A Pleasant Stay

We had a great time in Sapri and nearby Villammare. This area is beautiful and, better still, undiscovered. It does get crowded in the summer and there are tourist camps near the beaches and holiday hotels. But in spring, the place is calm and quiet. It was so empty at our hotel that one night we returned from dinner to find the place completely empty. The manager had decided to go out with some friends. Luckily, he'd given us the key to the front door so we could let ourselves in. There we were, in a big hotel...alone. The only sound was the crashing of waves outside on the lonely, dark shore. We laughed about it, thinking that if we only knew some people we could invite them over for a great party.

One morning we took the train one stop south to Maratea, an upscale town with lovely homes built on the steep mountain overlooking the azure sea. While waiting for the bus to take us from the train station up to the historical center I walked over to gaze through wrought iron gates at an old villa and garden. Suddenly a man appeared at the front door. I waved and said Buon Giorno, feeling a bit embarrassed because I was almost trespassing. He came out and quickly cut a huge bunch of spring flowers, calla lilies, irises and another wild flower that I can't name. He presented me with the flowers completely surprising me. But, he was just being kind and could see that I liked his garden. After talking for a bit, he invited us in to see the home which was built by his grandfather in 1928. He took us into each room and up the marble staircase showing us the tiled floors, painted ceilings, family portraits and furniture from another era. It was wonderful. The garden area was very large and filled with roses and fruit trees. He also gave us two of the most beautiful lemons to take home with us. This man's kindness was genuine and touching. I hope someday we can return there and greet our friend, the man of the Villa Rosa.