When the coronavirus pandemic first broke out, Stefano Volonte, an Italian teacher, translator and interpreter, was planning to move to Japan to start a master's degree in sociology and to reunite with his then-girlfriend.
But when the borders slammed shut, their life together was put on indefinite hold.
“When 2020 hit it was devastating,” Volonte, 29, explained.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.