This morning D went to the court to workout, Paul went for a walk and Miss M and I shopped for peaches, croissants and Nutella stuffed donuts.

By 10am we had four chairs and two umbrellas reserved at Blue Marine for our final day in the sun. It’s already 82 (with a feels like temp of 87.) Last night driving through the mountains it was 76. The first time we’ve felt a respite from the oppressive heat of the past two weeks.

Our friend Luca came to join us for the day. Luca and his family lived in Belmont for two years and our boys were on the same soccer team. Last week we were supposed to go to Ponza with their family for the day but plans changed when we were under the weather. It was nice to catch up with Luca and hear how life has been for him and his family during the pandemic.

Paul finally bought sweets from the beach vendor he’s seen daily but didn’t know what he was saying or selling. Turns out it’s a brand of Neapolitan sweets…like a sugary puff cookie with a hint of lemon.

Today there were no clouds (again) but thankfully there was a breeze which meant we could rest under the umbrella for long periods of time without getting too hot. It may not sound like a lot, but it made a huge difference in how we could enjoy the beach. We stayed until after 5pm and then walked to the tents selling crafts set up near the tower.

Paul and I enjoyed gelato (Nutella for Paul, and amarena and crostata con prune carmalata) and picked up croissant for Miss M’s breakfast tomorrow.

After 8pm we watched our last sunset and ate at Ristorante da Mari, the same restaurant we ate at the first night in Sperlonga. Caprese salad for D, margherita pizza for Miss M, roasted calamari for Paul, and spaghetti with mussels and clams for me.

The owner was happy to see us arrive for dinner and gave us the same table looking out at the basketball court and ocean. Their cat, Sammy, strolled around the restaurant looking for hand-outs, and D saw Andrea leaving the court and went to say goodbye. Andrea told him to come back next summer and stay with them as they have plenty of room. They are now connected on Instagram.

Over dinner we reminisced about our favorite parts of the trip: D loved nightlife in Munich and strolling around Pico. Miss M loved the boat and being on the beach. Paul enjoyed seeing his friends and visiting Pico again. And I enjoyed seeing everyone happy.

We wrapped up the night with gelato: Nutella for M, crostata con prune carmalata and babba, Paul got dark chocolate and coffee, D got crostata con prune carmalata and cremino.

Like clockwork, the magician, who we’ve already seen twice on this trip, started his performance again shortly after 10pm.

At 11pm, Paul and Miss M walked to the arts and crafts fair which was still going on at the base of the tower.

And there’s no sign of the nightlife in Sperlonga slowing down. People strolling the streets. Teens walking in packs. Overtired children being carried by their parents. And dishes clanking as many are eating dinner at sidewalk cafes after 11pm.

As they say, and the beat goes on. And Italy operates at a unique pace, with a beat all its own.