Italy

The first corona wave came as a shock to all citizens of Northern Italy, were it hit the hospitals with unprecedented force. Indeed, European nations looked in horror as the situation in Lombardy deteriorated. Governments were hesitant to send resources and much needed help because they feared an overwhelming pandemic in their own countries as well. For this battle, at least at first, Italy stood alone. Desperate for income and still licking its wounds, Italy opened its borders the last week of June 2020 after weeks of lockdown. Obviously, my friend and I decided to make a last-minute roadtrip to the heart of European culture.

It was a once in a lifetime experience, to visit Florence and its satellite cities whilst all tourists avoided this region - still scarred by the horrible news reports a few weeks earlier.

As I’m writing this piece of text, we are surfing the Omikron wave (the 5th wave). As laid back as we might be right now, we shouldn’t forget how scared the world was two years ago.

Let me now show you a few of my favorite photos taken back then, showcasing the deserted atmosphere of that bizarre period.

We shall start with a sunset shot of the famous Ponte Vecchio. Take a moment to really absorb the emptiness of it all, bathed in wonderful late spring sunshine. (phone users, tilt your screen for a horizontal view)