Grande Albergo Potenza

We took a bus to Positano for the day. It was nice and warm in the city which was a good change from Amalfi. We walked up and down the city paths looking for a few items for our wedding day (Ryan's missing accessories). We took several pictures as we walked up the hills and strolled on the beach. We saw a wedding in process as they entered the cathedral and got pictures taken. There was a couple that was also staying ...

Today was a sunnier day. We took the ferry from Amalfi to the Island of Capri. It was about 2 hours long. We sat on the outside deck of the boat to get pictures of the different towns and sights along the way. It was great for the pictures but it was damn cold even with the sun. We arrived in Capri at around 11am and went to AnaCapri right away because we were on our way to the Grotto Azzura, blue grotto. This was why we came to the island. When we finally ...

... a glint in his eye, before you leave to fly across the canyon.

Trepidation was mounting, and all I could think to write was a message to my husband and sons – in case I never saw them again! I felt less angelic and more like a sacrificial lamb as I was trussed up in secure harness; logic and fear are not good bed fellow. And then I was off – flying at a speed of 120km an hour, racing ...

... sleeping bags out on the deck outside. The weather was amazing and we slept in peace and privacy.

The disorganization continued of course.
After realizing that we were dropped into the armpit of Italy and then attempting to cross a desert followed by mountains we decided to look into taking a train as we know we probably wouldn't make it to Rome in time with out train help anyway.

If we were in france we'd show up to ...

Short ride yet breathtaking. Via Appia is magnificent! An ancient roman road which is situated comfortably on the mountains above the highway is also amerced in natural forest and meadows, dotted here and there by small town houses, grazing sheep, pigs or hens. There is barely any traffic on the road - definite a bikers heaven. The mountain peaks reach a hight of more than 1000 m.

Had a great time in Potenza, resting eating, enjoying some quality time with Pino's sister's family - Olympia, Angelo, Pasquale and Simona. I went site seeing with Olympia and then site shopping with Angelo when he got back from his work in the Batipaligia carbinieri (we went looking for a present for Betty's commune "festa" on Sunday). The next morning, a little weary of re-enacting my Salerno-Potenza journey I picked a fairly close destination and started pedaling again.

What a ride! 130Km of hills, hills and more hills. The Apennines were magnificent, the road though left much to be desired - biking wise. It was one of those roads you just have to shout out: "didn't these planners have non motorized vehicles in mind!". The road begins by climbing uphill from the sea line and then continues with a series of descents and ascents that can ...

... the old building. Matera has be inhabited longer than anywhere in the world for the longest period of time. There is sone age painting in caves through this region. When we post the pics, you will be surprised about the living conditions that once were. Though some people still are living in the abondon homes. Later, J&K

DAY 12 - Rome to Corfu via Pompeii This morning we departed from Rome and drove to the ancient city of Pompeii. We new a little bit about Pompeii, but we were given a guided tour that we found to be really fascinating. Not many people know, but Mount Vesuvius (the volcano that erupted and covered Pompeii), is still active and everyone who lives around that area today is on high alert! The artefacts that they uncovered were amazing, from the ceramic pots/bowls, to actual human remains ...

The next morning we left early and headed to Matera... As we were arriving in the city a man on a motorbike/vespa thing pulled up beside us and told us that for $10 he would show us where to park the car, and get the best pictures from, and also explain the Sassi di Matera to us.... The place is fascinating... people still live in the houses carved into the rock... worth visiting :)