Todays the day we shift from Abruzzo in Eastern central itly to Calabria in the south. Hiring Luigi turns out to have been a very good decision for all kinds of reasons. .. but this cross country trek was one of the main deciding factors we had in deciding to hire a driver. The alternatives were 10 hours of either bus rides or train rides with multiple changes.. or expensive flights from Pescara to Rome to Lamazia..
I have to admit, it was hard to say goodbye to the wonderful Villa Panarama. Vitorio and Samone have been great hosts and the place is simply amazing. I took a few more pics to remember the place includign this view from our bed.
here are a few more pics of the place.. we cant recommend it enough !
One of the great features is an outdoor shower.. here’s the view from there
Inside there’s a cool little ‘hut’ where they’ve built a full bath.. on top is this chhicken who’s now sitting on a samstone 🙂
A few more shots from the balcony then time to go !
We walked the road to the main street to meet Luigi at 9AM for the long drive south
the drive down was fun but uneventful.. about 7 hours i think. some good sleep, fun conversations and some great truck stops
We got to our destinationa round 5.. We’re staying in Marano Marchesato (note.. almost dianes last name Mariano – minus the ‘i’)
We’re staying here because Lindas family is from Cosenza (which is nearby) and Tiriolo which is about an hour away. We could tel when driving through Cosenza that it wasn’t[t going to be that fun to visit . It was big and noisy and city-ish
No worries.. there are many things to do down here
The place we rented is a converted farmhouse…. its attached to an older farmhouse where an older couple lives with their dogs, cats, goats and chickens.. They are super nice .. and it makes for lively and colorful stay. The place is quite simple and nice.. .. not the luxury of abruzo.. but it has. great views, a pool, and a small soccer field (wow ) The folks we’re renting from : Juri and his dad are super friendly and helpful. The town is quaint, rural, and has a mix of really old and new construction . Its not as clean and polished as Abruzzo.. but it’s very warm and welcoming.
Looks like I havent taken any pictures of the place yet.. but I will later.. THere’s a great littl place to sit and take in the view out front
We took a quick explore of the town.. There’s a very cool old church under repair just up the road
Here’s the view from the house.. nice !
We didn’t stop at a store.. so our hoist Jurij Helped find a pizza place that delivered on late sunday night. The Puzza guy Simon was super great.. as was the pizza !. Check out Ristorante Macrito If you find yourself hungry in Marano Marchesata Calabria 🙂
OK.. tomorrow we head to the beach at Pizzo. about an hour down the Tyrrhenian (check out that spelling !) coast
More from then !
Nite all, nite sam
-me