Why Calabria

As a Dutchman hear "southern Italy", that area is usually compared with something unpleasant. To be sure, we had a look there in 1987. We didn't found that negative impressions, but found a beautiful area to relax or relieve stress.  

Most striking was the tranquility and hospitality that every Calabrese owns and radiates. Several times we visited the area and we were captivated by the climate, sun, sea, fresh fish, mostly unsprayed fruit and vegetables, but also the delicious and typical dishes from the extensive Calabrese cuisine. Easily written, but give me an example.

Well, if you are walking past a fruit shop, or the market in Crotone, you really can smell the air fruit and certain vegetables. Another example. If you go snorkeling, it gives you an extra relax, because you can easily see 15 meters under water and therefore fish and seabed vegetation.

If you here stop by a good knowledge or friend, you have to taste anything homemade salami and at least one glass of wine "of the house". When in December good friends or neighbors slaughter (many people have a pig and/or veal for themselve), they bring us some meat. After all, they know we don't have cattle, but they are convinced that we should also share their slaughter. In this region there is no stress and everyone has time for everyone.  

Everyone leaves the other in its value. A very high priority of the Calabrese saying is "live and let live" and that culture will probably never disappear! Are there any disadvantages? Yes, certainly in the beginning. In the Netherlands they're used to follow up the appointments and usualy at the right time. Well, not here, or rarely. They come sometimes after the appointments, so called "somewhat" later. Bastiano is used to it and follow the Calabrese-way, but Janina have still difficulties with it.

For everyone who needs a holliday break, this is a beautiful area to enjoy the sun, sea, snorkeling or diving. It is lovely here for refreshment and relaxation at a short distance from the beach and the sea, the towel under your arm and just take a dip. For those interested, there is also an official naturist beach on a short distance.

Calabria also has the vast Sila National Park, with beautiful forests, mountains and a winter sports area. Due to the so-called rural tranquility, it's also a great environment for a nice relaxing break, finally read a book quietly and come to your senses again. For (early) retirements, like us, it's here every day enjoying the sun, sea, peace and nature. Really, Calabria is recommendid!

Tourism and Culture

Calabria is, fortunately, by mass tourism not yet discovered. It does start off on the northeast side, at the region of Tropea, but unfortunately these negative factors are already noticed. Our southeast side of Calabria has almost no international tourism, only a little at the naturist beach-camping at Pizzo Greco, not far away from us. Partly due to the absence of mass tourism, the population is still authentic. That means they are still be themselves and open to all people which cross their way. They continue to hold their Calabrian culture, because it isn’t not yet spoiled due to that tourism.

The Calabrese is friendly, welcoming and very helpful. Therefore it is very easy to make contact with the population. This applies not only to us, as villagers from Capo Rizzuto, but also for the so-called strangers.
Okay, the older residents here only speak Calabrese, but the younger ones do their best to speak good Italian and English. Speaking some Italian by the guests is therefore an advantage here. 

We have seen that one our tenants, who had lost all the way and direction in the main village Isola Capo Rizzuto (6 km from here), tried to explain that to someone from that village. After a telephone contact regarding our address, the villager accompanied him to our house, for free of course.. 

Ask them a question and they will, possibly with the whole family together, answer the question as fully as possible, with or without demonstrable examples. In the so-called countrysite, this contact can simply be accompanied by a glass of wine and a piece of salami, of course, all home made. Isn't that nice..