Black lava salt

Today was dedicated to some serious relaxation. We read our books, went swimming in the pool and in the sea, had lunch on the terrace overlooking the harbour, and dinner later in the hotel. Er, that's it!

Since we are in Italy the food is of course excellent. Sorrento seems to specialise in sea food which is plentiful and varied, and of course there is lots of pasta and pizza on offer. Portions are huge and the desserts are traditional and full of cream. Every evening, before our huge meal, we are presented with a little wooden board with a few tasty appetisers such as ricotta with basil, or mini potato croquettes, or a  tiny bowl of chilled pea soup with bacon. These are accompanied some delicious warm brown bread, chopped tomatoes, oregano and a strange looking little pile of black flakes. Our waiter (who looks very much like Mark Rylance playing the role of an Italian waiter) informed me that this is black lava salt which is, allegedly, good for the digestion. Well I never! Always willing to try something new, I have been enjoying sprinkling it on my bread. Buon appetito!