Sanel delivers food to his former landlord in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, on Dec. 14, 2020. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)
LJUBLJANA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- It was 7:30 on a foggy winter morning in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. A well-built courier appeared at the gate of the post office. He was on time, riding an ordinary bicycle without derailleur. "My name is Sanel. Some say it sounds like 'Chanel'," he said with a smile, greeting the writer with a fist bump.
Sanel, 34, co-founded a small courier company with his friend three years ago. They specialize in services such as valet pickup and delivery. That morning he came to the post office to collect mail for his customers.
Asked why he does not use an electric or a variable speed bicycle, Sanel said that "this is more conducive to fitness, which may be the reason why I have not been sick during the epidemic. In fact, an ordinary bicycle is easy to maintain, and could save you hundreds of euros each year."
At eight o'clock sharp, the post office opened. Sanel picked up the letters and started the day's delivery work.
That chilly and damp morning, Sanel rode through the streets of Ljubljana like a professional cyclist. "I am very satisfied with my current job, which allows me to exercise and also to help others. Under my clothes, the temperature is 40 degrees Celsius now," he said jokingly.
By around noontime, Sanel had finished all the morning's express work. "There are two more things I need to deliver, would you like to come with me?" he asked.
The first destination was a quiet courtyard of his former landlord, Ms. Jereb, an 81-year-old lady. "Although Sanel no longer lives in my house," she said, "whenever I need help with my shopping or paying my bills, Sanel is always there to help me."
The second destination was the residence of Nina, who had tested positive for coronavirus and was in home isolation. Sanel bought lunch for her, put the box at her door, and then waited for her to come out to collect it.
"The coronavirus has affected many people's lives, we should help each other to overcome the difficulties together," Sanel said.
Slovenia has registered high numbers of new infections and one of the highest mortality rates in the world in recent weeks. The country's COVID-19 cases exceeded 100,000 Wednesday.
"Because of the epidemic, many people are now unemployed," he said. "There is a bakery that donates the unsold bread every day. People can reserve the bread online, and then we deliver it for free."
During the day, several couriers carrying blue or red food boxes can be spotted in Ljubljana. "You see, we Slovenians are all sportsmen," Sanel quipped.
Among them is Aljosa, 27, a dancer. Due to the pandemic, he is now a part-time courier. "Many people order food online now," he said. "It is good to be a courier because it keeps me active."
"I hope the pandemic will end soon. Then I might even visit China," he said. Enditem
