Italian Online community - Italian forum - Blogs - frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/ Discuss Italian culture, Italian culture history, Italian food culture and Italian culture customs. We at Life in Italy, are a friendly bunch of people who love Italian culture and Italian customs. Share your favorite Italian food and Italian culture. en Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:29:46 GMT vBulletin 30 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/images/styles/italy/misc/rss.jpg Italian Online community - Italian forum - Blogs - frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/ Lungomare Calabria Part 22 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/214-lungomare-calabria-part-22.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:25:36 GMT Lungomare Calabria Part 22 Our journey continues “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy Tropea That night we met at the Piazza Centro... Lungomare Calabria Part 22

Our journey continues “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy

Tropea

That night we met at the Piazza Centro di Tropea,[ATTACH]49[/ATTACH] we had a wonderful Italian meal and an amazing walk along the Tropea Harbor but little did she know her hot Italian dessert was yet to come.[ATTACH]50[/ATTACH] It was very late, and we decided to head over to the villa that I had rented for her called Ruralia, and the view from the room was breath taking. I lay beside her and kissed her, figuring she wanted to just go to sleep that night. But a few moments later, she rolled toward me and kissed me, and to my surprise there was sense of urgency behind it. The only sounds in the dark room were the hums from the waves of the sea and her rhythmic breathing. [ATTACH]51[/ATTACH]

I kissed her, tasting her skin, still warm and wet from the Calabrian midnight air. My hands began to wander all over her body, and I pushed the dress up as she guided my mouth to her nipples. I took each of them in my mouth, sucking on them like the fresh Italian figs we had at the restaurant with the exact force I knew she loved, feeling them harden in my hot mouth. She held my head in place, her breathing so erotic, hot and scorching. I was about to make sure she would orgasm like an Italian fountain as my hands slid down her body. I remember nudging her thigh, and immediately her legs parted like the gentle waves of the glittering sea seen thru our window. Our non-verbal communication drove my intensity at its best. I put my palm over her precious “Farfallina”, cupping it, feeling the warmth emanating from it. I stroked her hair and rubbed it gently in circles, all on the outside. She moaned quietly and exhaled, laying her head on my shoulder as my right hand touched her.

I let my fingers wander. I touched her in gentle strokes on the outside. I felt her beautiful, perfect “farfalla” lips. I put my fingers in my mouth, allowing her to see me do so, and then put them back at her “farfalla” lips. Gently, I began touching her inside, and the wetness, was unbelievable. Her “Farfallina” first got moist, then wet, then absolutely dripping like a wine bottle tipped over and the more I touched her it seemed bottomless. I slid one finger inside her and started to thrust, insistently but gently. I kept my mouth busy on her nipples, and her hands wandered over my skin, touching my back, stroking my hair as I pleasured her. I always listened for her breathing and let myself be guided by her signals, both verbal and non-verbal.

Her body writhed from side to side, tensing up in particularly pleasurable moments. Her hand at one point was on mine, guiding my fingers exactly as she wanted them inside her. I heard her breathing get faster, and I increased the speed and force of my fingers as they penetrated her “Farfalla”. I have no idea how much time passed – any concept of time had evaporated as eventually, she began to approach her orgasm. I increased all the stimulation I was doing, with my fingers inside her “Farfalla”, my thumb moving fast against her clit, and my mouth on her nipples. She shuddered as she came, and after more kissing, we drifted off to sleep. She was satiated, but nothing like what the rest of the weekend would bring in Tropea. :eek: Suddenly, my cell phone rang while lying on the beach and it was nothing but a dream, the Turkish Princess Teresa was still waiting to be picked up at the Airport of Lamezia!

Ci Sentiamo Presto;)
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.itlaysouth.org[/url]
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]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/214-lungomare-calabria-part-22.html Lungomare Calabria Part 21 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/210-lungomare-calabria-part-21.html Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:07:14 GMT :D Welcome back! Where the hell have you been? Never mind “non e importe”...Pack your bags we are heading “Lungomare” to Tropea in Calabria the... :D
Welcome back! Where the hell have you been? Never mind “non e importe”...Pack your bags we are heading “Lungomare” to Tropea in Calabria the South of Italy.
[ATTACH]48[/ATTACH]
I was relaxing while lying down on the most incredible beach near Tropea waiting for a call from my next client pickup at Lamezia Airport. For the first time in my real estate career something felt awfully strange with this next encounter. She was a young Turkish princess I had met at a casino near the “Costa del sole” in Spain. I was down to my last 100 dollar chip when out of the blue this young Turkish Princess sits down next to my chair at the black jack table and slides me a few more chips without a blink of eye. I cracked opened my 10 inch charming smile and with “poche parole” we discussed my perpetual hard on for any thing Italian. I never thought several years later that she would actually follow up and make a site inspection appointment to purchase a property in Tropea, Calabria, Italy.
Her name was Teresa, I called her TT for short “Tremendous Teresa” tours Tropea and in most men’s eyes a perfect ten and very tempting. After several emails back and forth she had finally confirmed her appointment to view some properties I had for sale in Tropea. There is an Old Italian saying here in Tropea “the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea” one must discover Tropea in order to find the “True meaning of Love”!

