10 Things I've Learned in Scalea!

Time for a great post from our guest blogger Amie at Dimplebug! 

You’re probably reading this because you’re interested in travelling to a little town called Scalea. Or maybe you’ve heard of it and you want to know what it’s all about. I mean, it isn’t exactly one of the most ‘well known’ places in Italy. Whatever your reason, I’m here to help! I’ve visited this wonderful place many, many times over the years (seriously, I’ve lost count), so there’re a few things I’ve learned along the way. Without further adieu, here are 10 things I’ve learned in Scalea:

1. You Only Need One Drink to Fill Up on Snacks

If you fancy a snack, you only need one drink and you’re well away. Even better if you’re in a large group of people; everybody buys a drink and you have 6 or more different bowls of snacks to choose from. You can get some regular tasty peanuts or things a little more ‘out there’, like aubergine in brine-type stuff. Places like Bar La Playa do great snacks. Just be warned; you’ll probably think twice about having that big plate of pasta for dinner! 

2. Don’t Judge a Stray Dog By Its Cover

If there’s one thing that makes me sad, it’s the stray dogs you see roaming the streets. However, you must not let their scraggly appearance put you off giving them a little fuss. They are nearly always the most loving little things ever! Sure, you might get a few flea bites from petting them, but what’s a little itch to make a homeless dog happy for a while? If I ever bought a place out here it would be overrun with dogs (and I’m pretty sure I would be known as the crazy dog lady).

3. Italian Gelato Blows Regular Ice Cream Out of the Water

You haven’t had ice cream until you’ve had Italian gelato. It’s made differently to regular ice cream, or so I hear. My personal favourites are pistachio and hazelnut.

4. You Should Prepare to be Stared at

Italians have a slightly different culture to ours. They like to stare - a lot. Take it as a compliment! They think you’re interesting. Don’t be offended. They certainly don’t mean any harm by it! In fact, learn a little Italian and say hello. Even strike up a conversation. You’ll hone your language skills and make some authentic Italian buddies! Even if you have no idea what they’re saying, just smile and nod. They’ll love you!

5. Drink Your Wine Slowly

The wine over here is delicious; but lethal. Savour it and drink it slowly, because if you don’t you’ll be wonky eyed quicker than you can say ‘Jack Robinson’. It’s difficult, I won’t lie, what with it being so darned yummy. But if you value your dignity, it is imperative that you take your time. Most of it is homemade and unique to each restaurant!

6. All of the Eggs Are Happy

If I had to write a list of things that made me happy, happy eggs would definitely be in the top 10...dare I say it, even the top 5! What’s a happy egg? Eggs with vibrant yellow/orange yolks! None of that pale yellow business for me, thanks. If you love happy eggs too, or you’re just curious to know what one tastes like (hint: much better), then you better get down to the Interspar sharpish.

7. Italian Beer Rules All

I’m not a beer drinker, usually. I like vodka. I love a good glass of wine at social gatherings. I enjoy the odd cocktail on days ending in ‘Y’. But honestly? Italian beer rules all. I never drink beer back home because it just doesn’t do it for me. As soon as I tried a Peroni, I had a new favourite tipple.

8. They Take Their Pizza Seriously

Pizza fans rejoice; you can get pizzas as big as your head in just about every restaurant you visit. They are like flying saucers, literally. You can’t call yourself a true pizza connoisseur until you’ve had a real Italian pizza, stone baked and served fresh out of the oven. Toppings? Try the seafood, or even the sausage and chips - yep, chips on a pizza. It’ll change your life!

9. You’ll Wear Shorts, They’ll Wear Coats

I went to the Interspar one day for a spot of food shopping and wore shorts. It was a lovely temperature, and I was thoroughly enjoying getting some sun to my pins, feeling smug that all of my friends were getting caught in torrential rain. Picture the scene: I strutted through the entrance pushing my trolley, on the verge of an evil cackle as I pictured my friend’s back in miserable England, when I was met with a lot of staring (see point 4). That’s when I realised everybody was pretty much dressed for winter. I reassured myself that they’re just used to the climate, and continued to browse the aisles in what was seemingly my underwear in comparison. I won’t let it put me off though!

