Happy 12th Blogiversary, Calabrisella Mia!

Calabrisella Mia is celebrating another blogiversary!

This year, my precious little creative space turns 12!

My blog continues to be my faithful companion, a sidekick, if you will, through all the changes and adventures that have taken place over the years!

It is the story of my life – an evolving diary of the search for myself, a search that I don’t know if I’ll ever fully complete, and I’m okay with that! I mean, that is the beauty of life, isn’t it? It’s about changing, discovering, being!

This year, I had planned to push myself even further out of my comfort zone – try new experiences, visit new places, and above all write about it! I started 2020 with a strong desire to just live more!

Who would have ever imagined that a pandemic would bring the world to its knees? I certainly didn’t!

In Italy, the coronavirus caused the country to go on lockdown – meaning we had to stay home isolated, only going out for essential needs. As a result, any trips I was starting to plan had to be put “on hold”. As we slowly enter “Phase 2” and begin reopening and co-existing with this virus, there’s no telling when we’ll be able to travel freely again.

And so I wait! And the list of places I desire to visit continues to grow. While I wait for that moment when I can get on a bus, train, or plane again, I’m taking a trip down memory lane.

So, for this blogiversary, I wanted to relive some special past destinations in Calabria that I’ve shared on my blog over the years.

In no particular order…

COSENZA – HOME SWEET HOME

calabrisella mia blogiversary

Cosenza’s history is rich thanks to the many different populations that have passed through this city and become interwoven into the culture of this city.

Cosenza is a special place for me. It’s the place I have called home for the past decade. This small city has grown and changed in recent years, much like I have. Even after all these years, there is still more to explore and see in this city. Here you’ll find old Italy blended into its modern city. There are always interesting events taking place. And given that it’s a small city, the people are friendly and welcoming.

SAN NICOLA ARCELLA – THE DOOR TO PARADISE

calabrisella mia blogiversary

San Nicola Arcella is one of those dream destinations that ignite your wanderlust and make you yearn to travel. However, this magical place is still relatively unknown to those from outside of Calabria. I was head over heels in love with San Nicola Arcella after a romantic sunset followed by an unforgettable night in a quiet piazza. But it was a peek at its true hidden gem – the Arco Magno that had me swooning and begging for more.

This natural arch leads to a hidden oasis. I have only glanced at it from above and since that day I’ve wanted to visit this hidden beach. It was on my list of places I absolutely need to see this year. Who knows, maybe this summer or early fall I’ll be able to wade in the waters of Arco Magno.

FIUMEFREDDO BRUZIO – A FAIRY TALE HAMLET

Fiumefreddo Bruzio

I love this medieval hamlet overlooking the infinite sea. It seems like you are walking through the pages of your favorite fairy tale. The history of one of Italy’s most beautiful hamlets is evident with every turn. Small winding alleyways twist and turn taking you to small squares and quaint corners. The castle perched at the top of the town gives you one of the most romantic views, especially at sunset as the sun slowly kisses the sea!

This list could easily go on and on…But for now, I’ll just leave you with this little taste!

There are no words to say how thankful I am for all of you that have taken the time to read, comment, or share my posts! I hope that I can someway inspire you to travel somewhere new, perhaps even Calabria!

I can’t wait to get back to discovering this region and sharing more incredible destinations with you! Don’t forget to follow me on Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram! I’m always sharing fun tips, pictures, and stories to make you fall in love with Calabria!

Stay safe everyone! Ce la faremo!

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Holly
May 20, 2020 at 4:19 am

Congratulations! 12 years is amazing!!
1. LuLu
  May 29, 2020 at 6:14 pm
  
  Thank you so much! 🙂
Image Earth Travel
May 12, 2020 at 10:56 am

Happy 12th blogiversary! Wow, 12 years!
Your photo of Cosenza brought back memories of our historic walk around Cosenza.
1. LuLu
  May 16, 2020 at 11:37 am
  
  Thanks so much, Nilla! 🙂
Lucy and Kelly
May 11, 2020 at 5:15 am

Happy 12th Blogiversary!! That’s amazing! Love your pictures! These places look magical! <3
Lucy and Kelly xx
http://www.theblossomtwins.com
1. LuLu
  May 11, 2020 at 12:57 pm
  
  Grazie mille, Lucy and Kelly! It’s strange going back and re-reading some of my earlier posts but it’s also so cool to see how my writing has changed.
Ishita Sood
May 8, 2020 at 2:06 pm

OMG 12!! Brava to you!! Congratulations! <3 This deserves a huge celebration.
I'm half way there. Hope I can last that long 😉 At times I feel so lost, I feel I'm writing to a void.
1. LuLu
  May 10, 2020 at 9:26 am
  
  Grazie mille! I’ve always treated my blog as my oasis, my creative outlet. There will always be someone who appreciates what you share.
Cristina
May 7, 2020 at 4:50 pm

Auguri!!! Wow 12 years is a great accomplishment-you are a preteen! I just had my 6th bloghiversario and it seems like time just flew by. I love reading about Calabria, one of the 6 Italian regions I have not been to. I had planned to visit in October, after attending a conference in Torino. I doubt the conference will still go ahead-just holding out a teensy bit of hope. For now I will have to travel ‘in pultrona’ to Calabria via your blog. Mannaggia-but we will all get through this. Have an extra glass of Prosecco for me to celebrate!
1. LuLu
  May 7, 2020 at 7:04 pm
  
  Thanks, Cristina!! It would be so great if you came to Calabria! Let’s stay positive, who knows how things are going to play out – it’s a bit frustrating especially when you have exciting plans! I’m glad I could at least give you a window into Calabria while we wait this out! I’ll definitely have some prosecco for you while I wait for that prosecco in person (hopefully soon!)
KareninCalabria
May 6, 2020 at 6:03 pm

Happy 12th blogiversary! That is some milestone! Great photos – I particularly like the tranquility of the Fiumefreddo Bruzio picture. And hang in there with these trying times. I know it must have been tough with such stringent rules in Italy. Hopefully, you’ll be exploring again soon.
1. LuLu
  May 6, 2020 at 9:24 pm
  
  Grazie, Karen! It’s been a difficult couple months but the resilience of Italians is quite inspiring. I can’t wait to get back to exploring all the places I want to see in Calabria – sooner than later and without the threat of this virus! Stay safe!
Rose Dancu
May 6, 2020 at 12:21 pm

Ciao Bella LuLu
It is good that you are safe! And yes, we will all make it through this terrible time. I have truly enjoyed your blog. Thank you for taking me home. I am an older woman (78). You make me feel young again. My parents, Francesco e Maria, were born in beautiful Platania, Italia in the hills of Calabria. You take me home each time I read your blog. Grazie.
Rosa DeFazio Dancu
1. LuLu
  May 6, 2020 at 9:22 pm
  
  Grazie mille, Rose! Your comment means so much to me. I’m so thankful that I can bring a bit of Calabria home to you! Platania seems very similar to the town my dad was born in. I really look forward to sharing some more beautiful villages and interesting sites in Calabria! A presto.
Ann Ciardullo
May 6, 2020 at 11:49 am

Happy 12th every time you post a different place in Calabria I can’t wait to get back there to explore and enjoy
1. LuLu
  May 6, 2020 at 9:18 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Ann! You wouldn’t believe the list of places I want to visit and write about. 🙂 You haven’t seen anything yet!