With everything that is going on in the world, my heart goes out to everyone who has been affected and are experiencing tough times right now. My heart especially goes out to Italy because they are experiencing the peak of the virus and a complete change of lifestyle that I know is extremely hard to adjust to.
I know I don’t look it considering I am pale and blonde, but I actually am Italian, I grew up with Italian grandparents which meant Sunday dinners, no bread on butter or pasta, and spankings with the wooden spoon. If you don’t know what the wooden spoon is you are lucky.
My relatives are from Naples and I know my Nonna has always wanted to visit because that is where her parents are from, so we booked a two week excursion through Italy starting at the top and traveling down and we were all ecstatic to go. Unfortunately my Nonna can’t walk too well anymore and she was not able to join us which was really upsetting.
However, I truly had the time of my life in Italy, I had never been anywhere like it. I went with my parents and my sister, and I even saw two of my friends from home in Italy, which was a once in a lifetime chance that we were both there at the same time. The drinking age was 16 so I enjoyed lots of wine and wine tasting and some of the best food I have ever had. Venice was by far my favorite spot, I love water and being around water, so Venice was like my ideal city and I did not ever want to leave. Side note, that is part of the reason I hate State College because there is no coast and I feel trapped. Which is also why I spend my summers at the beach in LBI.
Anyway, Italy gave me the travel bug. It opened my eyes to so much and I was absolutely obsessed with everything I had seen. I am a spanish minor so I also want to travel to Spain at some point, and I had a trip planned with me, my mom, her childhood best friend and her daughter, who became my childhood best friend, in May. And now of course.. we cannot go and I am beyond upset about this but I know it is for our safety.
It’s really concerning that countries are being overwhelmed with the number of coronavirus cases. Although I am sad about having to stay in all the time (I also love traveling), I agree it’s the best thing we can do right now to help limit the issue. I hope you can return to Italy soon and enjoy it!
I, too, am half Italian, with relatives from Naples. Some of our cousins moved to north to near Bologna and own a vineyard. I am so frightened for them. They all seem okay at this point, but it breaks my heart to think of what’s happening in Italy. I am worried it’s headed our way.
It’s so heartbreaking to hear about the continual trauma that Italy, and so many other countries for that matter, are going through. I hope that you can hold onto those happy memories that you have from Italy for the time being and hopefully get back there some day!
This whole COVID-19 has been an eye opening experience for myself, and many. It is crazy how many lives are being affected by this outbreak, and my heart goes out to Italy and I hope once this pandemic passes, many will have a different outlook on life and their loved ones.
I am also Italian, and no one believes it I am all blonde hair and green eyes (but I really am, lol). While my grandma never used the wooden spoon she was always quick to threaten us with it (but she never did). We are all worried about our cousins and my great grandma’s siblings, it really makes us feel powerless. I hope your family stays healthy, and strong during this trying time!
Yes I definitely feel for the people of Italy. My family has actually never been to Europe and we were just in the process of buying tickets for our vacation that was supposed to take place this summer 🙁 Worst part is I was most excited to visit Italy but with all that’s going on who knows when the country will be ready for visitors again.