Lockdown No 2 – Lucca, stile italiano -what it means

November 2020

It is quite a challenge to write about events this year since life has been dominated by the global pandemic that has affected the population of every country worldwide. The virus has caused changes in all our social and economic lives not experienced since WWII and even as far back as the last great ‘plague’ known as the Spanish Flu almost exactly one hundred years ago.   

However, due to a greater understanding of this new virus Covid 19, scientists have produced potential vaccines within one year, vaccines that normally take years to produce. Consequently, the main difference between the first wave of the pandemic compared to the much feared second wave is a more targeted approach by all governments to minimise the rate of deaths and the inevitable economic recession.

One difference now is that schools, colleges, and universities have been allowed to stay open where possible during this second lockdown. Good summer weather which appears to inhibit the spread of the virus meant the months of July and August were relatively normal with a limited range of restrictions.

However, once schools reopened, the virus increased which has led to this second lockdown in the autumn months. It has been accepted by most countries that young peoples’ education should not be so severely disrupted again and lessened the stress on family life where many parents were forced to work from home.     

Another difference experienced here in Lucca during this second lockdown is that its famous walls were kept open for the public to exercise and enjoy. This has been very much welcomed by Lucca’s citizens and for myself has given me the daily routine of walking and sometimes even jogging for much needed time outside the home.

Bars and restaurants were ordered to close during November but with some able to provide a takeaway service for a much-needed cappuccino. Shops that managed to partially open meant the local population to some extent were able to passeggiate, take that leisurely stroll around town.

The biggest regret this December is that unnecessary international travel is discouraged, meaning my annual journey back to the UK to stay with family for Christmas will not happen. For the first time Christmas will be spent in Lucca and if possible shared with daughter Lucy and her family Dean, Luca and Beau.

Looking back to last year, Christmas 2019 was a great time for many reasons since I managed to meet up with all the family and enjoy all the usual traditional seasonal rituals that included a long sunny walk and lunch  in Virginia Water and Great Windsor Park. The large group included Andrew, Charlotte, Ben, Evie and new-born Joey as well niece Philippa and her young family.

Another highlight was attending the Candlemas service in lovely Stony Stratford with Simon, Claire, Ellis and Bailey.