5 Things I Love About Living in Davoli in the Summer

When we moved to Davoli, the only regret I had was that we wouldn't live steps from the sea. I worried I wouldn't go to the beach a lot, since it would mean driving and parking.

Now that the summer is in full swing, I can say: no regrets. Here's what I'm loving.

1. It's (Relatively) Peaceful

I was in Soverato recently and just felt overwhelmed with the number of people out, not to mention the traffic. Yes, I know I've lived in giant cities with actual traffic problems, but now waiting in traffic for five minutes feels like too much!

Davoli, on the other hand, is above the fray. During the day, there's no one in town...because they're all at the beach! We have no boom-boom noise from the discoteca all night, nor drunken revelers buying pot at the vending machine below our house.

2. Getting Around is Easy

Fra has a Vespa (which he keeps promising to teach me to drive and doesn't!!), so when we want to descend from the mountain, it's a breeze. We whip past the line of cars waiting at the roundabout, and we always find parking. Zip zip!

Also, when it's really hot or we're feeling really lazy, we'll take the Vespa to his parents' house. They're only a five-minute walk, but it's uphill!

3. Everyone's Visiting Davoli

The south of Italy is interesting: in the period between the 1950s and 1970s, many Calabrians moved to the north because there were no work opportunities here.

Now, those people and their children spend their summers here. Many have inherited houses, so they always have a place to stay and a reason to come back.

Fra has grown up with kids who visited every summer, and now they come with their own northern children in tow. It's fun to spend a cool summer evening outside with a beer and listen to their stories.

My favorite visitor is ToTo l'Africano (that's what we call him). He's in his 70s, and is always barefoot! He was born here but has lived in South Africa since his 20s. But he's a walking publicity for Davoli. For three summers, he's told me how wonderful this town is, and now he's delighted to hear we've moved here!

4. There's Always Something to Do

My friend Dora asked if I get bored here. Ha! There's always something to do, and that includes summer events. The other night, one of the two bars had live music. There were at least 100 people there! Then there was karaoke at the other bar (something I don't love, but hey, Italians, knock yourself out). These are in addition to the five summer festivals. I honestly am too worn out from these events to venture to another town!

5. It's Cooler

It's usually at least five degrees cooler here in the mountains. And those few degrees can make a big difference. Especially at night. I sleep hot, so it's nice to have a mountain breeze coming in!

Davoli in summer has been wonderful. I'll have to keep those memories handy when we're bundled up in the winter and don't want to leave the house!