Christmas 2020 is also different than usual in Le Marche ... the government has announced a strict Lockdown that should prevent almost all travel movements ...

As with all measures that are imposed, there are again all kinds of exceptions that should bring a little relief in  dark times. But the confusion generally dominates: When are we in a red zone and when are we orange? And when will we turn yellow again? For the English these are concepts that do not mean much, but Italians nowadays are  used to think in colors. Because if your region is an orange or the red zone, there are drastic restrictions that do not make life more pleasant and easier. Because if the bars close and you can't have a cappuccio with a pastry? And if there is no more Aperitivo, at the end of the afternoon? Then you deprive people of the essential moments on which social life largely floats. And of course we are not talking about the economic damage and the growing frustrations that are more seriuos than a cappuccino.

I got to know Italians as  pragmatic people despite their often dramatic appearance. And so, in the days before Italy went completely into the red zone, there was still a feverish activity to be detected. Seats on trains heading for the southern regions had been sold out for weeks. The exodus from North to South had started again. The shopping streets in the big cities were overcrowded and we too, albeit on a very modest scale, tried to enjoy some of the Christmas spirit.

We chose to visit Urbino. Urbino is always a must see when you are visiting Le Marche, in all seasons. Because of the beautiful architecture, the spectacular location, the art treasures and the atmosphere. The university and the liveliness that this brings along, certainly contributes to that special atmosphere. During the Christmas period there is an extra reason to visit Urbino: La Via dei Presepi, or the route of the Nativity scenes. Various creations of all sorts and levels are spread over Urbino and in this way the visitor can discover the city in a different way. An ideal family outing but also for a middle-aged couple like us ...

And now we hope that we can go to yellow again soon ...