It was February 21 when I unknowingly moved to the Italian countryside to hide from the Corona virus. At that time, that had not been my plan because I was busy with other activities. I spoke to some friends and students about the probability that the Corona virus was slowly traveling through Italy. Although I had questioned whether the virus could negatively affect Italy’s export of cheese and groceries, it was clear that I and others didn’t really believe the virus would leave much of a mark.
That same day, I heard that there had been an outbreak in the Lombardy region, sixteen confirmed cases! However, most people thought that he could hold back. There was no way the Corona virus was going to reach the Piedmont region, I thought. Most people dismissed this possibility, and many even went to work and school with cold and flu symptoms that resembled COVID-19. I got suspicious, telling myself that it must have all been in my head.
Then Piero told me that it would be better not to take the usual train to Borgomanero because the infections were increasing and it would be a bit risky. Thinking it was better to be safe than sorry, I agreed to ride with him in the car. I didn’t know that I would only return to Novara once to collect the items needed to get me through the month! From then on, he would be glued to television news as well as Internet news, coming from sources all over the world, as he was interested in a wide variety of viewpoints.
Not long after, everyone in Italy would have to stay at home so as not to infect others or contract the virus. People could only go out to buy necessary groceries, visit the pharmacy, pay a bill, or eat and drink at a local cafe or bar. The villagers of Gattico-Veruno began to go for walks in the countryside in pairs if they lived together in the same houses. For a brief period, it was nice to see people get out and get back to nature instead of traveling to neighboring towns for entertainment. When we saw the grim news about the Corona virus victims, we stopped going out and soon the government required everyone to submit a ‘self-certification’, stating the exact reasons for leaving their homes or yards.
Despite my anguish, the day finally came for me to venture outdoors again, just to pay my rent in America. I called the owner for an extension, but the operator who answered had no idea what had been going on in Italy. They needed the rent money immediately, unaware that the virus would also be coming to the United States soon. It seemed like it existed in a sci-fi movie, and my article on why people loved zombie movies became more relevant to my mood.
Armed with an ‘auto-certification’, hand sanitizer, and respirator masks, we ventured into the sunny outdoors. Few people were around. First, I tried to get money from the bank that was closed. Then I tried two ATMs that didn’t work. Still hopeful, Piero and I went to the local post office in Gattico-Veruno where a kind young man, possibly in his forties, came out to help me use the ATM which still refused to accept my card. Next, he wanted to load an Italian debit card inside the post office.
There was another masked woman in line who feared contamination. We were the only ones waiting, following the national decree to keep the space between each other. One of the employees in his fifties or sixties seemed grumpy, probably because it was unfair that he had to work when most of the others were home. It was certainly risky for him to be here. Both employees said that the internet was not working properly and it was not known how long we would have to wait. They recommended that we go to another post office.
Discouraged once more, Piero and I went to the neighboring town of Bogogno, a cute little town that reminded me of a de Chirico painting because there was not a soul around. I couldn’t help but think how I would like to stay there for a long period. What a pity that the virus had invaded the country, making it impossible for tourists to enjoy such magnificent beauty! How could such a small town be exposed to a harmful virus? I asked myself. I wish God, who is represented in countless churches throughout Italy, would hear our prayers!
Inside the Bogogno post office, I found an elegant woman in her sixties who was smart enough to wear latex gloves to handle money. She was working behind a glass partition with a small hole at the bottom through which cash, debit cards, and papers could be passed. She maybe she was relieved that I was also wearing gloves and a mask. She efficiently handled the transaction while she had a nice conversation with me. I was amazed at how she was able to provide great and friendly service without wasting time. I did not forget to wish you health and safety, although one hesitates to say things that some Italians might understand to bring bad luck.
When I came out of the post office, a stranger was about to enter. He was moving so fast, without a mask, that I jumped back for fear of contagion. When he realized that we had to keep our distance, he also distanced himself. Piero was waiting for me in the open air in the distance as required by law. In a hurry, Piero and I returned to the car, I thinking how sad it was not being able to enjoy such a charming town.
We didn’t stop anywhere that I can remember on our way back to Gattico-Veruno. I just took a deep breath and searched for policemen who could question us. It seemed that spring had begun as there were many flowers adorning the houses and gardens. The landscape looked serene as the dark and vicious Corona Virus lurked somewhere, unbeknownst to us.
