Why Calabria in Southern Italy?

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked: ‘Why Calabria in southern Italy?’

Followed by the next question: ‘Why would you want to leave amazing and beautiful Australia?’


Why Calabria?

Locals here are incredulous that I would ever want to leave my country, let alone live in Calabria.

To put things into perspective, my father was Calabrese (northern-Italian mother) and I grew up with many stories about a spectacular Calabria. Perhaps it’s an obvious choice even though I do love Australia, my country of birth.

I also have to mention that I think our politicians have ingeniously marketed Australia in such a way that many foreigners see this country as a utopia. A paradise where everything runs smoothly without any problems and one of the best countries in the world. Sure this is true to a point, but as with many countries including Italy, Australia has its good and bad points.


Travel

Having travelled for most of my life, I feel at home almost anywhere.

It doesn’t bother me whether I’m out in the middle of the Sahara Desert sleeping in a Bedouin tent, sailing in the Caribbean Sea, travelling for days deep into the Amazon, motor homing across European borders, or enduring an arduous ascent of a Chilean Volcano, I always feel at home.


Where is Calabria?

If you haven’t heard of Calabria then you really should make an effort to visit this untouched part of Italy, which is the toe of the boot.

Surrounded by the gorgeous Tyrrhenian Sea on its western shores and flanked by the sparkling Ionian Sea on its east, you are ensured of beautiful beaches on your visit.

This region only covers around 15,080 km2 and with a population of just under 2 million people, serenity can be achieved.

Calabria, Southern Italy, Europe

What else is there about Calabria?

But Calabria is not just about sand and beaches…

Chianalea, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Chianalea Shores, Reggio Calabria

…or its profound history, quaint sleepy villages, the Sila National Park, and the traditional Aperol Spritz in the summer – although not invented in Calabria.

Spritz, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Spritz Delight

This marvellous region in Italy is also about its passionate and hospitable people – not forgetting the incredibly scrumptious food.

Falerna, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Falerna Feast

Spending hours over an amazing ‘pranzo’ (lunch) lovingly prepared by a Calabrese until you’re too stuffed to move, is common practice, especially on a Sunday.

Most Calabrese have a patch of land somewhere or in their backyard. Growing fresh produce to preserve or to use straight from the garden in what can only be described as the freshest and most flavoursome of traditional dishes is commonplace in Calabria. But I digress…


Back to ‘why Calabria?’

Following the war, Italy lacked food and work, which forced many Italians to take the daunting step to seek work in other countries.

Timpone, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Saying goodbye

Some remained in their newfound country, whilst others eventually returned to Italy.

Timpone, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Timpone: Land of My Father

My father remained in Australia.

The trials and tribulations of arriving in a foreign land such as Australia in the 1950s are plentiful. After enduring a 40-day voyage at sea (sounds biblical), arriving in Australia without a word of English, without friends, and without a job, my father found work on building roads.

Imagine how hard it would have been in those days (or even today), pouring hot bitumen for roads under Australia’s scorching heat?

Over time and without help from anyone, he taught himself how to speak, read, and write English. Working and saving hard to buy land, he realised his dream in this new country and started farming for the Sydney markets.

Farming in Australia is not easy as we experience a lot of droughts and floods.

These are some of the harsh stories of reality that still resonate with me today, but also, these stories make me appreciate the Calabrese strength, courage, and resilience.

Although my father never had the opportunity to return to his beloved Italy, he longed for his children to visit his village, understand our heritage, and see the beauty of his Calabria, which his heart never left.

Altilia, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Altilia Vista

Nothing would have made him happier than to know that I’m here…

Altilia, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Streets of Altilia

These deep-seated stories inspired me to start travelling at a young age and finally to my father’s village in this beautiful Italian region.

Timpone, Calabria, southern Italy, Europe
Visiting the ruins of my father’s birthplace (Photo credit: Emma Prowse)

My time in Cosenza allowed me to connect with my heritage, improve on my forgotten Italian, and absorb the wonderful Calabrese culture, especially the food and is a gateway for me to visit my family’s villages to reconnect.


Photography and writing journey

As a travel photographer and writer, I love to inspire people to visit regions of our globe that are not so well known, such as Calabria.

Scalea, Calabria, Italy Europe
Scalea’s Old Town – Calabria

My work also includes street and documentary photography. Capturing the essence of a candid moment is my passion and strive for images that etch in people’s minds. I hope that you appreciate my photography as a true and sometimes raw representation of reality, to bring awareness of social conditions.