Ci Sentiamo presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url]
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]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/210-lungomare-calabria-part-21.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 20 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/190-lungomare-calabria-part-20.html Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:31:45 GMT Welcome back to our continued journey “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy. :) My cell phone rings…its another client pickup at the Lamezia... Welcome back to our continued journey “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy. :)
My cell phone rings…its another client pickup at the Lamezia Airport, this time I am encountering a lovely “Dotteressa” A Greek Goddess sent from heaven... Athens, with long linguine legs, rapini green eyes, and creamy curly long hair with a body shaped like an hour glass. Ironically, her flight happened to come in an hour earlier than expected. Yes...she sounds like a great recipe for a seduction...I mean a sale. By the sound of her voice, she was excited to see me...no not me... but a property I have for sale along the coast in the picturesque Paradise town of Pizzo. Before I take off to pick her up...I reach over and open the glove compartment of my car to make sure I have……no not that...”aspirins”. What! Did you honestly think that selling real estate to foreign clients is all fun and games?
Excuse me… bite your tongue, we are talking about a Greek Goddess here... you know the type, a full bottle of vintage wine filled with sensual sophistication just ready to be uncorked. The know it all and end all of philosophers! A historian pycyratrist with a degree in Greek mythology... fabulous, can’t wait to pick her up and start on the Greek History lessons I am about to receive on my own region of Calabria. Yes... that’s right, for one whole week too. That’s all I need right now. Wine please! No ..water please, with my aspirins. “Addesso mi gira la testa”
The Greek Goddess had already checked into one of our agencies villa rental not to far from Pizzo. I figure, it would be charming to greet her speaking Greek... so I did, and asked her how was her flight coming in? She smiled and laughed and very quickly corrected my Greek translation by telling me... I had just asked her to eat my bird. Well...we are off to a get start now! Not only was I red in the face as those tomatoes growing in the villa garden but at this point, I was wishing I was a bird, so that I could fly away from the embarrassment. Hopefully, she will forgive me...as they say, Greeks and Italians “stessa faccia stessa razza”.
Welcome to Pizzo....a paradise to discover.... This beautiful town of 9000 inhabitant is situated between the Gulf of Lamezia Terme and Tropea. Pizzo gets its name from the rocky promontory known as the Pizzo and is of the most prestigious bathing resort in this province. You will find here numerous sandy beaches and rocky coves. On the cultural side there are many fascinating places to discover such as 13 churches, including "Piedigrotta", magnificent church situated on the beach, one of the most famous sites in Calabria. This region is not only rich in natural beauty but also in warmth and hospitality.
Shopping, eating out, nightlife. Whatever your needs are, Pizzo will offer it to you on the characteristic "Piazza della Republica" or on the beach. Restaurants and bars, supermarkets, gelaterie, Pizzerie, shops, jewelleries, arts and craft...all year round. Its historical fame is the “Aragonese Castle standing in the old center where Gioacchino Murrat was executed. At the foot of the small hill lies the fishing and resort center of Pizzo Marina visited by a growing number of tourists year after year. Among the local folkloristic celebrations worth remembering is the Sea Festival. Here is a website photo gallery of Pizzo [url]http://www.calabriaonline.com/coltour/i_paesaggi/paesi_calabria/pizzo.php[/url]
I am going to make it an early night, straight to the desert by ordering Pizzo’s famous chocolate tartuffo. I have a headache; need another aspirin but not a Greek Psychiatrist. Thank you!;)
Ci Sentiamo presto
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/190-lungomare-calabria-part-20.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 19 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/184-lungomare-calabria-part-19.html Wed, 28 May 2008 17:46:06 GMT Welcome back as we travel “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy.;) “Rush” which is a swear word not often exercised in Calabria, and of... Welcome back as we travel “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy.;)

“Rush” which is a swear word not often exercised in Calabria, and of course no need too! But this eventful day, I rushed down the A3 highway along the coast from the town of Amantea and headed over to the Lamezia Airport to pick up a foreign client who decided to purchase a home in Calabria. I have already confirmed his accommodations for a one week site inspection visit. His visit included 3 property showings per day and my southern Italian charming entertainment at no extra charge.
As a real estate broker, I find it always an adventure when first confronting a client at the airport in Lamezia, Calabria. You can imagine how many corresponding emails and phone conversations before finally meeting up. In most cases clients never look like the pictures they send me and it is just wild when trying to seek them out from a crowd of passengers at the Lamezia Airport. I recall one of my most hilarious experiences involved an American Italian client from Pittsburgh.
He was late for our confirmed pickup time and although his flight had landed, several minutes had gone bye and there was still no trace of him to be found. I was getting a little worried until I was approached by an Alitalia service agent who escorted me to a security room at the Lamezia Airport. She had seen me at the Airport on many occasions while picking up other foreign clients. She said hello and asked me for my name as we quickly walked to the security room where I found my client surrounded by police officers. Well, you could imagine what was running thru my mind.
I approached what looked to be the head police officer of the investigation and before I could open my mouth, he had already started asking me rapid questions in Italian. The one sided conversation sounded more like the noise his machine gun would make, that he was holding by his side. Finally, he asked me if I knew this gentleman from America.
Too make a long story short, my client was be detained for carrying a gun. He was a police officer from Pittsburgh and had his proper registration papers to carry his gun while traveling. A few hours later we were finally released. At the café in the airport, I had to ask him why...and what’s with the gun? Well his answer was so ridiculous as it revolved around the over exaggerated ignorant stereo type image foreigners and also northern Italians having of our region in Calabria. I could not stop laughing out loud and the echoes of my laughter were just bouncing of the walls down the hall of the airport. I told him he had been watching too many Old American Italian movies and the negative propaganda machine called TV. I controlled my laughter and without causing another scene, I told my client the only time we will be using that gun, is if we come across a dumb ass stubborn mule in the middle of an old country road that is preventing us from seeing another property for sale. It’s time to go Lucky Luciano! That is the nick name I gave him throughout our site inspection visit in Calabria.
The beautiful Lamezia Terme is in the province of Catanzaro which borders the province of Cosenza. Lamezia is only 35 klm from the capital city which is also called Catanzaro. Lamezia Terme Airport is the area called Piana di Sant’Eufemia, a gulf on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The municipality of Lamezia was constituted in 1968 and consists of several hamlets, while its seat is in Nicastro, the ancient Neocastrum. The district also includes the surrounding towns of Bella,Sambiase, S.Pietro Maida, Sant’ Eufemia, Caronate and Zangarona. Recently the outskirts of the Lamezia Airport area has had a notable agricultural and industrial development. This has created a great increase in employment for the locals who are called “Lamentini” besides the existing large lucrative tourist business found along the gorgeous coastal region of Lamezia. The places to visit in this area are Gizzeria Lido, which is only 13 klm from the Airport and a newly developing seaside resort equipped with all touristic facilities, hotels, and relaxing camping sites. Other towns to visit include Serra S. Bruno, Girifalco, So before we leave Lamezia browse thru [url]http://www.grandhotellamezia.it/photogallery/64.php[/url] the photo gallery of The Grand Hotel Lamezia also a local website [url]www.lamezia.net[/url] and their official government website for more information on Lamezia [url]http://www.comune.lamezia-terme.cz.it/[/url]
Tomorrow we will be heading to one of my favorite and famous sea side towns “Lungomare” in Calabria the South of Italy called Pizzo.:)
Ci Sentiamo presto
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/184-lungomare-calabria-part-19.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 18 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/180-lungomare-calabria-part-18.html Wed, 21 May 2008 20:07:59 GMT Welcome to the town of Amantea “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy. We are sitting down at one of my favorite restaurants called Il Sombrero... Welcome to the town of Amantea “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy. We are sitting down at one of my favorite restaurants called Il Sombrero facing the sea on the main strip along the SS18 shoreline road. A fun hot Italian Latin type upscale trattoria where you can still have a wood burning pizza for less than 5 Euros and a primo and secondo for under 18 Euros. As you walk in the front entrance of Sombrero there are two wood burning ovens, although Sombrero’ main menu, focuses around it‘s fresh fish of the day, which is always beautifully presented.
The friendly waiters escort you to the fish display and politely ask you what type of fish you want grilled. It normally comes with an Italian Spanish style type recipe combination with Risotto. I often notice how intrigued the ladies get walking thru the room towards the display case…they just love showing off what they are wearing. For some of us when walking in for the first time, it resembles a runway in a Milano Fashion show at IL Dumo...”Love them Italian Women”! When all has settled down, at least you can skip the oysters, believe me... you won’t need them after leaving Il Sombrero. You will absolutely be pointing in the right direction which happens to be out the door and heading for a lovely tour of this vibrate town of Amantea.
When I was a young teenager visiting my home town of Grimaldi located just a few minutes north of Amantea, this was the town where I would come to relax on the beach during the day and then take in all the action later in the evening. I love how they organize the boardwalk sea front area, there is always some type of music festival or show exhibit going on. [url]http://www.comuneamantea.it/index.php?pag=turismo.php&tit=Turismo%20ad%20Amantea[/url]
You start to ask yourself at times where did all these people come from, it’s like “flies on shit”! [url]http://www.comuneamantea.it/index.php?pag=turismo.php&tit=Turismo%20ad%20Amantea[/url] Now try saying that expression in Italian to a local; you will have them pissing their pants in no time. Especially, when you try to explain what it means. You know what I mean... come on, have you not ever avoided stepping on a pile of shit and stopped to notice how confused those flies are wandering around the pile of shit, not knowing where or when to land on it. No don’t say that because there are just as many male flies as there are female flies... come on be nice. Well there are times in the mess of a crowd while walking up and down the boardwalk after dinner in Amantea you might feel just as lost or confused; maybe it’s a signal that the fabulous smooth wine you drank is taking its toll along with your stroll. “Bella vita... mangi, bevi e ?:confused:
Here is a little slideshow of Amantea [url]http://www.prendocasa.com/slideshow_amantea.htm[/url] and as I mentioned in my previous blogs most of the towns located Lungomare have there historical centers located away for the sea. The sea area is where all the new villas, shops, bars, etc...can be found. This is great because you can choose what part of town you want to visit that day whether it be the historical charming old section or stroll along the new exciting sections and check out the latest. One thing is for sure you can relax and enjoy the best of both worlds in Amantea. [url]http://www.comuneamantea.it/index.php?pag=galleria.php&tit=Foto%20Gallery[/url]
Ci Sentiamo Presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] :) ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/180-lungomare-calabria-part-18.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 17 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/175-lungomare-calabria-part-17.html Fri, 16 May 2008 20:07:17 GMT Ciao! Welcome to our continued journey “Lungomare” Calabria in The South of Italy.:) Let us wave goodbye to the City of Cosenza and focus our... Ciao! Welcome to our continued journey “Lungomare” Calabria in The South of Italy.:)

