Malaysian woman does as the Romans do in Rome

Trying out one of Rome’s many street food items. — Photos: JESLYN CH’NG TZE YIN

In a matter of weeks, Italy, hit by a tsunami of coronavirus cases and deaths, was branded “one of the hardest-hit countries” by media across the world.

As I skimmed through articles of the country’s battle against the virus, my heart sank. In my head, I saw the smiles of locals that mirrored the warmest rays of light, and wondered whether they were still smiling.