April 18, 2020 - The brief panic buying seems to have subsided and supply chains have realigned to a new corona rhythm. So how well-stocked are the Hvar supermarkets, for example?
One of the things we had to think about when deciding to self-isolate on Hvar where our original home is or in Varazdin where we are currently renting was the availability of supplies.
I was not personally too worried about essential supplies running out. In times of crisis, I can think of few places in the world that manage a crisis better than Croatia. From the stories I heard of the war years, the solidarity and togetherness was an important factor in survival during those years. But islands would obviously not be as well-stocked as the mainland. On the other hand, access to the fresh produce from the family field was a major plus factor.
We decided on Hvar and decided not to panic buy. What will be, will be.
We bought only 20 toilet rolls with us, for example, and as we explored in Toilet Paper, Toilet Paper, My Kingdom for Some Toilet Paper, when you are the only male in a family of four, your allocation from 20 rolls of toilet paper is exactly two.
So one month later, how am I coping? Have we all panic bought the Australian way?
Until yesterday, my life had been confined to my laptop apart from lunch and 30 minutes by the Adriatic each evening. I had had no meaningful discussions with anyone outside for my self-isolation team of 7 for a month. Today I went to see how the situation is in Hvar supermarkets.
As you can see above, no dunny roll crisis here.
We queued as per the regulations and waiting until our turn came, the obligatory social distancing and hand sanitising before we entered.
I was shocked at what I found inside and I started to film so that others could see the reality of life in Hvar supermarkets at the moment. I was asked by the staff not to film or publish any film online, so sadly I cannot share that with you, and the only photo from inside the store is the toilet paper above.
But I have never seen Tommy, the biggest of the Hvar supermarkets, so well-stocked. I looked around for what might be missing, but did not find anything. Items such as fresh salmon were a surprise.
Whoever is in charge of the supply chain is doing an incredible job.
As to are the authorities, who are providing maximum protection for the island at the ferry terminals, which allowing essential travel to maintain supply levels. Here is the evening ferry from Split to Stari Grad last night.
And there is also an excellent online option for islanders on Hvar, Vis and Solta - the Ponuda Skoja (Island Offer), allowing you to order the island's best domestic produce for home delivery. You can learn more on their Facebook page.
So to summarise the current state on Hvar, I would say that we are safe, well-stocked and able to sample the best of local produce. Many thanks to all those who have made that possible, and long may it stay that way.
I will be documenting the island of Hvar under lockdown in the coming days. The first report went out this morning - A 3 Video Tour of the Stari Grad Lockdown on the Island of Hvar.