Let us wave goodbye to the City of Cosenza and focus our attention in the direction of our next destination called Amantea. At this point we are traveling south on the A3 highway heading to the exit town of Rolgiano, and my own home town of Grimaldi. As we head further south, we are entering the Savuto Wine District of Cosenza, so enjoy the beautiful country scenery that is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, citrus and farm lands.
We have reached the exit sign of Rolgiano/Grimaldi and will stop quickly for a washroom break and grab a “focaccia” at Bar Carpino next door to Hotel Carpino. Then will continue driving to Amantea by taking this beautiful old country road of Grimaldi, [url]http://www.comune.grimaldi.cs.it/album/index.html[/url] which will lead us into a suburb of Amantea called Campora S. Giovanni. For other travelers, I suggest on your first visit to Amantea travelling down from Cosenza city that you stay on the A3 highway going south and get off at the exit sign of Falerna.
One very important note for foreigners especially North Americans, please take time to familiarize yourself with the names of the towns on your road map close to the destination point you want to arrive at, as most of the highway signs and local signs do not indicate the direction words North, South, East or West. So if your traveling on the A3 Highway going south you will notice the highway sign saying A3Reggio (Reggio is a city in the southern region of Calabria) and to get back on the A3 travelling north you will read the highway sign as A3Salerno (which is a town north in the province of Campania before Naples,) the A3 ends there and becomes the A1 highway for Rome.
The present town of Amantea [url]http://www.comuneamantea.it/index.php[/url] stands on the Tyrrhenian Coast and is just south of the town of Paola “Lungomare” in Calabria. Amantea is referred by the locals as the America of Calabria; here you will meet many locals that have a large population of relatives living in the U.S and Canada. Its historical name comes from the Latin name “Amantia” which was the historical seat of the ancient Bruzis. Demographically, like many of the towns you will visit in Calabria “Lungomare” you will notice that the old section and original town is up on a hillside elevating down towards the sea and the growing new sections are normally located along the expanded areas of the sea shore.
The Town of Amantea has recently developed as a seaside resort, well equipped with Hotels, sports facilities and other touristic amenities. I spend most of my weekends in the town of Amantea relaxing on the beach or shopping around and visiting many of my friends that live in Amantea. I love the fact that there are many English speaking Italians living in Amantea. It helps all English speaking people who do tend to get a little home sick from time to time, you know what I mean… plus it sure helps me out at times during complex and intense social conversations. Yes, like most Italians, Calabrians are even more friendly and social. Just like my smart ass business associates that make fun of my Italian, I get a chance to laugh a little when they speak English. All in all it just makes for great fun as it creates a charming atmosphere when we meet up at the local coffee shops. Ok, talking about atmosphere we are going to check into our hotel near the beach and head on over to a place called Il Zambrero an Italian Latin restaurant what a hot mix located on the SS18 main strip for a great diner. Tomorrow will take a fabulous tour thru Amantea before heading to our next destination called Lamezia in the province of Catanzaro. In the meantime have a listen to some great sounds of Italian and English music on Amantea radio [url]www.amantearadio.it[/url]

Ci Sentiamo presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/175-lungomare-calabria-part-17.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 16 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/172-lungomare-calabria-part-16.html Wed, 14 May 2008 19:01:23 GMT Salve Tutti and welcome back to our journey “Lungomare” Calabria in “The South of Italy”.:) In my last blog we had just toured the old section of... Salve Tutti and welcome back to our journey “Lungomare” Calabria in “The South of Italy”.:)
In my last blog we had just toured the old section of Cosenza City the capital which shares the same name as the province Cosenza, Calabria. This booming city of Cosenza many years ago was occupied by other foreign peoples, such as the Longobardi and Byzantines, and was then ruled by the Normans and Aragonesi. Today, like most major tourist cities of Italy, Cosenza has enjoyed a growing international community with people from all over the world. I really enjoy how the future planners in government have restored the old sections of Cosenza without loosing its local and historical charm.
In 1509, here in Cosenza was born the Philosopher Bernardino Telesio whom the city has dedicated a monument. Telesio was also a member of the renowned Parrasio’s Academy of Cosenza. One of the greatest historical political movements involved the famous Bandiera Brothers who were tried in Cosenza before being shot in the Vallorie of Rovito in 1844.
The territory of Cosenza is very picturesque in its alternation of hills and plains offering the view of a myriad of woods, citrus, olive groves and vineyards. It’s absolutely incredible and amazing. A true God’s work of Art, it’s as if he took a metropolitan city out from the sky and placed it in a Garden of Eden for all types of people to enjoy.
One gets a real mouthful without choking when they wonder up from Cosenza to “La Sila” Italy’s largest national park. When I drove up to La Sila for the first time it resembles a heavenly forest, just try to imagine a floating plateau in the sky with its fresh water lakes which surrounds this gorgeous city of Cosenza. “Better still just browse the website” . [url]http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.sila/Eindex.html[/url]
This region of La Sila had been already known to the Romans who had named it Silva Bruttia and used its main source for their timber. It’s an amazing site to see especially with the mountainous peaks, rivers, among which the Crati and Neto and the three lakes are.
Today, tourism in the “Sila” has seen a constant and notable development with increasing number of visitors and holiday makers fully satisfied with either the summer or winter season. In fact, now, ski-lovers can practice their favorite sport thanks to the modern equipment and efficient ski tracks available. Although, I am not a skier, I always enjoy walking thru the many small villages and mushroom hunting with a group of friends in La Sila. Then relaxing in front of an open fire with a glass of wine and eating some fresh Calabrese cold cut sandwiches with fresh picked grilled wild mushrooms. One can also enjoying Fishing and barbequing then eating some of the many fresh lake fish caught in La Sila. The people who live in La Sila area now get the best incentives for renewal from cattle rearing, dairy industry and intensive farm reform programs carried on by the institute for the exploitation of the Sila. Foreigners who are interested in pursuing a business venture here are the best known locations in La Sila … Camigliatello, San Givoanni in Fiore, Serra Pedace, Silvana Maristo, Spezzano del Silla and Villa Racisi.
Well we are going to sit our asses down and have a great picnic in La Sila before heading back on the A3 highway heading south “Lungomare” in Calabria to our next destination called Amantea.

