Last weekend, I got dressed up and went to a ball. A couple of months ago, when the invitation arrived, I jumped at the opportunity to attend a fancy event and to get glam. Glam involved spending more time on my hair and makeup than I probably had in over a year. It was so fun to have an occasion to get formally dressed for. I am talking about a full length outfit, heels, and a full face of makeup – primer, eye makeup, lip color, the whole shebang. If I am wearing primer and eye makeup, it must be one special occasion.

The US Navy’s ball, celebrating the 149th birthday of the US Navy, was elegant and meaningful. As I mentioned, I spent a good amount of time on my hair and makeup, packed an overnight bag, zipped my outfit into a garment bag and headed on the road. The Navy Ball was held in Paestum this year in order to have a venue large enough to accommodate the 500 people attending. Paestum is home to archaeological ruins, including three ancient Greek temples. Finding out the ball was in Paestum was an absolute joy for me. Earlier this year, I was invited to audition to be an extra in a movie being filmed in Paestum. They selected me and then I found out the commitment was for an all out role in the film… including 60 lines in Italian! Long story short, I made it through my insane anxiety and doubt, learned the lines and did my absolute best over a ten hour shoot!! It was 1,000% one of the most challenging and exciting things I’ve ever done. I was so proud of myself for the effort and for not succumbing to a humongous level of fear. The movie is called “Lost and Found” and was shown at a film festival here in Italy. If I ever find a link or other manner to share it, I will.

Back to the ball. We drove down to Paestum, about an hour and a half southeast of Naples, on Friday afternoon. We knew that our incredible babysitter was picking up our daughter Harlow from school and keeping her overnight, so we were so comfortable and relaxed. We arrived in Paestum right on time to check in to our hotel, change clothes and get a taxi to the event venue. Driving into Paestum gives me such a happy feeling. This was the second time I’d been back since filming the movie there.

We checked into Hotel Duca Marigliano, a boutique hotel created from a nineteenth century estate. The exterior of the hotel is stunningly beautiful, with a classic Italian facade in reddish orange stucco. There are also grounds filled with fruit trees which give plenty of shade. And the rooms are comfortable and charming. I especially love the skylights and the tiling in the bathrooms. 

We took a taxi to the Navy Ball which was being held at Hotel Ariston a couple of miles away. We were among the first to arrive. At first Dan wasn’t thrilled about being the first few people there, but looking back it meant that we had no line at the sign in table, which was very very long about a half hour later and also plenty of time to wander around and take in the beautiful property. 

As other guests began to arrive, I was surprised at how many people that I recognized and bumped into. There were people that Dan works with, of course, but also some people that I knew from my volunteer work for Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and from a local International Club. We mixed and mingled, chatting to friends and admiring the gardens and statues at the venue. We found the perfect light to take a picture at the photo booth and a pretty place to snap a photo of us dressed to the nines in front of a beautiful fountain. 

The cocktail hour included lots of passed appetizers of classic Neapolitan food: fried anchovies, tomatoes, bufala mozzarella, crispy dough balls, olives and prosciutto. After about an hour, the organizers of the event called us in for dinner, and although the seating was initially a little confusing, we found a table that we really liked with some fascinating people and great views of the speakers. 

The dinner and accompanying program was entertaining and felt special because of the military rituals and speeches. I enjoyed the most incredible mezzaluna pasta filled with pillowy ricotta with a marinara sauce. Then sliced roast beef with mushrooms and for dessert, a strawberry cake with whipped cream.

Several people spoke, giving recognition to the importance of the occasion and the work being done by its attendants. The US Navy band performed and an opera singer from the Teatro San Carlo in downtown Naples sang a few songs accompanied by a pianist. The opera singer was a highlight of the evening in my eyes. Hearing the classic Italian song “Funiculì, Funiculà” played and sang live was so moving. I couldn’t help but approach him after dinner and effusively say how his singing was incredible and so touching.

After dinner, the celebration moved back outside and people either milled about chatting or headed into a tent to listen to the US Navy Band perform and sing hit songs. We danced to a couple favorites and then attempted to dance to the DJ who was performing in a neighboring area, but at that point we were both tired and ready to call it a night. 

It was so nice to arrive back at Hotel Duca Marigliano with its beautiful accent lighting leading us to our cozy room. After an amazing night’s sleep (and getting to sleep in past 6:00am) we lazed around and hustled down at 9:30 to make it in time for breakfast ending at 10:00am. I was so impressed by the breakfast the first time I stayed and it did not disappoint. A highlight was the housemade bufala yogurt. So fresh, so creamy with a slight tang. I made a yogurt bowl with fruit, nuts, granola and honey. And the toppings come in individual tiny glass jars. Adorable. 

I insisted we walk around the hotel grounds before we got in the car to drive back to Naples. I even discovered that the property has two pools set among fruit trees and a spa / sauna. Then I also insisted on driving to the temples to see them before we left. They are so majestic. 

It was a leisurely drive back home and a little while later our daughter was dropped off. She always comes back from her babysitter happy with lots of stories to tell and some little gifts or snacks. I put away my fancy clothes and it was back to jeans and sweaters and mom life. What a glorious time we had at the Navy Ball this year. I hope we can go back again next year!