Corona, Not the Beer

Italy has taken the Corona Virus seriously and acted aggressivly to stop it. At first, creating the large Red Zone up north in Lombardia and then when those living in the Red Zone fled and headed all over Italy,  the Prime Minister clamped down and made all of Italy a Red Zone. We are “grounded” as Frances Mayes said instead of using the expression lockdown… or even quarantined It is not the plague.

We CAN go outside, go for walks, even work if you need to work. They have set  guidelines for keeping your distance in public places and have told us to stay home as much as possible to stop the spreading of the virus.

Tough times.

All of us in the tourist business are without work. Hotels, restaurants, drivers, guides.

Tourists that are here, many have had their flights cancelled.

But we push through. Italy is beautiful and strong.

Thanks to everyone that has contacted me. Where I live seems to be fine. Everyone is serious about the rules to stay home unless necessary.

I went down to shop today, there are lines outside to only let small groups of people in at a time.

When I entered the store there was hand sanitizer and gloves to wear. Only the cashiers were wearing masks and the woman in the fish department.

The lines were organized, everyone was patient. The shelves were full, with the exception of no white all purpose flour or grated parmesan cheese ( we don’t have the stuff in the green can,but actual grated parmigiano).

 

 

One of my secret passions is collecting shopping lists I find at the store in the carts. The top one is written so clearly and a short list, the second one looks more like my mother-in-law’s handwriting and a longer list.

I am trying to not panic about losing all my work for the season. But there is nothing  we can do!

I am thinking about offering  subscription cooking classes online. Let me know if you would be interested!

Usually I would go to the USA and do a teaching tour when I attended a culinary conference in the USA, this year I had a lot of clients coming in March so couldn’t leave.

 

The hashtag for this tough time is @iostoacasa I am staying home. We hope by reducing the contact in the public, that the virus will die off.

Since the virus is everywhere. Please take care. We are all in this together.

Many local artists and artisans in Florence have online sites.

Wineries are shipping wine.

Perhaps you have a favorite Italian company you would like to support?

Now is the time.

We are also thinking of issuing prepaid gift certificates or credits for future tours at a discounted price. My friend is calling it his “flexi-pass”.

My friend Kathy has an incredible newsletter Dream of Italy and when you join now, you also get a lovely little sunflower charm from the Del Brenna shop in Cortona.

Spread the love! Help where you can. Support your friends in Italy!

I have appreciated all the emails and support.

Grazie Mille

 

If you don’t have a copy of my book, I created an ebook for the price of an espresso! If you know anyone that loves Tuscan food, it has all my favorites!

 

Many people have asked how they can help.

I have created a simple membership page here on the site.

There is also a link there for a new Patreon page. This is where I will be posting new videos. It is a monthly subscription and you can quit when you like. There are various tiers you can sign up for.

 

Mille Grazie for all the love