March 11th 2020: I rule the streets!! Normally when I am walking to school or Perché No (the places I visit regularly) it is a dance on the sidewalks. Depending on who is coming at me, I step off the sidewalk, cross the street or continue on. Today I went on a big loop walk to investigate and I stayed on the same side of the street for the entire walk. No one was coming at me. Driving on Route 4 at 11:30 at night, you are likely to see 5 cars maximum; until I got to ‘the heart’ of downtown today, I saw 9 people. I’m pretty much back in Vermont! In the smaller shops, they will only take 3 people at a time to ensure the meter rule is followed so people have to wait their turn outside.
I know many people are wondering and it is with a heavy heart I share that Perché No is closed until further notice. While this is upsetting news, I am confident that I will get through this trying time with my global support network. Also my bakery is closed which is sad but gelato is the real loss 🙂
In all seriousness, I am still very happy to be here and am enjoying myself! I am in Italy(!!) and am having the experience of a lifetime. Yesterday I went for a run (don’t worry, I didn’t enjoy this part) and found a fun park I didn’t know existed and today I explored the Centro della Città. The photo above is of course of the Palazzo Vecchio but the Piazza is so empty!!!
Nonna and I are both healthy and taking the necessary precautions. We appreciate everyone who has reached out to us!!
In other news: As I was walking today, I saw an Italian woman who was yelling at some tourists in the street because they greeted her with “buongiorno” and it was 4 pm. Florentines are very particular about their customs! The proper greeting for that time of day would be “buonasera”.
Abbie Abroad 