Chris & Kelly's Travel Adventures

Today was a long, beautiful, fun-filled day.  We took a tour down the Amalfi Coast.

The first town we stopped in was Positano.  We visited Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, which features a Byzantine painting of the Virgin Mary, rare because the figure of Mary w/child is dark skinned.   

We walked down to the beach to look at the dramatic hillside housing.  This is a beautiful town but not easy to live in as there is only one road and mostly stairs.  We were told that it is a sad fact when the elderly can no longer navigate the stairs that they are mostly house-bound for the rest of their lives.  This town does not come with elevators or handicap ramps. 

We stopped for an espresso, a look at the lemon grove, and got a good chuckle out of their "dancing" bathroom symbols! :)

Next we stopped in the town of Amalfi, shopped for the local pastry sfogliatelle, and checked out the local church. Then we visited a few handmade paper stores, lemon product stands and numerous ceramic stores. 

Barlotti Bufala Mozzarella farm in Paestum was kind enough to let us meet some of their residents and taste several different types of Bufala Mozzarella- including smoked (that was our favorite). 

These are water buffalo that were originally brought from southeast Asia centuries ago because this part of Campagna region was often swampland.  They are gentle creatures whose milk is unique for its taste and superior quality. 

Our final stop of the day was Paestum (the Greek ruins).  We visited the temples of Neptune, Hera and Athena, as well as the local forum, colosseum and various sites within this ancient city.   These were truly amazing and in great shape.  These temples are 2,500 years old and still standing...I'm not sure I will be tomorrow!

A huge shoutout to Vittorio at Rosato tours for putting together 3 wonderful days of tours and for never failing to communicate effectively with us to ensure our wishes came true.

Thank you also to Aronne our guide for all 3 tours.  You have been prompt, helpful, friendly, informed, and most of all, entertaining.  You are an asset to the tourism business.