Tuesday 29 July 2014

La Dolce Vita

I've never been the best traveller. Too nervous, too worried about doing the wrong thing. Far too English. But this year I was brave and stuck with Woody's idea to go somewhere new. How glad I am.

In darkest January we stumbled across a feature in the paper about cheaper places in Europe for family holidays and saw an amazing picture of these cliff top townhouses and the most amazing beach at Tropea, Calabria in the most southern tip of Italy.
We stayed in a cosy attic apartment just out of town with wonderful views of the sea, the harbour and town itself, and spent our days swimming in crystal waters and our evenings wandering  magical, fairytale streets of hidden squares and alleyway restaurants.

Our money was exceptionally tight so we bought beautiful vegetables, delicious cheeses and fresh fish (squid one day) from the morning markets and had a feast every evening as the sun went down before walking back into town for an ice cream treat.

We met some lovely, lovely people and everywhere, so many friendly faces despite our terrible Italian.
We made precious memories this week the four of us together, laughing, relaxing (some squabbling inevitably!) that will last forever. One day I'm sure we will be back xx

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place to vacation!

Unknown said...

Wow that looks amazing. So glad you had a great holiday. I'm not expecting quite as much sun in Ireland! Hope it is as relaxing though x

**Anne** said...

I'm so glad you were courageous enough to travel to Italy. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Your family will remember your holiday for years to come.
Anne xx

Claire/Just a little less said...

Gorgeous - the market food, streets and views look stunning. Adventuring off the beaten track looks so appealing xo

driftwood said...

gorgeous, shopping at those street markets looks fantastic, love the van of onions x

...Nina Nixon... said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous pictures Steph. So refreshing - I do love Italy.

Nina x

Amy at love made my home said...

It is beautiful!!! I can see why you enjoyed it so much. xx

syrahsuzie said...

Lovely photos of a beautiful place.

Frances said...

it's easy to tell from these pictures how many wonderful memories were made during this holiday. What a great decision you all made to give this traveling a go.

xo

Country Rabbit said...

ive never been someone who even thinks about going abroad i'm not good with the thought of a busy , fast paced, mass que up airport and also not being good at languages scares me in a foreign place. But i love the look of places on travel prog's about the south of france and italy~ they look so romantic and where you've been on hol's looks sooo interesting and the historic buildings in the cliff tops~ oh and that beautiful sea...how wonderful x

Mac n' Janet said...

What a beautiful place, lucky you!

Helloitsgemma said...

Gorgeous! Looks just gorgeous. Oh I'm wishing for sunny climes now. Pleased you had a wonderful time.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous photos, and I'm definitely going to make a note of this place for a holiday. Thanks for sharing. Sharon

isabelle said...

That beach, that water... I'm dreaming away over here!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!!!

Ali said...

That looks lovely - did you book it independantly or through a travel agent??

Leanne said...

What a beautiful place. I've never been the best traveller, but I am enjoying it more and more since getting Betty. And part of going away is coming home home, and appreciating your own back yard and comfy bed.
Leanne xx

Lisa said...

What an incredible find. Looks like your holiday destination was a real gem to help make lots of happy family memories.
Lisa x