10. You’ll Love it

Yes, you’ll probably put on a few pounds thanks to all of the delicious, carb loaded (and sometimes cheese drenched) food. Yes, you’ll drink far too much wine and wake up with a raging hangover. Yes, you’ll get stared at. And my god, you’ll have to drive carefully. But when all's said and done, whether you’re enjoying a breakfast muffin and an Americano at Carmelo’s beach bar, Lido da Pietro, or reading the latest works of JoJo Moyes in the sun as you listen to the sound of the sea; I’m certain you’ll love Scalea - and Scalea will love you too.

Thanks Dimplebug for a great insight into our little piece of paradise here in Calabria!.....

I know just the man!

With more than 10 years experience behind me and, having lived among the locals, I have cultivated many relationships with local business in an attempt to offer a complete service for clients. 

I’m pleased to say I’ve found some excellent tradesmen along the way. I’ve also had plenty of heartache as well. The best stories are always the bad ones and believe me I had my fair share. If you see me in Bar La Playa, Lido da Pietro or Bar Dolce Isola, buy me a G&T and maybe I’ll tell you a few tales of woe. However, in this particular blog I’m going to tell you about some of the good guys here.

If you want a top class builder then I have met no better than Scalea’s Giuseppe Scarfone. Giuseppe understands there’s a cultural difference and expectation with non Italian clients. Many of the other builders just don’t get it and struggle to grasp that “the customer is always right”. The quality of Giuseppe’s workmanship is top drawer and we have a great catalogue of his masterpieces.

I get involved with renovation projects and I love it. To see a pile of rubble turn into a beautiful period piece is something to treasure. It’s one of my favourite parts of the job. Italy is famous for a few things and red tape (I bet you thought I was going to say something else) is something they could win Olympic gold medals for, if ever there was such an event. 

To smooth the way you need a good technician. Please step forward architect Sergio Bloise. Sergio qualified at the University of Rome and spent a few years working in the capital. Yes, I know, we all shed a tear for Sergio working in such shabby surroundings. Anyway, Sergio has great taste and will dig deep into the history of buildings to recreate the glorious years past. Sergio also understands the system and will manage your project with precision to ensure you get the best possible results.

Need documents updating, property valuation or property certificates? Look no further than Massimo Panico. Massimo is a top rated geometra (engineer/surveyor).  Someone who is at the forefront of Italian building laws and regulations. Italian governments have a habit of changing building laws. Massimo has a wealth of knowledge and having him in your corner will ensure that you have no worries with property administration.

Talking of administration, bill paying can be very mysterious thing. If any of you have had the misfortune of dealing with local council offices then you’ll know what I mean. And don’t get me started with Enel (the electricity suppliers). To help understand IMU, TARES and Acquadotto etc we have Ivan de Luca to thank. Ivan speaks English among his many talents. His main claim to fame is diplomacy and managing bills that make no sense to unsuspecting foreign buyers and some Italians as well.

If you are considering buying then rest assured there is a team waiting to make your purchase a smooth experience - giving you complete peace of mind so you can enjoy owning a home in this wonderful part of Italy.

Strike now while your currency is hot .....

Over the last few months the €uro has suffered heavy losses against most of the world’s major currencies. 

For example the US$ and £GBP have enjoyed gains against the €uro since 2008. Comparing the exchange rate for these two currencies against the €uro just a year ago, if you are thinking of buying here in Italy, you would be saving 1,000’s. 

Look at these comparisons:- 

FEBRUARY 2014                     $ to €uro = $1.38                         £ to €uro = £0.84 

APRIL 2015                              $ to €uro = $1.08                         £ to €uro = £0.73 

On a budget of €50,000 in just over one year you’d save $12,500 or £6,000 that’s a massive saving. 