Don Khong, Laos, SE Asia
Don Khong Island, Laos

Although I picked up my first camera at age 10, it’s only during the last decade that I have devoted quality time to build a portfolio and my two websites. When working in my profession as a Technical Writer, my time is limited for creative ventures.

As well as digital, I still use old 35mm film cameras, so because the images are candid, I rarely use a flash. When necessary, some editing such as cropping, dust removal, or contrast adjustment is applied but I really don’t like post-production.

Why am I telling you this?


Photographic exhibition in Calabria

Whilst in Calabria and together with the Piano B – Event Project Management team, I had the fantastic opportunity of holding a solo exhibition: Image Earth Faces Photographic Exhibition in the delightful village of Cerisano, north of Cosenza. I am very grateful to the Mayor of Cerisano Lucio Di Gioia for supporting my work.

Palazzo Sersale, Cerisano, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Photo credit: Mark Del Greco

Take a peek at the elegant and stunning fourteenth-century Calabrese Palazzo Sersale venue – video credit: hallo bunny.

Following this exhibition, I was commissioned to capture the essence of the tiny village of Castrolibero, which is just 12 kilometres from Cosenza and then exhibit the photos.

A second photographic exhibition in Calabria

Everything was prepared but on the day of the exhibition and hanging my photos, the heavens opened and the continual rain cancelled the weekend event. The Chiesa Santa Maria della Stella does not have a roof but what an amazing space to exhibit.

The exhibition was pushed out but on returning to Australia for 6 weeks, borders closed and I was marooned for 3.5 years because of COVID-19. Returning to Calabria in July (2023) for several weeks, I will publish some new posts (eventually).


I hope that you check out this Image Earth Travel site for many more posts on Calabria, other musings of Italy, but also loads of posts from travels around the globe.

Don Khong, Laos, SE Asia
Don Khong Island, Laos

With a plethora of destinations in alluring Calabria to explore, write about, and photograph, stay tuned for more posts.

Please also pop over to my portfolio of 62-plus countries on my photography site – still many more countries to upload.

Leave me a comment on what you would like to read regarding Calabria, Italy, or another destination but remember, I only write about where I’ve visited.


Visit Nilla’s Photography for more global images. More posts on Italy.

Note: All photos by Nilla’s Photography unless otherwise mentioned. No part of this post was composed with the help of ChatGPT or AI.

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120 responses to “Why Calabria in Southern Italy?”

  1. Flis Marasco Avatar
    Flis Marasco

    Love your posts and photos. I visited my father’s home town of Soveria Mannelli in 2005. Only there one day due to train times. Since my father’s family immigrated to the USA in 1913 I could not make a connection with anyone in the town . Also our family name of Marasco is very common there and in the nearby towns like Colosimi. Just wondering if you have ever visited that town. Would love to have your view of local history and photos. Etc. Oh I had a really great experience of living at Scarborough Beach near Perth WA for 4 years. Lover traveling there to the north south and east. And of course the red center by train.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Flis!
      I haven’t been to any of those towns yet as I’m still trying to find out more about where my relatives were/are.
      Loads of posts on Calabria if you want to see more of photos and read more
      There’s so much local history here that sometimes it can be overwhelming and each village, city, town, and region has a plethora of stories – locals love to share their history with anyone that will listen. Check out my Historic Walk in Cosenza and the restorations work of manuscripts and medieval books that’s done in Cosenza – I’m sure you’ll find these 2 posts interesting.

      My partner’s son used to live around that area in Perth – our house is near Brisbane. I’ve not been to the red centre yet. Sounds as though you’ve travelled a bit… 😉

  2. Elio Avatar
    Elio

    Hi and thanks Nilla for your most recent post on revisiting your father’s house and Calabria in general. It resonated immensely with me. My father and mother also immigrated from Italy to Canada after the second world war. Both have recently passed away and I am in the midst of planning my own adventure to rediscover Italy, my roots and hopefully find a semi-permanent home. I have been a few times but only as a vacationer. This time, it is most likely be for good and I’m grateful for your own commentary and viewpoint on different places and towns which provide an “off the beaten path” view of an area. Will follow your travels here!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Elio,
      Many thanks for taking the time to provide me with feedback but also sharing your story. I try to always represent an honest and objective view in my articles so that my readers know what can happen, whether good or bad. I don’t believe in sugar-coating words.

