5 Things I Love About Living in Davoli

We've been in Davoli for about three months, and now that the dust has settled, I can appreciate my life here.

My friend Dora asked me the other day, "do you ever get bored?"

I laughed. No. I do not get bored. If anything, I need more hours in the day!

Still, living in Davoli is a far cry from my life in San Diego, or even in Soverato. Frankly, I'm surprised at how well I've taken to small-town life.

Here are a few of the things that have my heart.

1. (Almost) Everything I Need is Here

When I found out that the esthetician and the hair stylist come to the house to provide their services, my head exploded. You mean I wouldn't have to drive down the mountain to Soverato, find parking, and wait my turn?

Damn.

My nail girl is two steps away from our new house. Which is mighty convenient when I mess up my appointment time and arrive an hour early. I can just go back home and wait for my real appointment.

2. Things are Cheaper

Things in Calabria (and Italy in general) are much cheaper than in the U.S. In Davoli, they're even cheaper than they were in Soverato.

Here's what I pay:

• Eyebrow and lip wax: €4

• Haircut: €15

• Gel manicure: €15

• Beer: under €2

• Aperol Spritz: €4

3. There's Family to Hang Out With

I spend a lot more time with Fra's family now that we're here. When I have a free morning, I'll ride down to the beach with them and spend a few hours swimming and sunning. If I don't have anything to cook at home or just want their company, I'm always invited for lunch. And we usually eat dinner with them one or two times a week.

I also visit our aunts for coffee when I can.

4. The Summer is a Blast

We're about to hit the busy part of the summer when there's one feste after another. People who grew up here, or who have family from here, and who have inherited houses, are arriving from Milan and America. There's always someone to greet in the piazza.

This weekend is the feste di San Vittore. The street near our house is closed off and will be filled with people eating salsiccia and dancing to tarantella. I'm happy we live close so I can use the bathroom if need be! But I know the party will go on late, which will make sleeping impossible.

5. It Feels Safe

I didn't realize how important safety was to me until I moved to Calabria. As a single woman, I was always a little on edge when walking home after dark or when traveling. But since I've moved to Italy--and even more so here in Davoli--I feel 100% secure. I have zero fears of crime or violence.

When you know everyone in town, it's hard to imagine that anyone would want to hurt you. In fact, we frequently leave the key in the door when we're running a nearby errand! This is completely pazzo for anyone who lives in the States!

Sure, there are annoying things about living in a small town. Everyone knows your business. The single grocery store is expensive and rarely has what I need. But the generosity of the people and the utter tranquility of my life here more than make up for those things.