Takewondo at the JFC (NATO HQ)

The JFC has a fitness center and has started to offer some classes for kids and adults. Taekwondo was one of the first and we decided to pop Andrew into that class to keep him busy and to make friends locally. The instructor is Italian and most of the kids in the class are German. Lucky for us, his good friend Dylan is in the class too. Since the kids attend an American school, we though this would be a great way for him to develop friendships internationally. Even if there's a language barrier.

 

 

 

Going South....Sibari, Calabria!

A few weeks after arriving, we ran into a traveling group called DIBA Club (Italian Dependents American Base). It is an Italian association that organizes events and trips throughout the year and is open to all that have association with the base. It is not a travel agency, but only a volunteer organization that promotes cultural exchanges for all that are involved in the base.

It was a reasonably priced rate for 5 at all inclusive resort. This is our first time just rolling the dice and go to a European Hotel. How bad can it be right???

Turns out...it is BEAUTIFUL! The food was great, 3 meals (mostly carb loaded), full access to private beach and pool. Not bad for just 100 travelers. The kids were happy because some of their friends from base were there. Everybody had a friend, so all they did was eat, swim, dance and sleep.

Enough of my blabber...here are some pictures.

 

First road trip in the Jeep!

 

First look at the Ionian Sea

 

 

Beautiful backdrop! 

 

Kicking the weekend off with DANCING! 

 

Girls on stage.

 

Loading up on carbs for a day out on the beach! 

 

 

Andrew, Leilah and Dylan 

 

Kaitlyn with her friends from school 

 

 

Walking back to the hotel... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a terrible picture. I had to capture this...water, beer and wine tap. REALLY? 

Notice the trend of BYO Diet DP?

 

More wine...

 

 

The DeCastro and Katz Famiglia! 

 

 

Lenie and Flo being romantic... 

 

It was Karaoke night and I was volunTOLD by my husband to sing with Kaitlyn. They didn't have many songs that we were familiar with so K tried Bad Romance with a little help. ;-) 

 

 

The last night...the staff decided to give us a little musical show with some familiar music. It was a great way to tend the weekend.

 

 

Packing up! 

 

Not bad for 4 days...right? 

 

Kids found this little guy before we left.

 

View from our balcony.

 

Thanks for the memories OTIUM!

 

 The Jeep went topless for the ride home.

 

 

Our beautiful drive back to Bella Napoli. 

 

 

Last stop...the kids' favorite pizza place!