Mentre l’Italia allenta le restrizioni di quarantena, il famoso quartiere Trastevere di Roma sta lentamente uscendo dal letargo.
As Italy eases quarantine restrictions, Rome’s famous Trastevere district is slowly coming out of hibernation. Versione Inglese
It is said that happiness is enjoying the little things in life:
If that’s so, then people in the Roman quarter of Trastevere got a true taste of contentment this week as they tasted their first barista coffees since a countrywide lockdown.
Trastevere is known for its bustling bars and restaurants where residents and tourists alike can savour an aperitivo against a backdrop of historic churches and street artists.
But for the last two months this tour guide hotspot has been in hibernation.
Shops and businesses have remained shuttered, while the people who make this area live and breathe have been conspicuous by their absence.
During the strict lockdown people here have tried their best to get used to a different way of living due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Exercise enthusiasts have jogged around their courtyards in a bid to stay fit and to ward off those extra pounds.
Men and women have patiently waited outside supermarkets observing a one metre distance.
They have grown accustomed to wearing those ubiquitous face masks which offer protection from an invisible enemy.
Families have also made their own amusement in their homes, while waiting for a return to normality.
And who would have thought that people would be holding social gatherings via video conference.
On Monday May 4 Trastevere along with other parts of Rome and Italy saw an easing of quarantine restrictions.
There is a real feeling in this well-known district that people are beginning to breathe deeply again.
There can be no doubt that Phase Two has seen an increase in footfall on those famous cobble stones.
People can now exercise in nearby parks while marvelling at the ability to appreciate, at first hand, the nature that surrounds them.
Buses and trams which just a week ago took on the odd passenger are now seeing increased numbers seated at a distance.
There is a strong sense as one walks Trastevere’s streets that there is still a good way to go towards a resumption of life before Covid.
The rallying phrase here in Italy during the coronavirus outbreak has been Andra tutto bene (Everything will be all right)
Everything may indeed turn out for the best, but will life ever be the same again?
by Lydia O’Kane