Ci Sentiamo presto
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/172-lungomare-calabria-part-16.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 15 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/164-lungomare-calabria-part-15.html Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:20:42 GMT “Buon giorno” “Lungomare” Calabria in “The South of Italy” Our tour continues thru the city of old Cosenza; Coming to Corso Telesio,... “Buon giorno” “Lungomare” Calabria in “The South of Italy”
Our tour continues thru the city of old Cosenza; Coming to Corso Telesio, [url]http://web.tiscali.it/cosenzaintheworld/pagine/citta/csotelesioggi.htm[/url] (Photos.. click on “torna all indice Cosenza” Oggi 1. 2. 3. 4. )
...the heart of old Cosenza, once named “Via dei Mercanti”, the road to old markets, along this route there is the church of Cavalieri of Malta, the Palazzo of Galeazzo of Tarsia and the old Town Hall, today “Casa delle culture” (House of cultures).

Like many cities in Italy one must visit the Duomo its origins are unknown, but it was probably built in the first half of the XI century. The rebuilding was completed in 1222 when the Duomo was consecrated at the presence of Emperor Federico II.
In the first half of the eighteenth century it was covered by a baroque superstructure which cancelled the original structure and caused the loss of many works of art. In the first half of nineteenth century the façade was transformed in gothic style which completely changed its characteristics. At the end of the XIX century, the Archbishop Camillo Sorgente, entrusting the work to the wisdom and knowledge of the architect Pisanti, recovered the original old arches and the ancient structure of the Church.
In the ‘40s the work was finally completed with the Archbishop Aniello Calcara. The façade is divided into three parts which correspond to the internal division in one nave and two aisles; in the centre there is an old rose-window which was once polyfoiled, with two little quatrefoil rose-windows, which overhang the portals.

The interior has a nave, two aisles and eight spans, delimited by some pillars linked by round arches. In the transept there are some fillet columns, which divide it in the cross square. It is covered by an ogival vault.
The first chapel is dedicated to the Madonna del Pilerio who, according to the tradition, saved the people of Cosenza from the terrible plague of 1576. The altar is baroque and is made of polychrome marbles, upon which is placed the painting of the Vergine del Pilerio. The Holy Virgin has a spot on her face as a sign of the plague that She brought upon Herself in order to save her devotees. For an artistic point of view, the painting, after its restoration, resulted a wonderful late thirteenth century original. On the left wall of the chapel, there is Lo Sposalizio della Vergine, by Gianbattista Santoro. On the other wall, there is another painting representing the same subject.

The second chapel is the Cappella dell’Arciconfraternita Orazione e Morte where the altarpiece painting represents the Madonna delle Grazie dating back to 1770. On the ceiling, there is a painting inspired to the brothers Maccabei and on the apse vault there is La Pietà. On the walls of the chapel there are also many paintings dedicated to Tobia and to the miracles of the San Michele Arcangelo. The wooden stalls date back to ‘700. On the right side of the apses, were buried the corpses of the brothers Bandiera and those of their fellows.The sacristy is surrounded by walnut closets built by artisans from Rogliano.

Rogliano is a small town located just above my own home town of Grimaldi 15 mins outside of Cosenza city. Immediately after the sacristy you can visit the Cappella dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo where, recently, many interesting discoveries have been made. In front of it there is the Cappella della Assunta. In the transept there is the tomb of Isabella of Aragona who was the wife of the king of France, Filippo III l’Ardito. The grave was made in the gothic style by a French artist and it is bordered by gothic trefoil three-lancet window.

There is so much to see and learn in this wonderful historical city of Cosenza especially for those who appreciate the finer details of Art & History visiting these amazing buildings and sites. Some travelers sarcastically refer it to as just “old stone” but when one can open your mind and listen to the story behind the “old stone” your “Giro” (circling around) old Cosenza starts to have more meaning. :rolleyes:
Ci Sentiamo Presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/164-lungomare-calabria-part-15.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 14 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/163-lungomare-calabria-part-14.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:46:46 GMT Our journey continues “Lungomare” Calabria in “The South of Italy” as we explorer the fabulous city of Cosenza. Today will go and visit the Old... Our journey continues “Lungomare” Calabria in “The South of Italy” as we explorer the fabulous city of Cosenza. Today will go and visit the Old Cosenza “Cosenza vecchia” [url]http://www.comune.cosenza.it/culture/webtv/web_tv.htm[/url] (click Cosenza scorci 1.)
Cosenza is the largest city in Calabria. Home to an illustrious university and many fine aristocratic buildings, it is also the friendly provincial capital.

The most romantic approach to Cosenza is from the south in old Cosenza, beneath the 12th-century Norman castle set high on a hilltop, then on into the Old Town centered around Piazza XV Marzo. You'll want to see the cathedral, rebuilt in 1184. Isabel of Aragon is buried here, near a Madonna by Luca Giordano. Try to spend a few moments in the serene cloisters of San Domenico, and at the 13th-century San Francesco d'Assisi church.

Our tour starts from Piazza Tommaso Campanella, a Piazza is normally a large square or area where people meet and gather. Those who have travelled in Italy know that the majority of locals arrange to meet on most occasions at a Piazza and then decide or head to where they will spend an evening or afternoon. Some travelers will notice what seems to be the sound of arguments amongst the locals gathered in a circle at the Piazza. In reality it is only a social discussion start by one and carried on by many. It is important to know the names of the main Piazzas in a town you are visiting, as you will hear them mentioned time and time again. Ok ...”va bene” alora…my artsy and historian friends, “ascoltatare e fare l’attenzione” listen and pay attention.

