My husband and I were set to leave for Italy on June 2nd and begin Rick Steves’ Best of Italy in 17 days tour on June 5th with more travel after the tour ended. Unfortunately, the trip was canceled due to the coronavirus.
As an alternative, we have decided to tour Italy from our home and region in Nevada loosely following the tour itinerary. We began by watching a Rick Steves segment on Milan and Lake Como. Following that, We researched recipes and created a risotto. Then on June 5th we toured Lake Como by driving the entire distance around Lake Tahoe or as we renamed it, Lake Tahmo . We found quiet spots where we could walk and maintain social distancing. We took our own food and enjoyed a picnic breakfast and lunch overlooking the lake.
We have decided to continue in this manner for the length of the trip, trying to find alternatives in our area which might relate to the Italian experience. We are listening to Rick Steves audios’ and television programs as well as other programs we might find. We are researching the regional foods and finding recipes. We are hoping this better prepares us for when we are actually able to make a trip to Italy.
We have named the form, “Italy mancanza d’altro”, which,as I understand it means, “lack of any other”. I don’t speak Italian, so if anyone has a better phrase meaning “lack of alternative” let me know.
We wonder if anyone else is doing something similar. If so, what.? Or if anyone has any other ideas how we can make this enjoyable.