I was going to write about coronavirus in Italy and include a geography lesson about the Italian peninsula at the same time—where the epicentre of the disease is in the north in relation to Tuscany well to the south over the Apennine Mountains or Sardinia surrounded by sea. But before sitting down to type, I walked down the ancient cobbled mulattiera (mule track) from my village to the hamlet of Corona (total coincidence), where Marino sells eggs straight from under the chickens. It was an invigorating tonic, which banished anxiety and fears of an unknowable and menacing future. I present it to you in what can only be a dilute photographic form. I hope it will inspire you to find the tonic that works best for you.

Looking back up the steep stretch I had just descended.

Walking on the mulattiera you are transported to another era. Already you have left today’s world behind.

Oblivious to the panic engulfing humans, wildflowers were blooming their hearts out on the banks and between the cracks in the road. They gave me courage and joy.

Crocus, mostly purple but occasionally white.

Lesser celandine

Primrose

Fabbriche di Casabasciana is in the valley at the bottom of the mulattiera. I’m only going halfway down.

A whole bank of primroses

Marino’s chickens are often running around outside their cage.

You choose your own eggs and leave the money on the table.

On my way back up to my village

The diminutive Bellis perennis daisy

I never managed to learn the many varieties of ferns, but they’re beautiful all the same.

Helleborus viridis

Violet

A fresh lime-green euphorbia

Nearly home

I had set off from home with no intention of escaping from a confused and distraught world. I was fortunate to find something joyous to replace it with. If nature doesn’t do it for you, how about cooking your favourite food.

Polenta incaciata (with ragù), a comfort food of the Garfagnana

Accompany your meal with an awarding winning wine.

We visit Cantina Paltrinieri during our salumi course in Emilia.

Precede it with this timely cocktail doing the rounds of social media.

A spirit lifter!

Erica Jarman invites you on inspiring culinary tours of life behind the scenes that you won't find in any guidebook — get to know the food artisans and craftspeople of Tuscany and Sardinia. Come join me and my Italian friends and dip into a lifestyle where lunch is more important than business. Find out more at Sapori e Saperi Adventures and follow Erica’s own adventures on her blog. Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.