Aperativo at Sunset

Guest Blogger: Michael Mammele

The Relais Blue is a four-star hotel on the coast of Sorrento, with a breathtaking view of Capri, Ischia, and the Bay of Naples. Last Sunday, I was lucky enough to dine there for an aperitivo- An aperitivo consisting of appetizers, drinks, and an out of this world sunset.

We sat on a large terrace with rows of white rattan arm-chairs with small tables in front of them. Our view was impeccable, accentuated by an infinity effect because there were no railings in front of us, just glass. We felt so close to the water, yet we could see far out beyond Sorrento and towards the sun.

I was blown away immediately. I struggled for fifteen minutes to take a half-decent panoramic picture, something I can never quite seem to master, yet no matter how badly I botched them, the pictures were stunning.

We each ordered an aperol spritz with oranges, and started with some fried calamari and burger sliders. Next came two small pasta dishes-one with zucchini and the other linguine with carbonara sauce. Upon learning that carbonara sauce was just eggs, melted Parmesan cheese, and bits of bacon, I became excited to try and make this at home, because even a simpleton like myself should be able to manage to do so.

Watching the sunset is something that I don't do enough of, and I’m convinced that on this night, we had to have had one of the best views in all of the world, it was truly that amazing. The descending sun painted the sky with an unreal peach color. Cruise ships and small sport boats all slowed down to take in the view. To the hotel employees, I’m sure it was nothing new, but to myself and the other guests, it was a sight that no picture or world-renowned artist could quite capture.

The view, the company, and the food were easily 5 out of 5 stars. Stevie Wonder played softly in the background, allowing for a calm and tranquil vibe, as all the guests looked out into the abyss. No matter where each of us came from, we were all in awe of the view.

From Skyscrapers to Lemon Groves – Easter in Campania

The start of new Amalfi memories

Winter in the USA was unusually mild this year and I kept busy with personal styling and writing about Italian Fashion. Luckily I made it back to Italy just in time for Easter.

This Easter was especially exciting because it was my first Easter in Italy. I celebrated part of the holiday vacation in Minori, a village on the Amalfi Coast. We began the festivities on Good Friday, honoring Jesus’ death.  All the lights in the town were turned off and nothing but fiery torches and glowing candles lined the streets. My cousin and I respected the Good Friday tradition and didn’t eat meat that day. 

By the end of the day we were gathered in the streets with the rest of the townspeople, watching the procession, eating and socializing. The streets were vivacious and full of people laughing and greeting each other. My cousin who is also named Valeria, decided to buy a hot dog (not very Italian of her). As she held the hotdog in her hand, mouth open, about to take a big bite, her husband sauntered over. When he saw the hotdog in her hand, his eyes grew wide and he shrieked, “What are you doing, it’s Holy Friday, and you’re not supposed to eat meat!” We had completely forgotten with all the excitement going on around us. Imagine! She had gone the entire day without eating meat and was about to break the “fast” a few hours before midnight! We looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

Good Friday procession in Minori Italy

As the procession of white hooded believers paraded the Virgin Mary and the body of Jesus through the streets of this seaside village, I couldn’t help but feel a pride for the tradition and culture. The band played and the prayers were said over a microphone for all of us to hear.

After the procession came Holy Saturday, a day for rest and time with family.

Finally Easter Sunday arrived and I spent the day with my boyfriend’s family in Salerno. The holiday lasted well into the evening. We ate too much, talked too much, and had a fabulous time.

I was even able to bring the tradition of the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt to Italy, where my seven year old cousin, Myriam, was thrilled to learn about the concept of candy hidden in plastic Easter eggs….and presents from a rabbit. 

The Easter festivities don’t stop at Easter Sunday, however. Monday is a national holiday as well, called “Pasquetta”. Pasquetta is usually spent in the mountains or by the sea, amongst family and friends, and is another excuse to eat, drink and laugh too much. I was in Paestum experiencing a full emersion into this Italian tradition. Paestum, a town on the Cilento Coast, over an hour south of the Amalfi Coast. Paestum is known for its farmland- especially artichokes, mozzarella, and livestock, as well as Ancient Greek Temples.

Paestum and the ruins of the Temple of Athena

A Pasquetta Rainbow in Paestum

Easter seemed to be just the thing that was needed to bring life back to the Amalfi Coast after a long winter.  With tourist season beginning, the locals are busy preparing the coast for a long and beautiful summer… full of exciting things to write about.