It was February 21 when I unknowingly moved to the Italian countryside to hide from the Corona virus. At the time, that had not been my plan because I was busy with other activities. I spoke to some friends and students about the likelihood of the Corona virus slowly traveling through Italy. Although I had questioned whether the virus could negatively affect the Italian export of cheese and groceries, it was clear that I and others really did not believe that 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 himself back. There was no way the Corona virus was going to get to 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 was suspicious, telling myself it must have been all 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 that it was better to be safe than sorry, I agreed to travel with him by car. Little did I know that I would only return to Novara once to pick up the items needed to get me through the month! From then on, he would be glued to television news as well as Internet news, which would come 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 home so as not to infect others or catch the virus. People could only go out to buy necessary food, visit the pharmacy, pay a bill, or eat and drink at a local cafe or bar. The villagers of Gattico-Veruno began to go out for walks in the countryside in pairs if they lived together in the same houses. For a short time, 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 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 leaving their 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 to get an extension, but the operator who answered had no idea what had been going on in Italy. They needed the rent money right away, not knowing that the virus would soon come to the United States as well. It felt like it existed in a sci-fi movie, and my article on why people love zombie movies became more relevant to my mood.
Armed with an ‘automatic certification’, hand sanitizer and respirator masks, we ventured into the sunny outdoors. Few people were around. First, I tried to withdraw 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 friendly young man, possibly in his forties, came out to help me use the ATM which still refused to accept my card. Next, I wanted to charge 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 clerks in his fifties and 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 the internet was not working properly and there was no telling how long we would have to wait. They recommended that we go to another post office.
Discouraged once again, Piero and I went to the neighboring town of Bogogno, a cute little town that reminded me of a de Chirico painting because there wasn’t a soul around. I couldn’t help but think how I would like to stay there for an extended 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 such a harmful virus? I asked myself. If only 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 excellent and friendly service without wasting time. I didn’t forget to wish him health and safety, although one hesitates to say things that some Italians might take to be unlucky.
When I left the post office, a stranger was about to enter. He was moving so fast, without a mask, that I jumped back in 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. Piero and I hurried back to the car, me thinking how sad it was not to be 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 looked for cops who could question us. It seemed that spring had begun as there were many flowers adorning the houses and gardens. The landscape looked serene while the dark and vicious Corona Virus lurked somewhere, unbeknownst to us.