      So many people immigrated from Italy after WWII, especially from Calabria as of course, there wasn’t any food here – Italians left their home and security for the unknown.

      Good luck with your move and let me know how it goes.

      Cheers,
      Nilla

  3. Nancy (Franchino) Avatar
    Nancy (Franchino)

    I just discovered your blog. My ancestors came from Montegiordano in Cosenza, Calabria. I hope to be able to visit where they came from one day! I often wonder if I have any relatives still there! I look forward to reading about your travels!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Nancy! Many thanks for stopping by and leaving me your comment – much appreciated.

      It’s amazing the number of relatives I’ve met coming out of the woodworks since living in Cosenza. I haven’t visited Montegiordano and still have many areas of Calabria but also Italy to explore. Hope you make it to your ancestral village soon.

      I publish an article every week with free travel tips and at the moment finishing writing about travels in South America from 2011. Thanks again, Nilla

  4. Lydia Avatar

    My mother’s family is from Soverato, in Calabria, I have been there many times. I absolutely love it there, the beachs, the people , and the food is to die for. At night the lights from the little towns in the surrounding mountains make for spectacular photos. I could live there!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Lydia, many thanks for sharing your family history and also thoughts on Calabria.
      Hope that you can live here one day or at least get to visit soon. 😉

  5. writingroma Avatar

    Good one. I continually heard similar questions when I landed by ferry in Palermo one February. I know Calabria a little bit. I spent time with friends who lived in mountains around Lagonegro in Basilicata and we visited the coast. Calabria and its people are unique.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi, many thanks for leaving me your thoughts.
      It sounds as if you had a good time whilst in southern Italy and Calabria, albeit an interesting time.

  6. Devi T. Avatar

    great blog! Would really appreciate it if you checked out my budding blog:https://devilanshi.wordpress.com/

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for visiting my blog and happy you liked this post.
      I’ve visited your blog and left a comment. 😉

  7. The Strong Traveller Avatar

    This is so wonderful! 🙂

    Hope you’d love to visit us as well, at https://thestrongtraveller.com.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for your comment.
      I’ve checked out your cool blog. 🙂

  8. Mohamad Toutounji Avatar

    Wonderful post
    I actually googled Calabria and i really got interested in this part of Italy
    I actually like Italy

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Excellent! Not many travellers come to southern Italy and typically bypass Calabria to travel directly to Sicily.
      Have you been to Italy?

  9. Alenka Mali Avatar

    I love Italy” Enjoy your time there.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Alenka, it’s a wonderful country!
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving me a comment.

  10. Sabutus Avatar

    Great blog. My parents were Calabresi. Best part of Italy 😀

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for your great feedback!
      It’s a wonderful region of Italy and still relatively undiscovered by tourists – a local’s secret. 😉

  11. carlopavan Avatar

    Awesome region! And great food <3

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Certainly is and many thanks for sharing your thoughts here…

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Many thanks for the re-blog China.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you China.

  12. lorraineanne Avatar

    great piece thanks for sharing! if you have a chance id really appreciate if you could check out my music/ art blog https://thehighsnlows.com itd mean a lot thanks!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Lorraine and glad you like this post!
      Just popped over to your blog – your drawings are lovely.

      1. lorraineanne Avatar

        thank you so much! much appreciated 🙂

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        You’re very welcome and thank you for stopping by… 🙂

  13. TASK1 Avatar

    You have succeeded in inspiring me to visit that region of Italy! Thank you!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Tony for leaving me such kind feedback and glad my post inspired you to visit Calabria. 😉

  14. Delana Avatar

    Moving post! I enjoyed your family connection and that your love of travel was inspired by the sacrifices and hopes of your family connection. You’ve completed a circle and are happy so why not Calabria? Keep discovering!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and happy that you enjoyed this post.
      Will keep discovering until I no longer can. 😉
      Just tried to leave you a comment on Crete but unable to as your comments may be turned off (unless that’s intentional).

  15. Lydia Y Avatar

    Really beautiful photos taken in Italy and Laos Nilla. I am here in Thakhek in Laos now, and its really powerful to capture great photos that can cause people to think more and understand the lives of people in a completely different part of the world from them.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Lydia!
      Thank you for the kind feedback and many thanks for sharing your thoughts.
      Lucky you, in Thakhek at the moment – loved this spectacular region of Laos.
      More people should travel to hopefully open their eyes.

