Marc Checkley hosting one of his virtual wine series. Photo / Supplied
Marc Checkley hosting one of his virtual wine series. Photo / Supplied
What do you do when lockdown gives you lemons? Make lemonade. Or, in Switzerland-based Kiwi expat Marc Checkley's case, you make a career jump into the world of wine.
What do you love most about living in Lutry, Switzerland?
Without a doubt, living in a city that straddles Lake Geneva (known locally as Lac Léman) has been one of life's gifts – more so during the pandemic lockdown. It is Western Europe's largest lake and is an amazing sight to behold any time of the year.
Lake Geneva, the largest body of water in Switzerland. Photo / Supplied
We were fortunate to not fully "lock down" like our neighbours in France, Germany and Italy. We were advised not to travel unnecessarily but were able to do and go where we wanted. We did have "social bubbles" of up to four people and all public events and team sports were put on hold.
As my hubby is a teacher, it did make for an interesting work experience together last year when the schools were closed for 10 weeks. He'd be teaching through online video at one end of the apartment, while I was (trying to) write and do my other work, at the other.
Currently, masks are mandatory on all public transport and supermarkets/retailers, and small shops are limited to just 2-3 people at a time.
In September the "green pass" was put in place, which means only people who are double vaccinated or tested negative in the past 24 hours, can dine at restaurants, go to the cinema, gym etc.
This has been a great initiator for more to get vaccinated – our state of Vaud thankfully has one of the highest rates of fully vaccinated people – but still means some businesses have to turn some customers away.
What remains the same is the outdoor life and activities of Swiss residents. It's similar to New Zealand in this way, just with more mountains to ascend.
Views while hiking around Matterhorn in Zermatt. Photo / Supplied
How has your work changed with the pandemic?
It has been an interesting and eclectic 18 months of highs and lows. Just before the pandemic took its grip across the world I was a journalist and producer, busy with a few large media and consulting projects. But by March 2020, reality struck and most of my gigs were dropped or put on hold.
However, this gave me an opportunity to focus on my side passion; wine. So I started a weekly Facebook live series called Drink With Me to also entertain and educate people about wine.
Lavaux, a vineyard region in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Photo / Supplied
Quickly my audience grew and caught the attention of winemakers and retailers who would sponsor the shows. It was tough going at times, navigating the changes and response to Covid, but it's really opened new doors and business for me.
Have you travelled anywhere nationally or internationally since Covid?
Last year we planned to visit South Africa, Israel and Jordan but of course, these never eventuated.
We did however embrace the liberties of the Schengen "borderless" region and spent last year camping next to the Loire River in Sancerre, France. We also spent a week on the Italian island of Ischia, one hour by ferry off the coast of Napoli.
It's a volcanic island made famous by the films Cleopatra and The Talented Mr Ripley. It's more frequented by Italians, rather than touristic Capri nearby, and has amazing thermal pool facilities. Think Rotorua with lots of pasta, castles and beaches.
The volcanic island of Ischia in Italy. Photo / Unsplash
This year has been harder to navigate - Europe has taken a while to open up again and the surprise storms and floods in July here torpedoed some early summer plans. We returned to Ischia with friends, but I also spent a week in the cobbled fairytale streets of Colmar in Alsace, while hubby went exploring the art museums of Amsterdam.
What destinations do you dream of visiting?
I really am clamouring to visit Jordan but also experience the wine harvest in South Africa with a winemaker friend there. They've been on the bucket list too long. But more realistic is seeing a show on London's West End. I am also keen to visit Georgia, the birthplace of modern winemaking.
I have to mention Mum, Dad and the family and close friends there of course. But there are two other things I miss greatly.
Firstly, spending a summer's day under the shade of pōhutukawa at Awhitu Regional Park near the Manukau Heads (we had our wedding photos there too); a picnic, some Central Otago Pinot Noir, cheese and maybe even a mince and cheese pie.
The second would be fish n' chips and champagne at sunset at Mission Bay. That is truly a treasured and regular experience when I am back home.
What advice would you give to Kiwis still in lockdown?
This latest hiccup has definitely knocked the wind out of the City of Sails.
My biggest advice is to not focus on the now but instead on future adventures and plans. The "now" is too heavy to carry with the uncertainties this virus brings. But even a small change can bring new ideas and energy. Be agile.
And when drinking wine, find out something about it. It definitely lubricates the enjoyment.
Do you know a Kiwi expat who would like to share their experiences of living overseas? Email travel@nzherald.co.nz with Life after Lockdown in the subject line
