Lockdown in Italy, 18 March 2020

Originally posted on my Facebook page on 18 March

Just 3 short weeks ago when we shifted from France to Italy, there were only 4 cases of coronavirus in this country. Within days, the curve went through the roof. As the Italian government started creating red zones around Lombardy and Veneto, we wondered, "Should we go back to France, just in case they close the borders?" 

But our philosophy was simple: when you run away from something, what are you running to? Now France and just about every other country, including our own dear Australia, faces the same challenges and all have implemented some form of restriction.

We are grateful that rather than running away from Italy, our hearts brought us to Alba where we know amazing people and where this hidden valley has always felt like home. We live in one of these yellow houses owned by our dear friends, surrounded by blooming Spring flowers, vineyards and orchards that will soon yield their fruit. Each day we feel the warming of the weather and a more deeply settling quiet.

Phil regularly sings "Nowhere to run" by Martha & The Vandellas, and so it has come to pass that we all find ourselves wherever we are when the music stops. There, in the present, we find whatever we choose to focus on. 🌞🌜🌻🍂🦋🍇🍒🎼🧸💕