Courtyard Arch, Deruta

 Slowly, slowly vaccinations are becoming available. With them come dreams of what the future could hold. I am thinking back to days spent wandering up and down little hill towns in Umbria, where fewer tourists go in March. Deruta is renowned for its hand painted ceramics. Colorful tiles surround doorways. The street signs and shop names are ceramic, embedded in the walls. A family member often sits on a stool right inside each shop's door, painting dragons, putti or scrolling acanthus on a plate or a jug. I hope to return some day, to walk into every inviting courtyard and explore, unencumbered by fear.