So at the Piazza Tommaso Campanella there is the church of San Domenico, “questo e una bella chiesa” this is a beautiful Church, which was founded in 1448. The church has a pointed arch vestibule and two Renaissance chapels, a square apse with a pointed arch double lancet window and the remains of the holy arch, though the most interesting element is the wonderful rose window made up of 16 tuff little columns. The wooden portal (1614) shows intaglio with floreal motifs, figures of saints and coats of arms. “ andiamo dentro” we go inside…

Inside the church, there are works of art by A. Granata, of Cosenza, which date to the end of the eighteenth century: Santa Rosa, Santa Caterina, San Ludovico, San Giacinto and San Domenico.
The high altar is made of polychrome marble and it dates back to 1767. In the transept there is a Deposizione and a San Vincenzo Ferreri (end of 1700), whose author is anonymous. The sacristy is noteworthy for its ribbed vault, a double lancet window with a narrow arch and a wooden choir created in 1635.

Now...there are times when I must brace myself anticipating the facial reactions of my clients after viewing some of the Churches in Cosenza. Interesting that most of my clients are not of the Catholic faith and this might sound strange but looking into their eyes, I notice a new glittering sign of hope or a spiritual warmth that begins to shine thru which has risen somewhere deep from within their soul. It’s a facial expression that is hard for me to describe only to say.. as if they have been mentally and spiritually completed even satisfied in some form or another. Their faces express a vision of clarity, it is hard for me too explain.
Some clients open up quickly and reveal or share their inner feelings and thoughts. Others it takes a few more church tours during their visit for me to truly understand the core reasons for their visit besides purchasing a home. It’s in between these moments, I sometimes wonder while trying to maintain a professional but friendly relationship. Why do you really what to live in Italy? For some Godly reason, the true answers shortly come after viewing the Churches of Cosenza.
:confused:
Ci Sentiamo presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/163-lungomare-calabria-part-14.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 13 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/162-lungomare-calabria-part-13.html Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:50:28 GMT Welcome “Benvenuti”: “Lungomare” in Calabria “The South of Italy” So our foreign travelers have experienced the tourist cities of Milan, Rome,... Welcome “Benvenuti”: “Lungomare” in Calabria “The South of Italy”

So our foreign travelers have experienced the tourist cities of Milan, Rome, Venice and Florence. Beautiful cities but where can you really afford to live in Italy? :confused:

Follow me “Lungomare” in Calabria “The South of Italy” and let me help you discover the most beautiful hidden secret of Italy. Are you ready? Andiamo...we go!

As a real estate broker & land developer working in Calabria, I share my experiences with our readers from the ventures with my foreign clients who have decided to purchase a home in Calabria. Some clients want to invest in a rental income property or a vacation home others want a permanent home and stay forever!

As we travel “Lungomare” most clients search to live in an area that is not so isolated from an urban lifestyle. Understandable, well! What if you can have a home in a town or city that provides you just enough of the urban lifestyle but at the same time provides you with the satisfaction of walking out your front door to the nearby sea and when walking out your back door only to find an endless garden. A town or city with all the amenities required to live a fabulous affordable lifestyle for you and your family. Wow! Sounds wonderful, can this be real? Is there such an area or city that could give me the best of all worlds? Yes…These towns and cities are found all along the coast “Lungomare” in Calabria and today we will be visiting the city of Cosenza [url]http://www.calabria2010.com/calabria/images/cosenzaviewbig.jpg[/url]

Cosenza is the Capital City of the Province that is also named Cosenza in Calabria. Cosenza, Cosenza, you know …the city so nice them name it twice. Just like New York, New York... and if you love shopping in New York you will love shopping in Cosenza at “The Metropolis” photo and video tour click: [url]http://www.centrocommercialemetropolis.it/index.php[/url] which is located in an area of Cosenza called Rende “ The Manhattan” of Cosenza. What a clean beautiful shopping indoor and outdoor complex. Everything you can imagine can be bought at “The Metropolis”. Those who know Cosenza, Calabria will tell you it’s not the poor region you often read about in travel guides that describes Calabria…that’s totally misleading. If you thought Piazza Navona in Rome was something wait to you come to The Metropolis in Cosenza. Yes! Here you will find all your favorite Designers… may I me remind you that Versace was Calabrian. I love it when all the tables and chairs are out on the center piazza (square) with all the pretty water fountains. The water fountains makes it is so soothing walking around listening to the musical festivals outside the complex. Exploring all of its many fine outdoor front shops especially when one gets tired of the indoor shopping. I try to bring all my clients visiting Calabria to “The Metropolis” for a round about shopping extravaganza.

Around the corner from “The Metropolis” is the ever so popular and busy University of Calabria. Here is a place for foreign students to come and study. [url]www.unical.it[/url] take your time a browse thru the University website which offers many affordable and excellent curriculums.
The Cosenza territory is very picturesque with its alternation of hills and palms offering the view of a myriad of woods, citrus, olive groves and vineyards. It not everyday you find an urban city located in a Garden of Eden. [url]http://www.issirfa.cnr.it/download/Image/Calabria.Cosenza-notturno-a.jpg[/url] Who needs Venice when you have the romantic Crati River running thru the city dividing the new from the old sections of Cosenza with the sea and beaches only a 15 min drive away from the center of Cosenza. The atmosphere around the university is an absolute heaven for students wanting to study in Cosenza.

Among the many buildings of monumental value worth mentioning are the Romanesque: style Cathedral dating Norman times, which has been restored several times, throughout the centuries. Its treasure is preserved in the near Archiepiscopal Palace. (Amidst the rare and precious objects as there is a cross believed to be the one donated by Emperor Federico 11. Also one must visit the S. Domenico and S. Francesco d’assissi churches, both dating X111 century. Visit The Svevo Castle and the Great philosopher Bernardino Telesio’s statue, the Theatre [url]http://www.calabria2010.com/calabria/images/cosenza-teatro_rendano.jpg[/url] and much more in Cosenza. [url]www.comune.rende.cosenza.it[/url] this is the official website of Cosenza [url]http://www.provincia.cosenza.it/provincia/home.nsf[/url] It’s a city that offers the tourist an opportunity to explore the charming historical section of Old Cosenza and also the new expanding Cosenza.

Time for me to have a nice fresh gelato (ice cream) I will sit down relax on the piazza and recover from all that walking and shopping. It will give my clients also some time to figure out where there going to fit all the items they purchased as we continue our tour in the city of Cosenza.
:)
Ci Sentiamo Presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/162-lungomare-calabria-part-13.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 12 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/160-lungomare-calabria-part-12.html Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:16:38 GMT Our Travels continue “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy. We finished our lunch in Fuscaldo Marina and my Clients John and Mary were ready... Our Travels continue “Lungomare” Calabria in the South of Italy.

