Paestum & Praiano

We departed Matera for the Amalfi Coast on Tuesday, leaving the cave town for one of Europe's playgrounds.  The beauty along the drive was lovely, through the rugged center of the deep south of Italy.  We stopped for fuel in Potenza and I learned my lesson, I chose the full serve lane instead of fumbling with figuring out payment, getting diesel on my hands, and basically looking like a goofball.  I have a felling that box is still checked.

Anyway, we proceeded on to Paestum, about a 30 minute diversion from our route, to see some additonal Magna Grecia temple ruins.  As we approached the archeological area the first of the temples was visible, as was the extensive park that we didn't realize accompanied the area.  Our visit was a short one, there's only so much walking around ruins in the heat and blazing sun one can take, and we've seen a few temples, but this was not to be missed.

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed the time but it was short; knowing the drive on the Amalfi Coast to Praiano would take some time we set off.  We were headed to the place my doctor recommended, the Tramonto d'Oro, thank you Dr Kohls, it was wonderful.  I was amazed at the grace of the staff, so humble about the facilty and so accomodating at every turn, truly earning the 4 star rating.

Our room was simple, sea view and balcony were sold out and honestly out of our price range anyway, however when the view from the spectacular dinner or breakfaast seating looks like this how can one complain.

 

This was our first night in the hotel, a lovely dinner with a great sunset over Positano in the background.  Not sure how many yachts were anchored in the harbor but there were several pushing 120ft.  The rich folks know how to pick a harbor and scenery, we were out of our league just a little.

The night was early as our main purpose for the Amalfi Coast visit was waiting in the morning, the Path of the Gods hike, awaited us/