For much of the pandemic, Italy has been keeping their numbers (relatively) under control, and the United States, on the other hand, has seen their numbers climb and climb without an end in sight. But now the shoe is on the other foot, so it would seem. The vaccination roll-out in the US is actually ahead of schedule, and things are slowly, finally, beginning to turn around, meanwhile most of Italy is back in full lockdown as of today. We chat about how the situation in Italy is getting worse, while the situation in the US is getting better, as well as why that might be. **This episode was sponsored by Lingoda—the #1 trusted European language school with very affordable prices. The small online classes, available 24/7, are taught by native-speaking teachers with proven methods and expert-designed curriculums. Participate in a learning sprint to get up to 100% cash back! Use our code BITTERSWEET to get a discount on your deposit. Click here to find out more. -------------------------------------- ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! 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!