doing something much for her for the first time.
Many people were stuck in the digital space during this pandemic. A lot of people were confined to their houses, having to interact with friends and family via virtual means. The restriction on physical gathering was lifted a couple of weeks ago and i have also seen a spike in physical engagement. Most bars are packed. It seems everyone wants to party this period. Every weekend has been busy for me. I am either in bar or something, drinking with my friends and playing chess or scrabble.
We are social beings and don't do well in isolation. Yes, technology has made our lives easier, but it will never override physical engagements. Having to share a drink with a friend is more therapeutic than texting over the phone; having to physically hold your partner is more ideal than texting them over the phone.
I have seen how life has changed over the last decade due to the advent of technology and social media. While growing up i used to play street soccer. That's how i met most of my friends, asides the ones i met in school. These days it is quite different. Children don't play. They are confined to the four walls of their classroom or bedroom. Most times the only people they get to interact with are people they meet online and we have many socially awkward kids who don't know how to act in a social gathering.
Bringing this back home to hive, a lot of people have emphasized the importance of meetups and building physical communities. That has been one of my major objectives for the longest time. I believe this will strengthen a lot of relationships here. Having to meet the people you interact with on a daily basis on hive makes this whole experience more tangible. It is not just something floating in the digital space. The people and communities are made tangible through physical gatherings and it is my hope to host one of such meeting-ups next month.
I am currently looking for fellow hivians who stay in lagos and would love to hangout. This meetup was scheduled for September but given my engagement for next month it is looking quite dicey so i am rescheduling to the first week of October. So if you know any hivian who stays in Lagos Nigeria please share their handle in the comment section and if you are interested yourself please indicate in the comment section. This is majorly for those staying in Lagos, Nigeria.
Going to take a short nap. Had a lot to drink last night. Cheers.