It’s an odd feeling to be here right now. Italy is a place that I, and so many of us, associate with vacation and more carefree times. To be here now, on the verge of lockdown, is a bit strange.
The government announced new restrictions this week. Bars and restaurants to close at 6 pm. A curfew from 11 pm to 5 am. Swimming pools closed.
It feels like an official lockdown is just around the corner.
This weekend we drove up to Stresa, a city perched above beautiful and grand Lake Maggiore. Picture Como-ish vibes. We walked around an old villa that had been turned into a park. It was damp and wet in the shade but as we climbed up the hill, the sun began to peek out of the trees. Eventually we made it to this beautiful old rose garden that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Thousands of ladybugs fluttered around in the sun. Fountains trickled and kids played in the warm grass. It was truly majestic.
I told a few people it felt like we stumbled into the Garden of Eden. It certainly felt nothing like a lockdown. That’s the weird contrast of being in Italy right now as an expat. It’s simultaneously uneasy and serene at the same time. I don’t if there’s a word for that, but there should be.
Anyway, all we can do is adapt and take it day by day. In the meantime, I’m finding a lot of joy right here.