We finished our lunch in Fuscaldo Marina and my Clients John and Mary were ready to get back on the SS18 for the town of Paola. ( [url]http://www.comune.paola.cs.it/[/url]) It is an important and ancient city of Calabria in the province of Cosenza and only ten minutes away from the major city of Cosenza.

Here in Paola was born S. Francesco di Paola to whom was dedicated a Sanctuary now destination of many pilgrimages. S. Francesco was born in 1416 and died in Tours in 1507. After living as a hermit for several years, he founded the order of the Minimi, gathering around him many young men. He dedicated himself to prayers and active charity to defend the needy ones. Sent by the Pope he went to France and remained there with King Luis XI for 25 years. His worship has been spreading and growing from XVI century and on.
The main center of Paola rises on a hilly territory parallel to the Coastal Mountain Chain. Paola has several interesting buildings; one of them is an ancient hypogean church in byzantine style. Worth seeing are Spinelli’s Chapel, the Church of Monte Vergine, Madonna del Rosario’s Church and others.
Paola represents one of the most beautiful towns the tourist meets along the southern Tyrrhenian Coast “Lungomare”. Its name is believed to have come from that of a Roman Consul: Lucio Paolo Emilio. Some researchers assert that here stood the ancient Patico enotria. At a short distance on the beach rises the newly developed seaside resort of Marina di Paola. This is a photo of the marina with all its little bays. ([url]http://www.comune.paola.cs.it/apri.php?img=images/gallery/panorami/esplosi/6.jpg[/url]) and here is a shot of the beach front [url]http://www.comune.paola.cs.it/apri.php?img=images/gallery/panorami/esplosi/2.jpg[/url] which is just along the marina docks. It’s an incredtible stretch of beach front and is well equipped with accommodation facilities for an ever developing tourism, with hotels, inns, sports field and tennis courts.

We decided to stop off at my Architect’s office Via S. Agata 110, in Paola Marina. I wanted to show John & Mary some land developments and plans of new custom homes we were building in the area. After introducing my Architect Claudio Aloise, I could feel a sense of relief from John & Mary.

Foreign clients that I pick up at the airport for a site inspection are very happy to finally see our establishment after corresponding with so many emails back and forth before and then finally confirming an arrival date. Their sense of relieve and trust is understandable, especially after listening to so many potential buyers horror stories. You know... how they were mislead to believe and that the properties for sale they found listed did not even actually exist or the Italian property for sale did not look like what they saw in the photos. The property photos that were sent to them by a real estate agency in Italy or some middle company back home. It has to be one of the most embarrassing factors as a Canadian Italian real estate broker with dual citizenship working in Italy. It makes me shameful of my Italian Culture when I hear their dissatisfying stories and then trying to apologize for the (wolves in the dark), in the real estate industry of Italy.

My satisfaction of a final sale is one thing but one other emotional and common reaction from my clients is when we finally arrive at their home town or the town where their parents were born. Just keep in mind some these clients are returning to their home town in Italy after many... many... years living abroad.

I can’t begin to tell you the Joy & Sorrow I feel when my clients have to sit down to control their emotional home coming outbursts.

I watched John & Mary leaned on each other for support as they sat down on the side of the curb trying to control their tears of joy and sorrow. I also had to step back for a moment to regain my own composure as we faced their once beloved parents’ home in Paola.

Racing thru my mind like a freight train travelling thru and endless tunnel were my own childhood memories leaving Italy at the age of 16 for America. I recall how I cried like a baby when leaving and then again coming back to Italy after 30 long years. There was more water beneath the heels of my shoe then a wet sponge in a car wash bucket. At that time, I think it was my over packed shoe string tied luggage, which kept me a float from drowning in my own deep puddle of home coming tears.

Will call it a day while we gather our thoughts and we will continue our journey “Lungomare” after we all dry out….if you know what I mean.

