Spotting Signora Marinella’s balcony has always been a highlight of Assisi springtime strolls….
…but not this year with Assisi in COVID-19 lockdown as of March 11th.
As of May 4th, lockdown restrictions slightly loosened, allowing us to move about our regione and to go into the nearest town for a walk (and not just for groceries or pharmacy visits), albeit, a masked walk.
May 5th was my first visit to Assisi in months and a primary destination was to see that backstreet balcony near Piazza Santa Chiara, though not with expectations…..
Signora Marinella herself was out in the midst of her plants…….
…..but COVID-19 had deprived us all of her floral magic of past years:
We chatted a bit and la Signora pointed out a plant which had flowered, surviving the winter cold.
She waved as I left, assuring me with a smile, “Sara’ bellissimo di nuovo nel 2021.”
And mostly greenery and just a few swatches of color crown the medieval arches of an Assisi home in the backstreets,….
…..another spot which had always showcased floral splendor in past pre-COVID-19 springtimes:
But as I walked, I met assisani refurbishing vases and window boxes, grateful for a bit of a “lockdown let-up”:
Francesca and a helper were planting flowers on her caffe’s terrace in anticipation of the re-opening of bars and restaurants May 18th:
The shops selling Assisi memorabilia remained closed but plants and flowers flank the display windows:
….and border Emma’s beauty salon (which hopefully will re-open May 18th):
I knew I’d see flowers at Novella’s vegetable stand as she sells some of her own along with her vegetables:
And in Via Fontebella, flowers are growing spontaneously out of crevices in the walls, left alone this silent lockdown springtime:
But here and there in Assisi, colorful floral welcomes hang at doorways…
…..animate the limestone walls,…
…..windowsills,…..
….and entryways to homes:
Si! the geraniums line the railing of that house opposite the Church of San Pietro this year, too. COVID-19 or not:
But in 2021, may those geraniums adorn in vivid splendor….as in past years:
Read about seeking floral splendor during lockdown
Click here to read about Novella’s vegetable stand during the coronavirus lockdown
Read about Assisi’s superb medieval festival, Calendimaggio, cancelled due to COVID-19
Read about a “lockdown liberation” for April 25th, la Festa della Repubblica (and so very linked to Gubbio, as well)
Cook away a possible CPA (Coronavirus Panic Attack) with this simple recipe for a buonissima pasta dish
Click here for another easy recipe to ward off CPA
Enjoy this “COVID-19 lockdown” recipe
Click here for a tasty Pino recipe as a coronavirus distraction
Click here for another “coronavirus-deterrent” recipe
Click here for another “coronavirus lockdown” recipe
Click here to read about – and see!- our Easter Monday picnic during lockdown
Read about a “lockdown liberation” for April 25th, la Festa della Repubblica (and so very linked to Gubbio, as well)
Read about newborn goats as a coronavirus diversion
Read here about culling the wool of our cashmere goats – a perfect coronavirus distraction
Read here about Pino’s goat cheese
Read here about a snowy day in Umbria during our coronavirus lockdown
Click here for an easy, tasty recipe
Read here about an outdoor market visit to ward off a CPA (Coronavirus Panic Attack)
Click here to read about Novella’s vegetable stand during the coronavirus lockdown
Click here to read about – and see! – a favorite Orvieto eating spot (to ward off CPA)
Read about – and see! – Assisi during coronavirus lockdown
Read about a Pino feast on March 8th as coronavirus distraction
Click here to read about March 8th – as a coronavirus antidote
Oh Anne, thanks so much for the lovey photos of Assisi post-quarantine. How we miss that special place and long for the day when we will be “allowed” back. For the time-being, your weekly Zoom-casts have been a blessing. Your enthusiasm and your wealth of information has brightened our Saturday afternoons and made us feel the connection that we are missing with our beloved Umbria. Thank you, thank you! We plan to finally meet you in person one day soon at which time a big hug will be in order. For now, we look forward to seeing you again on the 25th of July.