Umbrellas bob up and down Orvieto’s main streets because, for the first time since Italy’s lockdown, shops, bars, and restaurants are open.
We are also permitted to visit with friends.
I wave to people I know who are sitting under the awning at Bar Sant’Andrea. They’re sipping wine and chatting—each at their separate tables to maintain safe social distancing—happy to finally be together again. At my favorite deli, Gastronomia Aronne, I ask Luanna to heat my vegetarian lasagna to go. Walking back to my apartment, it warms my heart to see so many of the town’s masked citizens out and about, rain and all.
I haven’t had steady work in almost two months, so spending money right now is probably not the smartest thing to do. I’ll worry about that tomorrow. Today, what matters most is supporting my community struggling to keep businesses afloat during this shitshow they call COVID-19.
I may be broke, but I’m going on a shopping spree!
Rossella Lumia and Diana Primavera of Alkimye
Orvieto or Bust: 