Ci Sentiamo presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/160-lungomare-calabria-part-12.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 11 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/158-lungomare-calabria-part-11.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:31:48 GMT :)Our journey “Lungomare” in Calabria the South of Italy. Historically, I always like to remind our travelers the region of Calabria’s first name... :)Our journey “Lungomare” in Calabria the South of Italy.
Historically, I always like to remind our travelers the region of Calabria’s first name was Italia, and Italy does not revolve solely around Rome, Milan, Venice or Florence. People who really what a cultural experience to the true roots of Italian history should visit the South of Italy. The name Italia came from Italic tribes that inhabited the area. Over time, Calabria has belonged to the Greeks, the Romans, and the Byzantines. Others who lived in the area include Armenians, Bulgarians, Catalans, Goths, Spaniards, Normans, and Bourbons. Talk about multiculturalism.
I just pulled off the SS18 into the town of Fuscaldo Marina [url]http://www.comune.fuscaldo.cs.it/[/url] with my clients who love their country, but got tired of living a regimented life style and sold everything they owned, lock, stock and barrel. The clients are Americans now homeless and both retired, in their late forties, and possess relatively good health. I asked them why they wanted to come and live in Calabria.
“We chose to see properties in Calabria, Italy because or parents were originally born in southern Italy, Paola to be exact, located in the region of Calabria, and we had a strong desire to return for many years, we have always envied the Italians zest for life, and wished an opportunity to experience it for ourselves.” Fuscaldo Marina is only a few minutes away from their hometown of Paola.
The Clients went on to say they find the people in Calabria to be very friendly and extremely polite. They speak very little Italian, and generally find if they approach people with a smile, a shrug, and make at least a feeble attempt to speak their language, you are warmly received. Italians are very forgiving people.
My clients have chosen to live 'within' the average annual salary of a typical Italian family, and it was a wise decision to start their transition in our affordable region. They both understood the brutal exchange rates on the American dollar forces them to live no other way. This will allow them to understand and share the frustrations, as well as the joy, of this beautiful region of Calabria, Italy. There are many differences in our culture, but once all is said and done, within, we are all the same. You will both love it here. Thank you Franco, we look forward to living the rest of lives in Calabria, we love it here!
As a real estate broker & builder in Calabria, I hope to change the homeless situation in a hurry for our lovely courageous American couple. We got out of the car and continued our conversation as we walked over to the Sea Palace Hotel on the Marina of Fuscaldo which is a pleasant hamlet of the main town of Fuscaldo located up on the hillside.
John and Mary sat down with me at the bar and shared their 5 year plan while living abroad; it was pretty straight forward travel...travel...travel and travel. They looked at felt like Newlyweds; I was feeling their excitement of starting all over again. Their grown kids back home thought they were crazy to leave everything they worked so hard for and leave their wonderful home in the US. But like many of my clients who come to Calabria for on site inspection searching for a new home, believe life is too short, they seen too little and had to realize their dream. It’s amazing but sometimes scary and at the same time courageous, having shucked all their possessions, yet feel so alive, almost like running away from home for the first time, we all have experienced that feeling.. Remember? Well, most of my foreign clients … just do it!
The ‘Fuscaldese” locals as their called in Fuscaldo prepare a fabulous dish called “Baccala con pipi dolce” it’s a simple dish but so delicious. They take fresh cod fish and bake it in the oven with grilled sweet peppers and then place it on a bed of lemon garlic rapini (spinach type greens). We were drinking some lovely chilled white wine called Greco Bianco. Most people don’t realize but big cities are hardly a requirement for good wine. Few would ever claim that Italy’s best wines come from Rome, or the surrounding area. Hills and mountains, sunny days and cool nights, maritime breezes, low rainfall, and poor soil are all factors that can lead to excellent wines. Calabria definitely has winemaking potential.
Calabria devotes about sixty thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 13th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is slightly less than twenty million gallons, giving it a 15th place. About 91% of the wine production is red leaving 9% for white. The region produces 12 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. Only 2.4% of Calabria wine carries the DOC designation. The region is home to almost three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, half white and half red.
Widely grown international white grape varieties include Chardonnay, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. The best known, strictly Italian white variety is Greco Bianco, which makes an excellent sweet wine that is very hard to find outside of the region. In general, Calabrian white wines are difficult to find in North America.
While Calabria has been poor, its agricultural production is important. For example, it is the source of about 25% of Italian olive oil. Other agricultural products include vegetables, especially eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, asparagus, and mushrooms. Its citrus fruits and figs are special. There is plenty of wheat for pasta, country-style bread, focaccia, and pizza. The main meat is pork, and some Calabrian salami is famous. Other meats include lamb and goat. The seas yield anchovies, cod, sardines, swordfish, and tuna. Cheeses include Caciocavallo Silano and Crotonese.
My American Clients might be tight with their budget but rest a sure no one will go hungry living in Calabria. Well, I better shut up and eat now!:rolleyes: We will continue our journey “Lungomare” in Calabria the South of Italy.
Ci Sentiamo presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/158-lungomare-calabria-part-11.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 10 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/157-lungomare-calabria-part-10.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:52:22 GMT Ciao! Welcome back… just in time to fasten your seatbelt and start heading down the SS18 “Lungomare” in Calabria the south of Italy. “Arrivederci”... Ciao!
Welcome back… just in time to fasten your seatbelt and start heading down the SS18 “Lungomare” in Calabria the south of Italy. “Arrivederci” good bye, Belvedere you will remain in are hearts forever and now it’s time to fall in love once more as we head for the town of Paola. “Amore... Didn’t you know that when you come to Italy, you fall in love at least 10 times a day.”…“what’s a matter for you ...O? andiamo ..We go”…
Approaching one of the most beautiful hidden treasures “Lungomare” a town called Cittadella Del Capo. If any couple wants to rekindle their love life this is the place to ignite your fire. The town of Love and Miracles, it was said that a troubled young Italian couple pondering there love for one another found a floating wine bottle by the gorgeous bay of Del Capo. In the bottle was a Italian poem called “When Love is Great” …when two that care, and want to share, But make no time to stand and stare, No time to see in broad daylight, streams full of stars, like skies at night, To look inside each others eyes, and realize that Love is great, when two that care, and want to share, can find the time, to stand and stare. The young couple rekindled their romance by the “Bay del Capo” it became the regions main lovers’ cove.
A newly developed centre, Cittadella del Capo is part of the inland town of Bonifati Comune and it stands at about 10 km south from Belvedere Marittimo on an indented and uneven coast which creates this romantic paradise by the bay. The center is well equipped with hotels and accommodates an ever growing number of tourists, attracted by the beauty of its bay and its characteristic surroundings. Cittadella del Capo known also like Lido di Bonifati one must visit the ruins of the medieval castle that dominates the country, the church of Saint Maria Magdalena who is also the patron saint of Bonifati celebrated on 22 of July. It was in this town where we had the most incredible rare dish of potatoes & chestnuts fried with chili pepper and olive oil, it was one great delight during the saint festival.

As we pass thru Cittadella del Capo there is one hotel most noticeable called Hotel Palazzo “The Palace” [url]http://www.palazzodelcapo.it/veduteing.php?ling=inglese[/url] stands on the top of an illumined extension of the sea. “The Palace”, Palazzo …was built in various phases, from XI to XVIII century, secular residence of the Family of the Dukes De Aloe, recently opened to the visitors, after a wise and accurate work of restoration. Hotel Palazzo catches your eyes from far distance as it is positioned on the spur of a rock vertically on the sea, watched over by the severe mass of a Spanish tower….in the 17th century residence of a family of Calabria "Gattopardi". The luxury hotel is furnished with measure and taste, in which the guest feels him immediately attracted due to the sight offered by the open balconies. A large flowered garden crowned by noble palm-trees and kissed by the sun from dawn to sunset. An irresistible invitation to make a stop, to taste, in an atmosphere of rare splendor, a long tradition of elegance and prestige, in order to re-live the fascination of the culture, art and hospitability another time. We will not stop but continue on our journey for the town of Paola but other surrounding towns of Cittadella del Capo part of Bonifati that are worth exploring is Sangineto Lido, Cetaro and Guardia Piemontese.
I must mention Guardia Piemontese “Lungomare” is famous for its mineral curative waters used for both drinking and bathing, inhalations etc...Useful also in the treatment of neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism, skin diseases and gynecological problems. Don’t be surprised when stopping here for a coffee that people will share their stories of the miracle cure experience in Guardia. You can not imagine how many people from all over Europe come to cure their illness in the renowned “Terme Luigiane” forming of three warm springs and three cold springs the latter are salty-sulphurous and ferruginous. The therapeutic Season runs from May to October…. an absolute site to see!
Who would have thought in a small town one can find both Love and Miracles “Lungomare” in Calabria the South of Italy. Well, we are going to stop at the Marina di Fuscaldo for some fresh fish and a floating bottle of wine before continuing any further.
;)
Ci Sentiamo presto
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/157-lungomare-calabria-part-10.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 9 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/153-lungomare-calabria-part-9.html Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:33:22 GMT :)Lungomare: Calabria Part 9 It’s our last day in the town called “Belvedere” and in Italian it means “beautiful to see” and this welcoming ,... :)Lungomare: Calabria Part 9


It’s our last day in the town called “Belvedere” and in Italian it means “beautiful to see” and this welcoming , sun drenched sea resort on the coast of Calabria “Lungomare” lives up to its name. The palm trees that overlook Belvedere’s main piazza testify to its gorgeous Mediterranean climate. Lets sit down relax inhale the fresh air and soak in the sun while most of the Northerners in Italy shiver. Calabria is at the heart of what Italians call the “Mezzogiorno” (midday) because Calabria basks in almost year-long sunshine, with average temperatures of nearly 30 C.

