Charlie and I thought we might skate through the pandemic without getting infected, but no such luck. We got sick and tested positive a week ago in Bari, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, where we attended the 2-day GeoSed conference. Whoops! We stayed an extra 2 nights at a hotel in Bari, and then got a very expensive taxi ride back to Potenza (big tip to the driver who agreed to take us). We have been isolating in our apartment since then, feeling pretty sick and out of it. Our friends Sergio and Gianpaolo have been heroes, delivering food and supplies and even a direct phone consultation with a doctor early-on. Today I tested negative though still feel like I have a head cold, and Charlie is still testing positive but feeling better every day. We did find out that all the published guidelines will allow us to travel to Naples a week from today (Day 14) and fly back to the U.S. the next day July 1 … thus marking an unexpected twist to our last 2 weeks in Italy. PS – COVID19 really sucks, best to avoid catching it if possible!
Above: COVID-19 survival kit, Potenza Italy.
It’s getting pretty hard to dodge the COVID these days. Seems like at least half of the department has had it by now. Glad to hear that you’re feeling better, and will be able to get back!
Thanks Marla! It does seem to be popular these days, ugh. I hope you and your family are well. I’m glad we got sick early enough to recover and keep our original flight. We love Italy but we also look forward to being home …