Firstly I must apologise for the delay in writing this post. I had computer issues which are not completely solved, I guess my computer is getting old, but at least I can write this this. So thanks for your patience. Also sorry for not responding to comments. Hopefuly I have now, if not yours just let me know. But I am back. For this reason I will be writing. December and January in quick succession.
December obviously covers Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We went on a few trips relatively locally. And we were invited to the birthday party of our dear friend Michael. We visited a bar in Praia A Mare with Melanie and Paul for the first time, saw what it was like in Praia A Mare at Christmas time. Also we went to Salerno to see their artistic lights.
Michael’s Birthday
For Michael’s birthday a large group of us went to Rondinella Agriturismo. There was so much tasty food as usual and I think everyone had a great evening and left very full and happy. More importantly Michael had a lovely time too.
Christmas in Scalea
There were a good number of events that happened over the Christmas period. There was the 3rd edition of the Chocolate Festival, an ice rink for the first time, nativity scenes in Piazza Cimalonga New year’s party to name only a few, take a look at this list. A few had to be cancelled or rescheduled due to bad weather, there were some days with torrential rain, but there was plenty to do.
Luci d’Artista in Salerno
During the first part of December, John was a little restricted because he just had his cataract operation, wind and cold was not good for him but it healed quite quickly. So all was good for our trip to Salerno to see the Luci d’Artista. We went the previous year and thought they were amazing, so we returned. As before, we had lunch as we arrived at the Mexican style restaurant called El Salvador Ristorante Messicano. Justin and Michael do miss their Mexican style food, it was very tasty this time too.
After lunch we had a wander around the old town of Salerno. This time so did John and Michael unlike the previous year. We must have walked around a different area as there were different shops to what we saw before. The usual boutique style shop which had stylish Italian clothes and jewellery. Michael bought himself a cute rainbow coloured furry hat. There was a shop that sold handmade La Befana in different styles. If you are not aware, La Befana is the friendly witch that give out presents on the evening of 5th January. She is an icon that as far as I am aware is typical of only Italy.
We wondered if the lights would be the same or different, luckily they were different. So now we know we can return each year and see the different ones. What we did learn this time was try not to go on a Saturday if you want to avoid the crowds but it was fun to be in the mix with everyone else enjoying the lights and atmosphere. I do think it is a must see if you are in the area and the lights are there from the middle of November until the middle of January so no real rush to see.
Along with the lights we came across a nativity scene exhibition located adjacent to The Chiesa Crocifisso on via dei Mercanti. There was a 1 euro entry fee which goes to charity and it was more than worth it. The large nativity scene display included over twenty nativity scenes created by artists from all over the Campania region. It was fascinating to see the different styles.
Because of issues with parking last time, we took the train. Unfortunately the last train that leaves Salerno for Scalea is just after 8pm so we didn’t have much time to take in all the lights once it went dark. We just about got to see them in time for the train home. I am sure we will return in 2024.
We went to Praia A Mare a few times during December. If you do not know, Praia A Mare is just 15 minutes north drive of Scalea. We met up with Melanie and Paul and went to the bar Sailors which we went to before for a couple of drinks then they said we should try another bar called Branca as they do good Gin and Tonics. Branca is a great place. It has a vintage vibe and there’s sometimes a ban playing outside. There was one while we were there it had a really nice feel and yes they did do good G&Ts. We will return.
The other time we went was with Rachel and Tony and their cousins Cam and Sue. I read there was a Christmas market there. So I suggested we would have a look. It was pretty sold handmade items and sweets but it was quite small, so we didn’t really stay long as there wasn’t much open. The only place that was open at that time was a takeaway burger place. The Christmas lights were lovely around the trees on the promenade and the stand up lights on the promenade itself were pretty.
Christmas day
Our lovely friends Justin and Michael invited us over for Christmas Day. It was a lovely relaxed day eating a very nice meal cooked by Justin. Afterwards, we watched Christmas movies ate Panettone and drank cocktails. Couldn’t have been better.
New Year Meal
For New Year’ Eve we were invited with Moira to go for a meal with our friends Tony and Rachel, Cam and Sue who live in Santa Maria del Cedro, at La Rondinella Osteria Pop at the base of Centro Storico. They put on a seven course menu. It was lovely food and a great atmosphere. The beauty of that place is that it is not a large restaurant so even though it was full there were not too many people.
Living here for 5 years
December 2023 was the fifth anniversary of us moving to Scalea. Those five years has flown by so quickly. So much has happened and we have learned a lot. One of the main things is that in Calabria things sometimes happen more slowly than in other places, but not everything. It is one of the reasons we moved here, to get away from the rat race and live a calmer life. It can be frustrating when you do not know the system. So chill, have patience and learn. Also lunch is lunch, the pausa pranzo is a thing here. The main supermarkets and big stores are open but others are not. So have a rest between 12pm until 3pm. Another thing we have learned is to put ourselves first as we got carried a way with certain things and trying to please and of course you can’t please everyone all of the time, it is very tiring. Go with your gut and sometimes the best decision is to just walk away.
The best thing we have learned is that the Calabrese are very friendly people they treat you as you treat them. Give them respect and love and you will get that in return. A smile means a lot. Also as we have been here for five years people get to know you are around and whilst walking you do get stopped to say hello or even for a conversation.
The main thing here is that there is always time to stop for a caffè. If you are not a coffee drinker like me, there is always a hot chocolate in a nduja heater in Caffè Le Mele in San Nicola Arcella.
So that was December in 2023. Come along with me for January 2024 next time.
Ciao
