Day 7 was our communing day: Minori on the Amalfi coast to Capo Vaticano in Calabria. We left early in the morning, took a taxi to the Salerno train station. I expected Salerno train station to be big but no, it was a very manageable size. Just 7 platforms. Lots of stairs but one elevator.

The transfer was stressful in spite of the fact that it went as planned. In other words, both trains were fine, the taxi arrived on time, we found our seats with no problem by looking at the tickets.

We were in car 7: as the train is approaching, you see your car and can position yourself in front of that car. Your seats are assigned on the high-speed but not the regional train.

The high-speed train journey from Salerno to Lamezia Terme was about two hours. Then we had to switch trains and did another hour to Ricadi on the regional train. The train was clean, fast, and quiet. New Jersey transit has a lot to learn 😉

We got to our final destination around 1pm and got a taxi to our apartment. The midafternoon light was so blinding, even in sunglasses. Got to the hotel, too early- room not ready. No worries, they had a restaurant so we did lunch in the meantime.

After lunch we settled into the room. It had everything minus the most essential things: no paper towels, no dish towels, no dish soap, no matches to light the gas stove top. I was prepared for the basic experience but this is BASIC. The first morning I had to borrow a lighter from a person who was enjoying his cigarette on the balcony.

I later purchased some things to elevate our experience here: a lighter to light the stove, instant coffee, milk and cereal for the kids, yoghurt, juice, cold cuts. All from a local shop about 25 minutes away on foot.

The best thing about this hotel is the view. The sunsets are incredible- the sun setting behind a volcano, and swallows circling the air. The second best thing is that it’s off the beaten path- the vibe is calm, people with kids, no crazy party-goers, and no loud music. Just the sound of birds and the sound of the surf.

And every morning I have my instant coffee and look at this:

Day 8 was our relaxing day. Apart from a short trip to the shops, we stayed at the hotel, went to the beach, the pool, had lunch, and took an afternoon nap.

Pool!!

I feel like I want to write an update on food. At the hotel there is a restaurant, and they pretty much have everything you’d want. In addition we have two local shops with fresh deli, bakery, and fruit sections. Also shampoo, soap and stuff. But those two shops are an equal distance from our hotel – one to the left, another to the right. And it’s a 25 minutes walk.

Today is Wednesday and a visit to Tropea- town next to us.