Life in the time of COVID-19 with Club Med’s Montana Daly

This week, Club Med’s regional communications manager told us her deepest, darkest secrets. Lucky for her, we forgot to write them down.

What are you reading?

Ninteen Eighty-Four and Ten Types of Humans.

I’ve always loved reading but I have come to discover that I haven’t read many of the ‘classics’, so when I purchase books (yes, I still love hard-cover books!) I buy one classic – hence the Nineteen Eighty-Four – and one that I’m wanting to read out of interest.

What are you watching?

The Great and The Sinner. I’m starting to get more into crime shows but I’m still a bit of a wuss when it comes to anything too scary so I tend to stick to comedy.

What are you listening to?

Every morning I start with The Squizz podcast so I can get up to speed with the latest news on the way to work, and then I’ll listen to my own curated playlists depending on my mood –upbeat or chilled tunes.

I’m also listening to Ear Hustle, which is a podcast about the realities of life inside San Quentin recorded by those incarcerated; and I love Bobo and Flex! They talk about some pretty awesome yet important topics, and they just say it how it is.

What are you cooking?

I’ve recently purchased a slow cooker – lots of yummy, wintery, comfort food.

How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?

I’m going to confess that I’m staying more mentally fit than physically at the moment.

The way I’m staying mentally fit is through my evening routine, which was really important when WFH to try and break up the day. It’s a hot shower with lavendar oil, a cup of peppermint tea in bed with magnesium, and read a book an hour before bed so I’m not tempted to look at my phone.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?

What I’ve witnessed on a personal scale is I’ve been able to slow down, reset and revaluate what’s important to me, and how I want to manage my time when we step into the ‘new normal’.

On a wider level, I’m in absolute awe of how people are coming together to help their community, whether it’s locally by helping those struggling during COVID, or the wider community for the BLM protests. Even during a global pandemic, people are still looking out for others.

What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?

I’ve always considered myself as a true extravert but I’m really enjoying this quiet, down-time and not constantly going out most nights of the week.

Although, I do miss having the occasional big weekend. It’s all about balance, right!?

What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?

Let’s be honest here, this is such a crazy time which no one was equipt for. If you’re thinking ‘what the heck am I meant to be doing?’ just know that you’re not alone.

My advice is to acknowledge the challenges but try your hardest to find the opportunities and what’s possible when making decisions or a plan.

Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?

I went to Hobart for the first time around this time last year and LOVED it. I want to explore more of Tasmania and it’s on the top of my list to travel to when I can (after visiting the family on the Gold Coast, of course – miss you mum!)

What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?

I’m starting to see on social media my UK friends going to stunning spots around Europe. To try and manage my FOMO, my mantra is that I’ve had many beautiful Euro summer trips and I’ve done them well.

Obviously, it’s not working…

Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?

I’m very fortunate to have travelled to Italy and France a few times during my 20s when I was living in London.

My partner and I have yet to go on an international holiday together (thanks COVID) and we’ve been discussing driving from France to Italy, with a pit stop at the Dolomites.

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club med Life in the time of COVID-19 midweek interview Montana Daly