As a real estate broker and land developer in Calabria, I never fail to bring my guests during site inspections trips to see this charming town of Belvedere. Even when I not showing properties here, I always find the time to bring my foreign guests for a visit to Belvedere. It’s not like other coastal towns and one appealing feature is that because most residents here are local Italians, Belvedere is a vibrant town all year round. It does not suffer in the way some resorts elsewhere do, where the abundance of foreign-owned holiday homes means that out of peak season they become near-deserted ghost towns. The lovely new homes being built on the hill tops overlooking the sea is an indication of how many foreigners have fallen in love with Belvedere while the demand for more new homes continues to grow. The region has a significantly lower cost of living than virtually anywhere else in Italy, meaning you get far more for your money here. That is amply reflected in the prices of property in Calabria in general and property in Belvedere in particular. Here is an example: a new two bedroom beach apartment in Belvedere, barely a two minute stroll from the inviting sea, can be picked up for just under 75,000 euros. However, the market for property in Calabria is buoyant, so you can rest assured that the value of your investment is well protected.


Belvedere Marittimo, is its full name, dates from the 11th century, when inhabitants of the area's lower-lying terrain fled to mountains inland to escape repeated pirate excursions. The area's beauty was a secret they were never going to keep for long and the obvious Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, medieval and baroque influences in the architecture all around testify to the succession of cultures drawn to its shores down the ages. Like many coastal resorts in Calabria, Belvedere is an enchanting mix of the ancient and modern. The modern is its marina, with its hotels, shops and restaurants. However, many locals will tell you the real Belvedere - Belvedere Paese - lies in the hills and mountains overlooking the sea. Leading away from the castle is a network of small, picturesque streets and alleyways, sure to thrill anyone who takes a delight exploring medieval towns. The streets are full of traders selling the ornate sculptures and ceramic art for which Belvedere is known. Then again, the town itself is a work of art, obvious in every baroque balcony, arch and doorway. It is here that you find the 16th century Norman castle that is the jewel in the town's architectural crown - believed to have been built on the site of a previously existing fort. Parts of the four gates in the wall that once surrounded the medieval town still exist. Of interest to nature lovers will be the fact that Belvedere sits on the edge of the National Pollino Park, the largest in all Italy. Additionally, the town is within easy reach for foreigners as Lamezia Terme international airport is less than an hour's drive away down the SS18 highway “Lungomare“.

In the last few years the Calabrian Government has increased its spending on the Tourist Trade. I have encountered many foreign travelers in the region, the majority when asked if this was their first visit too Italy? Respond by saying no ..we have been to the north but we wanted to explore Calabria.

Calabria has always been the hidden secret of Italy but don’t be surprised when lying on the many beaches or discovering all these charming little towns hidden in the mountains and valleys that you will meet many northern Italians who escape from Rome, Florence, and Venice into their own vacation villas in Calabria.
I figure like me … the first time travelers who have had enough of the northern Italian commercial tourist traps eventually end up in Calabria. From my real estate experience here these days, it is thousands of Italians from across the country and the world who flock here for their holidays, drawn by the almost constant sunshine and nine miles of sandy, unspoilt beaches. Yet Belvedere and the region of Calabria still remains gloriously undiscovered by mass tourism, giving it a number of advantages to foreigners lucky enough to venture here either for a holiday and those who have enjoy it so much they end up staying here forever!

Well... Our antipasto has just arrived …“Piselli alla Calabrese” Calabrian style peas sautéed in little olive oil with onions, and some small thin dices of pancetta with a touch of Pecorino cheese. “More wine please” as our journey “Lungomare” in Calabria continues….

Ci Sentiamo presto
Salve
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/153-lungomare-calabria-part-9.html Lungomare: Calabria Part 8 http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/152-lungomare-calabria-part-8.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:44:10 GMT We have just arrived in the beautiful town of Belvedere Marittimo located south of Diamante Lungomare. The fantastic beaches around the town are... We have just arrived in the beautiful town of Belvedere Marittimo located south of Diamante Lungomare. The fantastic beaches around the town are being spared massive development as this picturesque marina town of Belvedere Marittimo has everything a commercial developer could ask for in respect to it’s natural surroundings and tourist amenities. The once many visiting tourists are now purchasing dream homes and moving in the area permanently. These new homes and elegant communities are now popping up a little further up in the hills along the coast line. Pictures of the these beautiful towns and the towns we will be viewing can be seen on my website [url]www.italysouth.org[/url] or by entering the name of the towns in your search engine followed by ext (.it) , there is also a large map of Calabria which you can follow as we head further south on the A3. I can tell you as a realtor that the real estate business has discovered the area. So don’t be alarmed when touring that you will encounter many English speaking people “Lungomare” who have purchased homes and have now made Calabria, Italy there permanent home.

We decided to have a late morning breakfast near the marina, that had a incredible view of the sea and the most amazing fleets of yachts and boats. It was at the marina we were greeted buy a yachtsman named Ottavio who invited us to a local eatery. One stereotype image of Americans in Italy, is that we tend to have hearty breakfasts in the morning compared to Italians in general. Well, your not alone in Calabria.

Calabrians also enjoy hearty breakfasts and its called a “frittata” is usually described as an open-faced omelet where the fillings are cooked inside (as opposed to a French omelets, where fillings are rolled inside thin egg pancakes). Frittatas are very common dishes to be served in the morning besides a typical croissant and coffee in Calabria. I also think of a frittata as a quiche without a crust. However you describe it, it requires eggs and whatever other ingredients you choose, cooked together in a sauté pan. In most regions, the "other" ingredients used in a frittata are vegetables, meat or seafood. I like frittata con pasta so much that back home I make pasta just for the purpose of including it in a frittata. In my favourite frittata you might find combining pastas, spicy sausage and red bell peppers. It's also great dish for lunch or brunch and can also be an appetizer or part of an antipasto buffet, here you will notice slices of a variety of frittatas displayed like sandwiches. Throughout Italy, and especially in southern regions like Calabria, homemakers create frittatas as a means of using up leftovers. I wish all leftovers could taste as good.

In the meantime, we really enjoyed our breakfast with the local fisherman Ottavio who had more stories to tell than the amount of fish he caught. I swear not even a hundred grandmothers peeling potatoes and cutting vegetables preparing a minestroni soup in a kitchen convent could match the story telling of Ottavio. Our open ears and patience were rewarded later in the day as he gave us an incredible tour of this Beautiful small town called Belvedere Marittimo which included centro storica, the ancient Argionio Castle and the famous big Crucfix seen in Santa Maria del Popolo Church.

Dear readers because I am limited to the amount of space on this blog and words can not describe how beautiful Belvedere is… Photos and history detailed info can be seen [url]http://www.belvederemarittimo.com/link56.htm[/url] and for those who are interested in more info on Beveldere Marittimo I recommend you go to [url]http://www.belvederemarittimo.com[/url]

Our Calabrian tour Lungomare will continue as we spend the night in Belvedere before heading south thru its neighboring towns of Cittadella del Capo, Cetraro, Guardia Piemontese and Fuscaldo eventually arriving at our next destination called Paola.

Salve
Ci Sentiamo presto
Frank Tarsitano
[url]www.italysouth.org[/url] ]]> frank tarsitano http://my.lifeinitaly.com/blogs/frank-tarsitano/152-lungomare-calabria-part-8.html