Exactly five years ago this month—March 2020—the world went through something that no one living had experienced in their lifetimes: a global epidemic that affected the entire world, and forced much of the population into their homes for weeks and months at a time, unable to socialize, go to work, and in some cases (like Italy) even take walk around the neighborhood.

This month, we are re-airing, every Friday, the episodes that we recording during that momentous and unforgettable time, unique to pretty much all of us.

On this episode, the continuation of last week's dispatch, Tiffany talks about what it's like to live under Italy's strict lockdown (the first to go into effect in the Western hemisphere) what supermarket shopping is life, what magical thing happens at 6pm every night, and what kids and families are doing to stay positive. And as each moment passes, lockdown looms across the United States and the world.

Tiffany shares some tips with Katy and our listeners for what to expect when their own quarantine inevitably arrives.

She also explains why Italians aren't hoarding toilet paper, and together we ponder the cultural benefits of a world-wide plague.

Listen to Part 1 of this episode here.

***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some of our earlier episodes, every Friday we are now airing an episode from our vast archives! Enjoy!***

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COME TO ROME WITH US: For the third year in a row, we are hosting an intimate group of listeners for a magical and unforgettable week in Rome, this October 2025! Discover the city with us as your guides, seeing a side to Rome tourists almost never see. Find out more here.

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NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET

BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon.

TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!