Today I am longing for the beach, the hot sun of Italy, for lazy afternoons with dear friends, so we’re heading down memory lane to Santa Maria Castellabate for a late afternoon picnic.
Of all the places I’ve been in Italy, this is one of my very favorites.
My girlfriends and I arrived in early Spring, long before hordes of Summer tourists cover every square inch of sand with towels, baskets, and book bags.
It was just us and a few locals, catching the first golden rays of Italian Spring sunshine that warms you to your very bones.
Late afternoon is my favorite time to visit for everyone is relaxing after a long day of work. No one’s in a hurry, and the luscious gold of the setting sun is pure balm to the soul.
Bare-bottomed toddlers squeal as they dip their toes in the water, leather-skinned old ladies soak up even more sunshine, and old men fold their arms over their bellies and sit back to watch the world go by.
It’s wonderful.
I like laying back on a lounger and looking up at the gorgeous old buildings surrounding the beach. They’re pitted and weathered, yet somehow, all the more beautiful for it.
Barefoot and deliciously toasted after snoozing in the sun, we decide it’s high time for something to eat and find a little shop nearby that happily sells us crusty rolls, peppery salami, and wedges of creamy cheese.
We sit back in our chairs, basking in the life and light around us as we munch our way through sandwiches that taste even more delicious after a day spent in sea breezes, hot sand, and cold ocean water.
It all feels so perfect that I secretly wish I could stop time and stay right there in that moment for just a few more hours.
But soon the sun lowers and the wind off the ocean has a nip in it, so we pack our books and towels and trudge up the sand to our waiting car.
It’s time to go home.
Looks like a place I would love to visit 🙂
I highly recommend it, Tandy. 🙂 It holds such good memories for me. 🙂
What a great place Krista that clearly evokes some wonderful memories for you 🙂
Isn’t it fantastic, @wanderingsheila:disqus ? 🙂 I return there often in my dreams. 🙂
This beach town is so lovely! I can’t think of a place I’d want to vacation more!
I agree completely, @joanneeatswellwithothers:disqus 🙂 I hope and dream to be able to take Bear there one day. 🙂
Soooo gorgeous! Take me there now please!!!
I would love to, @AndiPerullo:disqus !!!
You have done so much wonderful travel and your pictures are amazing, they always capture the essence of your travels.
I’m so glad you like them, @GourmetGetaway:disqus 🙂 They keep me going when I’m not able to travel.
What a way to spend an afternoon!
Yes, it was sheer bliss, @disqus_v9uRgGTGfe:disqus 🙂
Just gorgeous! So sunny!
Yes, @lizposmyk:disqus , the sun was amazing, so very, very warm and golden. 🙂
Oh, Krista! Your photos are always so beautiful. Italy is a favorite of mine as well and I loved showing a glimpse of the Adriatic to my kids last year. Their eyes opened as we toured different cities so different that those here in California. Nothing in California is old compared to Italy.
As I begin my Easter day I’m pretty sure your’s is already complete. Here’s hoping it was a beautiful day!
How wonderful to get to share Italy with your children, @kimlivlife:disqus I dearly hope to share it with Bear one day. 🙂 Our Easter was really good – relaxing and happy with good friends. 🙂
Love the people watching aspect as well as the scenery. Lovely account – take me there now!
Isn’t people-watching so much fun, @MyCustardPie:disqus ? 🙂 I love it too. 🙂
Italy just looks like it has so many beautiful places to visit. What a unique seaside town this is. I haven’t yet been to Italy but I very much long to be there xx
It sure does, Hotly Spiced. It seems that each place, no matter how small or obscure, has its own beauties. I will really look forward to your photos and observations when you are able to go one day. 🙂
That first picture was so beautiful I gasped!
Lovely post.
– Jawa
http://www.lipstickonlattes.com
That photo is one of my very favorites too, @lipstickonlattes:disqus 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
oh gorgeous gorgeous pictures as always – hope you enjoy looking back on them as much as we do!
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
Thank you, paradis! I absolutely do enjoy looking back. 🙂 I’m so glad you don’t mind joining me! 🙂
No, it’s time to go to the piazza for an aperitivo! Love this post Krista, I wish I were there too x
The beaches in Italy are so beautiful!! Looks almost like a fairy tale!
Fantastic, sweet friend!
I felt the sand between my
toes, the warm sunshine on
my shoulders and the hint
of a breeze as I read your
account of a day that sounds
absolutely perfect. I love the
idea of visiting a tourist place
on the cusp of the season–
the weather is nice enough
to enjoy, but no crowds to
deal with! Must add this
charming place to my list
of Travel Dreams!
xo Suzanne
PS: Gorgeous pics…..
I would have wanted to stay there all day too…The day would have been perfectly ended with a glass of wine and more crusty bread with meat and cheese.
You lived my dream life Krista. What an amazing experience. Top of my list to visit. 🙂
Oh how you make me long for a sunny beach… and a ripe Italian tomato!!