Calabrisella Mia

A perfect Italian day? Well, that could mean different things to different people.

But when I think back to the countless days I’ve spent here in Italy, the “perfect” days have always ended up being days that you just couldn’t plan. They are full of random spontaneous moments that swoop you around from one memorable story to another.

And thankfully, Italy seems to be one of those places where it’s almost guaranteed that something random and wonderful will happen. But, we can’t always wake up hoping for one of those days. You see, we also have an important role in bringing these perfect days into fruition.

It’s all a matter of perception!  You can make the most of just about any day with the right attitude and some of the simplest things.

Springtime is glorious, especially in southern Italy.

Unlatch the hinge of the floor to ceiling wooden shutters and welcome this perfect day, Swing those  shutters wide open, both arms stretched out, embracing this magnificent day and allowing the bright morning sun to wash over you.

Head to the local bar and kick start your morning. The rush of caffeine along with the buzzing of locals catching up on the latest gossip, two businessmen arguing over who is offering the coffee this morning as they pass a 10 euro back and forth each affirming how offended they will be if they don’t accept the offer. The soundtrack of the bar is like no other – the clink and clank of small tiny silver spoons on saucers, the clicks and whir of the barista as he flawless prepares the flow of orders as they trickle in.  The effortless dance as that same barista swirls around presenting you with a tiny cup of adrenaline that will keep you going regardless of what the day has in store.

Spring weather is lovely, just warm enough that you don’t need to weigh yourself down with scarves hats and heavy sweaters. Instead you grab your sunglasses and walk along the lively buzzing streets. Children shuffling around a small courtyard playing football, a group of teenagers laughing or listening to music on their mobile phones, young lovers tucked away in secluded corners stealing kisses embracing each other tightly that they almost seem to become one.

Depending on the time of day, you can smell the fresh cornetti or pizza wafting out of the numerous cafes and restaurants along the way.

The sun shines bright, your surrounded by blue skies, the absence of clouds letting you to feel the warmth of the sun caress your face, cheeks and whole body.

You aren’t the only one enjoying this magnificent day. A group of old men sitting on a bench in the local square, dressed to the nines with a perfectly pressed button up shirt, regardless of the season. As you draw closer you can here them passionately discussing their ideas on football, politics or whatever is splashed on the front cover of their morning paper. The Italians exude passion in everything they do and analyzing the results of last’s night game rank high on the list today.

The day slowly turns to evening, and you are thankful for the longer days. As you wander around the city, no cares or worries, you hear a familiar voice – “ehi”. You’ve bumped into some friends, and after exchanges of ciaos and baci, you decide an aperitivo would be perfect.

Sitting on a patio, with the hustle and bustle of the city surrounding you, the Italian chatter of your friends and the perfect spot to watch the scenes unfold – just like that one movie you’ve seen a hundred times, but it doesn’t matter because you’d watch it a hundred more.

You sip your Aperol spritz, it’s colour as vibrant as its taste – which fits perfect with the animated conversations that float in and out as people pass by.  What is it about the Italian language that is so mesmerizing?

The evening is slowly slipping to night, but you aren’t ready to bid adieu to this perfect day – perhaps you make your way to another restaurant or cocktail lounge. Or maybe, you get in the car and head to the seaside to catch the last glimpse of this perfect day as the sun sets leaving you humbled and thankful that life can be so magical!

A perfect day in Italy doesn’t have to be extravagant. There is so much perfection in every second of the day that if you let yourself take the time and absorb the surroundings, you’ll see that any day can be a perfect day if you embrace it with the right attitude.

Thanks once again  to our wonderful  Dolce Vita Blogger hosts – Kelly of Italian At Heart, Jasmine of Questa Dolce Vita and Kristie of Mamma Prada for organizing this great link up!

If you haven’t already read my past contributions to the Dolce Vita Blogger Link Up, you can find them here!

And, don’t forget, you can check out the other bloggers taking part in this month’s blog link up by clicking on the image below!

What is your idea of a perfect Italian day? Share your ideas with me in the comments below!