On May 4, Italy entered Phase Two of the quarantine associated with COVID-19. There are several really wonderful things about Phase Two. The first, and most important, is that it means we have had a significant drop in the rate of new infections (in other words, Italy’s strict lockdown and social distancing measures have been effective in halting the rapid spread of disease). People are still sick and there are still deaths. But the healthcare system is able to manage care and the numbers are way down. It is not gone - but it is no longer spreading like wildfire. The Italians have made huge sacrifices - personal and economic - and it is thanks to their willingness to endure these hardships, and their spirit of community and hope, that we now enter Phase Two.

Also wonderful is that, while we are not even close to “normal” in our daily lives (and the old normal may in fact never return), there is a bit more freedom and a sense that everyday life is resuming. Phase Two brought the freedom to move about outdoors within our towns. No longer restricted to going out for essentials only (groceries, healthcare needs, etc), we can now once again enjoy walking, biking, running, hiking - just for the joy of it!

Here in Lucca, the Renaissance-era walls that surround the old city are once again open. The walls (le mura in Italian) really are the heart of the city and their closure was beyond painful to the Lucchese.

To walk along them, even on one’s own (gathering with friends is still not allowed), with the mandatory face mask, and staying at distance from other people, is heavenly. Sitting on a bench (only one person at a time allowed), gazing into a garden or just watching people pass by, is a treat. The trees are now leafy, the chestnut trees (a non-edible variety) sport small white and pink flowers, the skies are bright blue. This is the perfect antidote to two months of cabin fever.

Walking through town, signs of ordinary life are everywhere - laundry hanging from a window, announcements of babies born, pretty window boxes in bloom (I swear they are brighter and more extravagant this year), cafes preparing to reopen, signs advertising food to take away (a very new concept here where home delivery and takeout have not been popular before now). It’s enough to bring tears to a quarantine-weary eye.

For now, we are enjoying the still-limited freedoms that Phase Two brings. Most people seem to recognize that it is important to continue social distancing and infection control measures so we can, hopefully before long, look forward to the reopening of cafes and restaurants, shops, flower markets, gelaterie and even to gain the ability to travel throughout the country. And, above all, it is important that we support local businesses, some of which have suffered terribly with the lockdown, and others, such as the small local food markets and pharmacies that have bravely remained open throughout to take care of the needs of us all. They need us to begin their recovery.

Italy is beautiful, the spirit here in Lucca remains strong. The people are remarkable. It is a place to love. -post by Joanne