  16. Martina Korkmaz Avatar

    Loved this post. As a photographer living in Italy, I’m
    curious to know where you had your photographs printed. I’m looking for a reputable place but don’t really have other photographer friends here to ask. I would be grateful to know.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Martina, thank you for your feedback.
      For the Cerisano exhibition, Cosimo from Spot Channel in Rende printed my work on Forex board. I didn’t pay for this so Erika from Piano B – Project Management organised the printing.
      The other lab I use in Cosenza is Lab Digital Color.
      Hope this helps but of course, it depends on where you are in Italy.

  17. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Wow looks incredible!! Thanks for sharing your story!!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Liz, many thanks for your great feedback and glad you liked my story.
      I’ve published many more posts on Italy but especially Calabria if you feel like reading more…

  18. bigworldawaits Avatar

    Hello! I really like this blog. I just started blogging. The link is

    https://bigworldawaits.travel.blog

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi, thanks I’ll check your blog out.

  19. fanuel Avatar
    fanuel

    Lovely reading about Calabria! Originally from Italy myself I moved to Australia a few years ago but I still feel the pull back to my mother land. We’re going to visit Calabria, among other regions, in our upcoming trip to southern Italy. I can’t wait!!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi, many thanks for leaving me your thoughts.
      Yes, Italy does get under your skin, even if I wasn’t born here…
      When are you in Calabria and where will you visit?

  20. traveldoneclever Avatar

    Lovely post sweetie 🙂 We have never been to Calabria, but Italy is definitely one of our favourite countries in the world! We love off-the-beaten places and trip to southern Italy sound like an excellent idea 🙂

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me and yes, you’ll have to head down to the deep sounds next time you’re in Italy. 😉

      1. traveldoneclever Avatar

        We are off to explore Rome in May, but might come back to the south in September 🙂

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Hi, for some strange reason your comment was in my Trash folder – weird.

        Sounds excellent and hope you enjoy your trip – here’s some tips on 8 Great Free Sights in Rome you may want to check out. You’ll have to venture down here soon… 😉

  21. Joey Blue Avatar

    Really cool post, my family originally came from the hills/mountains of Calabria.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Joey, thank you for your feedback – where in Calabria?

      1. Joey Blue Avatar

        Pianopoli. Not a popular place but you might know it if you live in that region. I believe the name is even Italian or Latin for “quiet town.”

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Had to look it up as I’ve never heard of Pianopoli. I see it’s west of Lamezia.
        Thanks for the lesson and will have to stop by there when I next rent a car – public transport isn’t the best in Calabria.

      3. Joey Blue Avatar

        Haha yes. I hope you enjoy it. Maybe for oneof the festivals or feasts

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Of course, I’m sure I’ll catch one throughout the year – there’s always something on…

  22. theitalianguest Avatar

    Italy is pretty magical <3 Check out my blog! 🙂

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Yes it certainly is Enzo and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
      Checked out your cool blog but it’s a shame I can’t leave you a comment…

      1. theitalianguest Avatar

        you’re welcome! what’s your fav Italian city so far?? 😀
        p.s. What do you mean, I’m confused. Does it not work?

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        That’s a hard one as each time I visit a new city, it becomes my favourite. Just got back from 4 days in Sulmona in Abruzzo – wow, spectacular!
        No, I can’t leave you a comment, may be you have comments turned off?

      3. theitalianguest Avatar

        oh you do love italy to go back every time! So glad to hear it 😀 Abruzzo is a good region. Interesting you went for small cities! I believe sometimes they are real hidden treasures.
        p.s. wierd, have you tried to actually go my website and post a comment? I use wordpress.org which is different than wordpress.com

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        I live in southern Italy and although I don’t have a car here, I try and get to places by either bus or train.

        Yes, I tried to comment before and just tried again now for your Bologna post but there isn’t any comment area. Perhaps it’s turned off?
        My Image Earth Travel blog is WordPress.com but my Nilla’s Photography is self-hosted.

  23. map195 Avatar

    lovely post…outstanding

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for the great feedback!

  24. myquietnature Avatar

    It’s my first time to hear about this place. Thanks for telling us the charm of Calabria.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi, I’m happy that I’ve introduced to Calabria. I have many more posts on Calabria in my Italy destinations.
      Many thanks for taking the time to leave your comment.

