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BOOKS · January 17, 2021

Book Review | Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

I love a good romance story as much as the next hopeless romantic. Add in a setting on Capri and I'll be first in line to buy the book. That is exactly what happened with Sex and Vanity, the latest novel by the worldwide bestselling author Kevin Kwan. Of course, Kwan hardly needs an introduction. ...

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BOOKS · August 30, 2020

Book Review | Always Italy by Frances Mayes & Ondine Cohane

There's never been a moment quite like the present when we all need a way to hold the beauty of Italy in our hands. COVID-19 has changed the landscape of travel and left so many people canceling long-awaited vacations, destination weddings, and family holidays. Or maybe just left that dream of ...

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WRITING · September 10, 2016

Book Review | Only in Naples by Katherine Wilson

Given my passion for reading and great love of the Amalfi Coast, as soon as I saw the title of Katherine Wilson's book Only in Naples: Lessons in Food and Famiglia from my Italian Mother-in-Law I knew it would be a book I would enjoy. And I certainly did! With Katherine's engaging writing style and ...

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ciao-amalfi-summer-tips

TRAVEL · August 3, 2016

How to Enjoy Summer on the Amalfi Coast

August has arrived and with it the peak summer season on the Amalfi Coast. The beaches are crowded and colorful, the water is refreshing and the days perfect for heading to the beach. Whether you're packing your bag for a summer holiday on the Amalfi Coast or simply dreaming of your next getaway, ...

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Dream of Venice

WRITING · February 21, 2015

Book Review | Dream of Venice

Very few readers of Ciao Amalfi will know that the first spot I visited in Italy was Venice. After dreaming of traveling to Italy for years, my first big trip to Europe and to Italy took me to Venice - and only Venice. With just a side visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. (What did you expect ...

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Last Voyage of the Valentina by Santa Montefiore

WRITING · June 22, 2013

Summer Reads for Amalfi Coast Lovers

The summer has arrived and with it comes some much needed beach time with a great book. I hope your summer brings you travels to a warm and sunny destination ... perhaps even the Amalfi Coast! If you can't make it to the Amalfi Coast this summer, I've put together a list of books set on or about the ...

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WRITING · September 15, 2012

Book Review | InterRail by Alessandro Gallenzi

There is something inspiring in a train station. The coming, the going, the energy of the crowds or the sadness of an empty platform - everything adds to the air of possibility and adventure. And freedom, of course. It's all three of these that entice Francesco, a university student living outside ...

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WRITING · July 2, 2012

Book Review | Among the Cloud Dwellers by Giuliana Sica

Every life deserves a little magic. If you feel like yours is missing that little spark, then boy oh boy do I have the book for you! One of my favorite summer reads so far has been Among the Cloud Dwellers by Giuliana Sica (published by Gemelli Press). This book is a beautiful blend of romance, ...

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WRITING · February 20, 2012

Annual Reading Meme 2011

I’ve never been much for memes. While I enjoy reading them, and have even taken my turn at writing one, I’ve never felt like the questions related to my life in a way that made me want to return year after year. For the past few years, however, I’ve been keeping a reading journal where I note down ...

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WRITING · December 16, 2011

Book Review | Gelato Sisterhood on the Amalfi Shore by Chantal Kelly

The beautiful Amalfi Coast, travel stories, history, traditional Campania recipes and, of course, gelato – I think I fell in love with Chantal Kelly's book Gelato Sisterhood on the Amalfi Shore before I finished reading the back cover. It was a joy to dive into the story and join Chantal Kelly as ...

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WRITING · September 18, 2011

Book Review | Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor

A few years back now, my mother read Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother- Daughter Story by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor. I don't recall now just how it happened--chance, a recommendation, a gift--but I do know it was a treasure. As she read the story and shared about it with me, it became an ...

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WRITING · August 22, 2011

Book Review | The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore

I've just finished reading a delicious book, with a story so good that it lingers in my thoughts and I don't want to let it go. I picked up The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore on a whim in the Omaha airport last March, when my carry on was already loaded down with too many books. I had heard ...

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Ciao!

My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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The blue hour in Amalfi this evening. 💙 The blue hour in Amalfi this evening. 💙
Today is an unspeakably sad day for the Amalfi Coa Today is an unspeakably sad day for the Amalfi Coast after the tragic bus accident this morning in Ravello where Nicola Fusco, a young bus driver only 29 years old, lost his life. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause and I won’t share the upsetting details. The road to Ravello is currently closed and it’s not clear when it will reopen. Nicola was a kind, talented, and experienced driver—the third generation of drivers in his family—a family very close to ours. My husband has been a guide with all three generations and watched Nicola grow up. This is something that shouldn’t happen, shouldn’t ever happen, but it’s something we all fear here. Our hearts are with the Fusco family and to everyone who Nicola’s life touched. 🖤
It sounds like New Year’s Eve outside with firew It sounds like New Year’s Eve outside with fireworks and celebrations for the Naples soccer team wining the championship for the first time in 33 years. To say this is a big deal for the fans doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’ve been watching videos from Amalfi, Sorrento, Ischia and all around Campania. Here was a quiet moment in Atrani before the celebrations began. ⚽️
Requisite Vespa shot with a twist. Let the 6-month Requisite Vespa shot with a twist. Let the 6-month check-ups begin! 🏥

#breastcancersurvivor #breastcancer #tumorealseno
Finally a break in the rain today in Amalfi! Time Finally a break in the rain today in Amalfi! Time to stop and admire the rain puddles.
From my tiny home in the middle of Amalfi, you can From my tiny home in the middle of Amalfi, you can’t see the sea. Growing up in the Midwest and Florida and then spending 12 years with a sweeping view of the sea here from Scala, I’ve long been accustomed to watching the weather. A storm coming feels like danger while a storm passing by out at sea is exhilarating - close enough to capture the energy but not to cause harm. 

Since we moved down the mountain to Amalfi, the main thing I’ve missed is being able to watch the weather. When the weather turns stormy it’s a gamble on whether a break in the rain will last a few moments or long enough to take my favorite walk along the port, out and back each of the piers. While I don’t mind a walk in the rain, if the wind is blowing too strong for an umbrella, timing the break in the rain becomes more essential. 

This morning I woke early to rain pouring down, but before long there was a break. Would it be long enough? I checked the weather app on my phone to see the temperature and forecast. But, like water to a cormorant, I’ve always been a little bit impervious to numbers. Given the chance, my favorite forecast is by stepping outside. I opened the door and stuck my head out. Far above the seagulls were swirling around, their calls a reminder of just how close the sea is even when I can’t see it. As they taunted and laughed at the weather high above, it seemed like a break I could trust.

I slipped on my shoes and jacket and headed out for a pre-breakfast walk. I didn’t make it all the way to the end of the port before sprinkles arrived, but ducking through the arched passageways and side streets I made it home just before the gulls were hushed and the rain came down again.
This morning while watching the swallows swoop and This morning while watching the swallows swoop and swirl over the sea, I looked up and caught this moment of dark and light. It made me laugh since I had just been thinking about how each day we have a choice how we go into the day. Which side are you on?
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