I’m Olivia, a 30 something English Teacher who lives in a corner of Calabria.
I originally came here by accident, stumbling across a job advert on the internet and being intrigued by a place which yields relatively little in a Google search. I packed an oversized backpack and came for a year. That was in 2009. I’m still here, married to a lovely Calabrese and with a hyperactive toddler who keeps me on my toes!
It’s fair to say that I fell in love with Italy but above all with Calabria so this blog is to celebrate all things Italian, from the must-see corners of Calabria to nonna’s secret recipes. Through my scribblings I hope that someone could be inspired to come and pay this beautiful part of the world a visit.
Ciao, Olivia. I also ended up in Calabria “per caso,” and spent 4 years in Locri and Reggio. Now, I visit often – it gets under your skin. Best wishes!
It certainly does! Thanks for taking the time to leave me a message. Ciao!
Hi Olivia!
Congrats on your baby! I too, came to Calabria, and am on Year 8! I live near RC and run La Villa Segreta. Where abouts are you??
Ashley
Hi Ashley, thanks for getting in touch. I’m also in year 8, I need to update this page, I’ve been here since 2009 and live in Palmi so not too far from you. Just looked at your website. Your place looks lovely.
Stop by anytime!!
What a pleasure to discover your blog! I have started one too about calabrian culture and italian language. I am currently considering if I could continue to write it both in english and italian or if it` s better to give up on english and focus on my native language. I`m not confident enough that my texts are free of mistakes! You have been a fantastic teacher but I need to improve my english writing skills!
Keep writing in both, it’s amazing that you can. I just looked at your blog and it’s great. Let’s go for a coffee soon and see if there’s a way I can help you proof read x
Great! Thank you. 😊