  25. inese Avatar

    I saw the old house and recognized it from your previous blog posts 🙂 What a beautiful land!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      I didn’t take too many photos when I visited my dad’s old house. We were only there for 20 minutes as my cousin had a huge lunch waiting so we had to get back. It is beautiful here 😉

      1. inese Avatar

        It had imprinted in my memory because I loved is so much 🙂 Normally my memory isn’t that sharp 🙂

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Very impressive Inese. My memory isn’t great and the reason I write everything down. 😉

  26. Tb3 Avatar

    Loved reading this piece. I have family still residing in Cosenza so it struck a lovely chord with me. Thank you for sharing. -M xx

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for the lovely feedback.
      We should catch up for a coffee the next time you’re in Cosenza, Nilla x

  27. gillmorris Avatar

    I am so happy that you are where your father hailed from and I am sure, like you say, he would be happy that you are back in his homeland! You certainly are well travelled and I love reading about your stories, travels and getting to know you more. You are one of life’s true inspirations! 🙂 xxx

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Gill for such lovely feedback!

      What I really aspire to do is help people to get off the security couch and not be scared to explore new or unusual destinations.
      Still have too many places to see in the world… 🙂 xx

  28. Librarylady Avatar

    Very touching post – if only your father could see your blog. You are an amazing photographer, thanks for sharing.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for your kind feedback and I’m sure he would have been happy to read my many posts on Italy and Calabria.

  29. Italophilia Avatar

    Complimenti!! I feel like I know you a lot more than before. Your exhibit and story is simply amazing. I hope Calabria gets a lot of attention. It seems wonderful

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for the great feedback!
      I hope so to and have more posts coming out of Calabria in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned. 😉
      I visited your site today but it’s not displaying.

      1. Italophilia Avatar

        Oh is it so even now? Thanks for informing me.

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Just checked your site and today it’s displaying. 🙂

  30. ilonapulianauskaite Avatar

    I’m in love with picture🤗

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for your great feedback. 😉

  31. onemillionphotographs Avatar

    Great photos! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for the great feedback!

  32. Jean-Jacques @ Gypsy Café Avatar

    Lovely shots and great destinations!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for your comment – much appreciated.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Many thanks for the re-blog!

  33. Emma & Nathan’s Travels Avatar

    Enjoyed reading a bit about your family history 😊 hope you find a venue for your exhibition soon! As always, looking forward to your next post!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you, it’s just a snippet of my family’s background. I have to revisit the State Archives here in Cosenza to do more research on my father’s family. I wrote a post on the incredible unsung work that the State Archives does here in this city as just felt this needed to be told and many locals had no idea.

      I have to research my mother’s side, which is far more difficult and tumultuous as her family arrived to Australia as DPs in the early 1950s. Planning a trip to Rijeka (Croatia) to do some research but not sure where to start yet.

      1. Emma & Nathan’s Travels Avatar

        That sounds incredibly interesting! Is it something that you found interesting and close to you personally, that you felt an inclination/want to research?

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        I started doing a little research on my mother’s family back in 2009. As I was working full time in Australia, it was hard to get any information from anywhere.

        Over the years, I’ve done snippets of research here and there but nothing major. I paid for my mother’s family’s health records (39 pages) documented prior to their entry to Australia, which the Australian National Archives held.

        I’ve also emailed the International Tracing Services several times and have another query with them at the moment. As this organisation receives millions of requests each year, it can take up to 12 months to receive any information if at all, so it’s very time-consuming and very slow.

        It’s a personal interest as I would like to know what happened to my mother’s family prior to going to Australia. The family never spoke about their experience and if brought up, created all sorts of arguments. Each family member that dies takes a piece of our history with them and as remaining survivors won’t discuss this history, my only solution is to research everything myself.

  34. a mindful traveler Avatar

    This is great timing Nilla. I am on the lookout for a place to stay in Calabria later in the year when we head to Italy. Will be driving from Rome to Sicily and wanted to break the journey. Last time we stopped at Briatico, near Tropea. But seeing it will be winter was not sure if a costal spot would be recommended.
    I am looking at Pizzo or Maratea?? What do you suggest?

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi, lucky you going on a wonderful road trip!

      I’ve only been to Pizzo on a day trip, which is a lovely town – I still need to write about Pizzo in the coming weeks. I haven’t been to Maratea but do hear good feedback from locals about this town.
      Scalea is also lovely with friendly locals, which is south of Maratea. As it’s winter, it just depends on what accommodation is available to you but you should get good deals.

