Vietri Sul Mare

I was able to cross another place off my wishlist with a couple of trips to Vietri. It's a seaside town that is known for the handmade ceramics that are made there. The Americans here often go to the beach in Vietri to walk along the sand and collect sea glass and pieces of ceramic tile. Unused ceramics are tossed into the sea, the water wears the edges smooth and they become very unique treasures for us non-natives.

The beauty of this town can be seen before you even get down the hill to the beach.

Once down the hill and on the beach you can enjoy the sights that surround you.

The boys enjoyed running from the water as well as looking for "treasure."

Some of the things we found in the sand

After we found treasure, dug in the sand, and had a picnic, we walked across the street to the "gelateria" and cooled off with some yummy gelato before making the trip home.

And though the day couldn't have gotten much better, I got to check out a hottie in a speedo!

Springtime Italian Style

Growing up in California I was able to see the changing seasons, the leaves changing colors and flowers blooming. Prior to coming here to Italy I was in Arizona for 10 years where there are really only 2 seasons, cool and hellfire hot. So I haven't been able to witness the beauty of changing seasons for a long time. Italy definitely has the beauty. All the blooming trees and vibrant colors made driving through town past all the trash piles much more bearable!

Pasqua (Easter) is big here. Tons of chocolate goodies and different types of pastries are made especially for the holiday. American chocolate eggs have nothing on the Italian version. They go big! These eggs range in price from about $20-$50 and most are filled with some kind of surprise on the inside. Puts our little Cadbury's to shame huh?

And what would Easter be without little baby chicks?? Well I guess Italians are more into chickens than the cute little fuzzy chicks we are all used to. Giant chocolate chicken anyone?