Day 4: 

Who woulda thunk it.  The Chinese have come to the rescue.  The Chinese government has sent a boatload (literally) of experts and supplies to help Italy through this time of crisis.  Great political move and much more than any other European nation or the US have done.  Wow. 
So no more venturing out except for walks around the block and trips to the supermarket.  They are getting serious now.  Our friend Beppe took his dog for an early morning walk and was stopped and checked by the police to ensure that he hadn't ventured out of his neighborhood. 
Last night, in a rough but trendy zone of Torino, there was a breakout dance party entirely on balconies.  The area, San Salvario, has always been iffy.  Years ago GP and I rented there for a few months and at the time it was still all Italian.  However it was an area run by the mob.  There was a bar on the corner where a fat boss hung out day and night receiving tributes.  The area was occupied by hookers and x rated movie theaters and betting houses.  We had a whorehouse across the street.  I have to say though, there was no safer place to park your car or walk home alone at night.  No one would touch you in that neighborhood as it was watched over by the local gang.  One time GP arrived home very late and exhausted from a trip and accidentally left his wallet on the dashboard of his car.  Anyone who has spent any time here knows you leave NOTHING in sight in your car.  He awoke in the morning in a panic, sure that someone would have broken into the car and stolen it.  But no.  He'd parked right in front of the corner bar.  The same bar where the old boss hung out.  The car was fine, with his wallet still in plain sight on the dashboard.  Ironically, a few years later we moved here, to this condo, in a far nicer area; a quiet residential suburb.  Our first night here, GP's car was stolen from the parking lot.  But I digress.  Anywho, the city area, San Salvario, is now a trendy area full of restaurants, clubs and bars and occupied by students and immigrants.  It's still pretty sketchy and there are drug arrests most weekends.  But last night was something special.  With all the opportunities for nightlife closed, the kids who live in the area put on an impromptu party.  Everyone went out on their balconies and danced.  Music blasted from 100 apartments and lights were on in all the windows.  There are videos on YouTube.  Wonderful. 
So we're hanging out and hanging in there.  Be well all, xxoo me