The latest from Murano during their shut down. They are in their 9th week and now a few things are beginning to open. It is a welcome for everyone, that they may, hopefully, begin getting their espresso and cappuccino again soon.Venice has been extremely fortunate to have few cases of COVID19 and still in Murano, we do not hear of even one case.
But the impacts of the shutdown of everything, and the lack of tourist has a ripple effect throughout the community. Now I know I like to complain about the quantity of tourist, their lack of sensibilities, their lack of respect of monuments, buildings, and especially their lack of respect the older people of Venice.
BUT, the fact is that Venice and Murano need the tourist. It is their main source of income. The restaurants (like the restaurants all over the world) are suffering during this and no expenses do not stop just because you are closed. The bills for rents, mortgages, utilities, insurance and I am sure there are others continue to arrive in the post.
So I have been strategizing with them on ways I can help once they are back open. Yet the larger issue is when will the tourists return.
So here again is a letter from my dear friend who sees the future as bleak at this moment. What I want you to get from this is the sincerity with which Venetians, Muranese (even the men) can speak. They are not afraid to show emotions whatever they may be. It is part of why I love this little piece of the earth so much. And we’ve been through many years together, marriages, divorces (yes occasionally even in Italy), births, first communions, birthdays, and sadly, deaths in our families. Yet through all of this they speak from their heart, with compassion….We could all learn a lot.