June is an amazing month generally. Back in Canada, the weather finally takes a turn and Canadians get to bask in the sun at last, shaking off the chill of the winter and dampness of spring. In Italy, especially here in the sunny south, the summer heat is in full force and almost every day offers clear skies and bright sunshine. We also had some occasions to celebrate in June including a visit from our favourite Toronto friend and my birthday, so I have several incredible dolce vita moments for which I am grateful this month.
Earlier in the month, to celebrate my second birthday in Italy (I could get used to this) we sauntered into the centro storico of Gallipoli to enjoy a seaside seafood meal at a restaurant overlooking the sea. The slowly setting sun cast some beautiful colours across the sky and from our table we admired strings of lights overhead the bustling patio adding ambience to an already impressive scene.
We enjoyed our meal and wine so close to the sea that we could hear the fish splashing in the water. A small black cat casually poked her head up from the rocks gazing up at the table next to us, hopeful that a rogue piece of calamari or fish might drop to the ground. With our long dinner complete and the sun descended, we decided to take advantage of the cooler evening to walk through the old town to find our favourite cafe where we sipped our coffee with a boozy tiramisu, my Italian version of a birthday cake.
With the heat escalating later in the month, we felt it was time to seek cool shelter at one of the many beach resorts dotting along the Ionian coast. One particularly hot day when there was no breeze to be felt in town, we found a small family-run lido and were soon laying on beach loungers under cover of large tan umbrellas. We relaxed, happy to be out of the sun, listening to the smooth sound of Bill Withers’ Lovely Day playing at the lido’s bar and the quiet cadence of the sea. There were no waves and the water was impeccably clear, as always. We spent the day toggling between our beach loungers and the refreshing coolness of the ocean. Through the turquoise water, we could walk forever and still see the pale sand beneath our feet.
After a day of lounging, now rejuvenated by the sun and salt water, we decided to take an evening stroll to watch yet another sunset. We found an apertivo bar and selected white chair swings that overlooked the town’s main beach so that we could watch the sunset in style (and with Prosecco). Swinging back and forth nestled in our chairs, we watched the sun dip behind hazy clouds and disappear, all while the town’s restaurants became alive with patrons for another warm night of social gatherings. Another fabulous month of living our dolce vita.