Now as it happens I have several bargains for sale, so if you can get yourselves over to Calabria in the next couple of months I’ll help turn those dreams of owning a property in a beautiful sun kissed country into a reality. Now I can’t be fairer than that, can I?

Here’s one of the many bargains below. 

Click on the link for more details :- Two Bed Apartment with Gardens and Stunning Views

A Busy January

12 January 2015 on the beach at Lido da Pietro, Scalea

January is usually quiet with most people recovering from Christmas and New Year celebrations. Notoriously a slow month for business and new clients, it gives me a chance to catch up on administration duties and such like. The part of the job I don’t like.

Throughout the year I have many emails from people who dream about owning a property abroad. Many of these emails will ask for more photos/information and although I always respond on an individual basis, I’m disappointed that many do not even reply. Even if it’s just to thank me for my time.

So, what a refreshing change this January has been. Only 2 weeks into the new year and I’ve already had three different clients visit. Clients from Los Angeles, Yorkshire and Scotland, none of whom had ever been to Calabria before. Not only were they impressed with the property viewing, but they’ve all committed to a return, having fallen in love with the area. Once they tasted the friendliness, food, wine and mild  Calabrian winter weather, it was a done deal. January isn’t finished just yet and I have Canadians and Brits out before the end of the month.

Scouring the internet looking for property is the first step on the way to owning a property. However if you’re really serious about buying a property abroad, then you must go and see the area. Check out what’s on offer and not only the property.

There’s so much more to a viewing trip than just viewing property.  

Centro Storico, Scalea 12/01/2015

Christmas in Scalea?

Try as I might I’m really struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

Yes we have Christmas decorations, trees, inflatable santas and shops decked out with their Christmas offers. But there’s still something lacking.

 I’ve been searching these last few days for what that missing ingredient is and must admit I’m at a loss. OK it’s December 13^th with just 12 days to go until the big fella in the red suit comes a calling. However Calabria in December just doesn’t feel like Christmas.

Maybe I need to travel North to see what it is we seem to be lacking for the festive period. The locals may be dressed in their puffa jackets, scarves and hats, but they do that in September!

Perhaps one of you will spot what it is? 

If so please post a response to put me out of my misery.

I have Irish friends arrived today. I was hoping to ask them to help unravel my problem. Unfortunately they’re on the beach basking in the beautiful sunshine.

No doubt they will be happy to find that tomorrow will be warmer. So much for the dolce vita.

Il Corsaro

Over the coming months I am going to share the vast fountain of knowledge I have amassed over the last 10 years or so, living here in Scalea.

I know,I know, it’s just the sort of bloke I am. Forever giving and sharing. 
Has there ever been a Saint Tony?

First on my list is one of the most popular restaurants in Scalea, Il Corsaro. 
A family run eatery with both a pizza and restaurant menu. 

Owner and head pizza chef Gianluca, head waiter Cesare and the team will
ensure you’ll have a pleasant experience in typical Calabrese fashion. The food is 
consistently good quality for a great price. 

The table wine (red or white) is local and inexpensive and goes down well …. Too well sometimes. If beer is your poison, then either Peroni/Nastro bottled or draught beer is available. 

This restaurant is not only popular with tourists, but very popular among the locals as well. 

My personal favourites here include tuna pizza, penne pasta with pancetta and a creamy sauce (my mouth is watering just writing that) and chicken in breadcrumbs covered with a cheese and tomato sauce. 

The finishing touch can be added by a lemon sponge cake. You will thank me after, believe me.

You can find Il Corsaro on Corso Mediterraneo as you enter Scalea from San Nicola just before the traffic lights on the left. You’ll find me here most Sunday evenings, but don't let that put you off.

Il Corsaro Map

Parking charges are back in Scalea

Parking charges had been suspended up until recently.
If you're visiting Scalea this year please be aware that parking charges apply where there is a blue marked bay.