The sun and the hills at the Italian Riviera lightened my mind and gave us some time to enjoy the moment as a family. We were thankful for the invitation of our friends, to come and visit their holiday home this spring time. After an early flight to Nice, we drove along the coastline motorway to find this sleepy little village in Italy. One of those places where the time seems to have no big meaning and the historical walls of the houses are standing so wise, having seen so many secrets.
It was not very hot yet, somewhere around +20 celsius! Our brave children were swimming so much at the pool and we had some great evenings by the barbecue, celebrating the friendship and even one birthday. The neighbors from the top of the hill came for a visit and it was nice to listen one more story of a Dutch family who found a piece of their dream from Italy. Earlier that day our men were helping them to build over 100 meter long fence to keep the wild pigs away from their yard. The physical work was rewarding. I think many people miss a bit this sort of challenge of using the body and mind to create something practical. Doing tasks outdoors can be like finding our inner child again and give different boost to our self confidence. The human beings are made for moving and staying healthy means challenging yourself every day a little bit.
I was walking the narrow, serpentine road down to the village a couple of times with my friend to get some fresh bread from the bakery early in the morning. The locals were bringing their kids from high hills to the bus stop in the valley with their small cars and waving for us. When we first time drove up the hill with our car, it felt a bit scary and we hoped not to face another car coming down, but you fast get used to the hight and the locals know how to give some space when passing.
We spent a quiet afternoon in a little village of Dolceacqua in the province of Imperia. Such a postcard view of historical houses by the river and between the hills. It was wonderful to walk in the small alleys surrounded by the richness of details and history. A little bit sleepy, filtered light of spring and awakening new season. For us the best time to visit Italy: not too hot and without too much tourists.
Hardly anybody walking, just our little family wondering. It must be quite a place in the dark hours, just little light sparkling from wall to wall and the sound of your shoes balancing on the ancient stones.
Bordighera
The coastline of Italian Riviera is full of interesting locations to visit. We spent our week near Ventimiglia between Monaco and San Remo. One day we drove to the stony beach in Bordighera and had a great lunch, the best during our holiday, at the restaurant Ristorante Romolo Amarea
Sandy beaches have their own charm, but I am fascinated of the round stones, created by the forces of waves. At every beach I visit, I'll walk around and choose a couple of treasures to take with me to home.
We stayed quite near the French border in the area of Liguria on our holiday, but as you can see from the map, the Italian Riviera is quite long, there is so much to see.
We had our last dinner with our friends with this pretty view (photo below)at the restaurant La Rampa in Dolceacqua. We had a simple, very Italian dinner with crispy pizza's and delicate pasta. Not the best during our stay, but in a very authentic atmosphere. The streetlights were on and the last sunlight just before the sunset created some extra magic.
Arrivederci bella Italia!
Thank you for the inspiration and the possibility to enjoy the moment and forget everything just for one week.
To be able to function and take care of ourselves, we also need something else to focus on. I've been practising yoga & pilates and trying to get my Dutch language certificate (Netherlands as second language). I've runned a lot this winter. My oldest child might soon move abroad, that's also a mental challenge for our family. Learning how to let go or "hold differently", like our wise friend said.
