Amalfi Attitude

What are you going to do on a free Monday in Positano? You can wander around and shop, browse with the beautiful people, or you can take a trip down the coast to Amalfi. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and scenery, famous for its Limoncello and the burial place of Saint Andrew, Amalfi has been the "beach scene" for Roman emperors and movie stars alike. And they still let us in. We took the bus from Positano for the full affect, along the twisty road (something like Rt.1 on the CA coast or Skyline Drive in VA), and came back by boat so we could get a good view of the coastline. It was pretty touristy and you could get your fill in a couple of hours but it was a great way to spend the morning. Our first view of Amalfi as we got off the bus... Ted and Tom couldn't resist... it's like this fountain was built for kids in grown-up suits... St. Andrew's Cathedral... they let us in and there were no lightning bolts, even though we did not behave ourselves. Ok, I know this is wrong on so many levels, but BR and Lion wanted to pay there respects to St. Andrew, so...

What a view... this is the Amalfi Coast of Italy!! Having a blast!

Chow!

Carolina...

Positano Living

We hit the Hotel Jackpot again in Positano. Ted and I got a deluxe room with a bathroom bigger than some of the bedrooms we've had. It was so posh, we got spoiled.

Check out the views...

This is actually the town from a boat ride when we came back from Amalfi (I'll tell you about that later)...our hotel is about 2/3 of the way up!

This is looking down from our hotel balcony into the street. Lot's of shopping, twisty streets, and limoncelo!!

We got in kind of late and had to immediately head to our dinner at a restaurant up the street. Another food fest, oh darn! It was all served family style with platters and platters coming out of the kitchen to applause by the group.

New friends John & Linda dishing out the pasta course.

Some kind of ravioli with sauce and cheese. It's all becoming a blur. I know I scarfed it down no problemo!

Fresh thick pasta noodles with all kinds of little clams and mussels. Yum. Then a platter of eggplant parmigiana that I just wanted to dive in to...

When the desserts started coming I started to cry... not sure if it was for joy or the madness taking hold. What are you going to do with a platter like this? Nothing to do but give in.

Really good Tiramasu. And I didn't even get a picture of the platter of canolis as I was busy stuffing myself.

My buddy Jen...

More friends Linda and Bob.

Yup, it's going down bad.

We're not coming back. As long as the euros keep popping out of the little bancomat, we're just going to keep going!! Ha!

Chow!

Eat Your Heart Out - Buffalo Style!

After Paestum, we were given a tour and lunch at none other than an authentic, organic, water-buffalo farm where they make buffalo mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. (JP - I thought of you... it was the best I've ever eaten and I'm ruined for life. The Best!)

Making the cheese...

Ok, so then we were treated to the most incredible cheese fest, glorious animal butter-fat binge we've ever experienced in our lives. The meal started with fresh bread warm from the oven. This bread had olives in it and it was crusty and delicious...

The first course were cheese blintzes with ricotta and spinach that were just so delicate.

Then each person got a plate of little mozzarella balls, ricotta, and salad to go with...is this not the most appetizing plate you've ever seen?

The ricotta was like nothing I've ever had in my life and the texture of the mozz balls have ruined me for any other I will ever be able to get in the states. Once I ate this plate and thought I was going to burst, this little Italian woman came around with extra!! I couldn't resist... I said just a little more "piccolo"... yea that didn't work. I got another plateful!! Oh my, it's going down bad.

Then dessert was this creamy, tangy yogurt in little jars. Ted was going around and collecting all he could from others who weren't eating it. The taste was so unique and I loved it.

As if that wasn't enough, the gave us gelato made with buffalo milk. I actually had to step away from the table at this point but Ted went the whole nine yards. Help!! We're trapped in food nirvana!!

Mauritzio, the best bus driver in the world who has been with Ted and I for almost 4 weeks now, joined us for lunch. At this point, he says that Ted is his brother. (He wore a Ted Pagan Tiki Hut t-shirt to the cave party, good guy.)

Ok, back on the bus for a serious nap and on to Positano, the playground of the rich and famous... and us!

Chow!