Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Rise Up

   
Today was a beautiful sunny day in Bergamo and I wanted to take full advantage of what I could to maximize being outdoors. 










After all, being in a lockdown means your only outing is to get essentials so you need to make it a good one. We decided to only go out Tuesdays and Fridays to minimize the amount of contact with others. They assume everyone has been exposed in some form or another in Bergamo so I am as careful as I can. 


Yes, I cheat. Sorry, get angry at me, but we have been in a real lockdown for one month. No outdoor exercise of any kind. When I read about my friends and family that still get to go out and walk, I am mad. My other walk consists of an enclosed 25 sq meter piazza right outside my front door. I am grateful I have this private space to walk in. I would not be able to do this if it wasn't enclosed, so I thank my lucky stars I have this space.





           

That is my door. We get 2 hours                    Opposite my door to give you an idea 
of sunshine every morning!!                           of how small it is.


So, I walk slower and take the long way home to my apartment. I savor every minute of the solitude of Citta Alta and admire and notice things I never saw before. The birds are still chirping - a sure sign of Spring.


After making the rounds, the husband told me our little baker was open again. I stopped by and waited outside for my turn. When I went inside I noticed they built a huge glass shield separating them and their customers.  Any way one can make it work to keep serving customers is a win for me. I thank these shop keepers every day as I know they are risking themselves day in and day out. These shops are the lifeblood of the community and if they shut, we are all in trouble.


I asked her if she had any ice cream as that is one thing I am really craving these days. With all the gelato shops closed, I cannot get my fix. She said one moment and went to the back and came back with this!







Needless to say, she made my day. I thanked her profusely and went on my way, walking slow and taking in all the sunshine I could for the day.








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