      1. a mindful traveler Avatar

        I’ll check out Scalea. Thanks Nilla. Look forward to reading more of your Calabria posts. X

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Both Pizzo and Scalea are great stops and it just depends on how far north you want to break up the trip.
        Pizzo isn’t a long drive from Sicily really and Scalea is almost a half-way point from Sicily, so a couple of choices, but not sure how long you want to drive for before you take a break.

        How long is your road trip for this time?

      3. a mindful traveler Avatar

        Yes. That’s what I’m in the middle of planning. We only wanted to stop one or two nights before we got to Sicily. I haven’t seen very much of Calabria before so I am thinking 2 nights at two different stops may be good allowing time to explore neighbouring towns of these stops.
        Lots of research, which is fun. 😊

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Sounds like a great idea and always fun researching new places. I’ve written around 47 posts on Italy and many on Calabria, which may help.
        If you decide to stop in Cosenza, we should catch up for a coffee/vino.

        For how long is your road trip?

      5. a mindful traveler Avatar

        Absolutely
        I’ll keep you posted.
        Will only be passing through from Rome to Sicily ( Vizzini) in December
        Will you be in Calabria? I’ll email you. 😊

      6. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        I’m in Cosenza right now, but have no idea where I’ll be in December.
        No problem at all, please do email me as it would be great to meet up. 🙂

      7. a mindful traveler Avatar

        Thanks Nilla. I sure will. Xx

      8. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        So many places in Calabria to check out and don’t forget the wonderful food (and wine).

  35. Jacqui Avatar
    Jacqui

    Wonderful to read, and yes, I’m sure your father would be thrilled to know you are here. We ( British born in London) are always quizzed as to why we would want to retire here (Belvedere Marritimo) and we try to explain that to us, this is paradise but they look incredulous and think we’re clearly nuts!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Jacqui, thank you for the great feedback.

      I shared this on a FaceBook expat site today and was hammered for writing this post as a positive experience. The young chap said that I was misleading people, telling half-truths, and that I don’t have any ethics, oh and accused me of having a big ego. Quite scathing comments on social media. I don’t mind constructive criticism whether good or bad, but unfounded and personal attacks on my character aren’t acceptable so I stopped responding.

      1. Suzanne Avatar

        WTF, sometimes I really dislike social media and especially FB!! Nilla, sorry to hear you had a bad experience!

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Each to their own. I suggested that if he hates Italy so much then perhaps this country isn’t for him.

        I’d love to get rid of my FB pages as it’s a waste of valuable time, but the consensus is to have a FB business page and without a profile page, you can’t have a business page. Anyway, onwards and upwards – I’ll keep writing my experiences whether good or bad.

  36. the eternal traveller Avatar

    Like so many who come to Australia as immigrants, your dad must have had amazing courage, determination and fortitude. Congratulations on your exhibitions.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Exactly, guess it’s also a hot topic around the world and even here in Italy.
      Thank you for your great feedback.

  37. Valerie Cullers Avatar

    Such a great post! Thanks for the photos and the personal history!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Valerie and happy you enjoyed this post.
      I’ve yet to research my mother’s side, which is much harder as she was from the north and I don’t have much information about her life in Italy.

      1. Valerie Cullers Avatar

        I love the north, my mom was from Milan, so I have only been in north and central Italy (nothing farther south than Rome).

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        I remember you mentioned in another comment that your mum was from Milan. I’m yet to revisit Milan as haven’t been there for decades.
        You need to return. 😉

      3. Valerie Cullers Avatar

        Yes, absolutely! Haven’t been there since 2016!

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Definitely time then for another visit. 😉

      5. Valerie Cullers Avatar

        🙂 <3 Italy!

  38. Tracey Bacic Avatar

    Thank you! I’ve never heard of Calabria. It looks gorgeous and how wonderful for you to connect so with your roots.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Many thanks for your comment Tracey.
      Calabria is not well known as a destination in Italy but has many wonderful places to visit.

    2. thecalabriandream Avatar

      Not long moved to Calabria, Scalea in fact. Loving it so far. Great to read other’s reasons and stories to live here. Loving the photos too.

      1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Hey…many thanks for sharing your experience of Calabria and happy that you’re enjoying this beautiful region.
        I’ve written a couple of posts on Scalea but many on Calabria and Italy that may help.

  39. Suzanne Avatar

    Nilla, it was lovely and interesting to read more about your family connections to Italy. Good luck in finding another venue for your exhibition.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thanks Suzanne and I need to get a shift on for a venue.

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