We made it to Salerno by 1230, and took the bus from Salerno to Amalfi at 1245. What was nice, is where we sat there was a girl named Dana that said that she was going to the same Hostel we were staying in, and there was another guy on the bus with us as well. So if we weren’t going to make the 2pm time, we were screwed together! Needless to say, the route to Amalfi is like going to Yosemite, and Tino and I were having trouble keeping it together on the way there. Thankfully, the bus was only an hour and a half, so we made it. Of course we got off 1 stop too late and had to walk from Amalfi to a small town “200” meters back to the small town, Atrani, where our hostel was. What they FAIL to tell you when Italians say “only” 200 meters is that it is UPHILL! So that was fun with two suitcases, two backpacks, and a purse that is the black hole. Yes, I do have one of those now! I will have shoulder problems when I get home I’m sure. Anyways, we met Damion, another Argentine, and walked up this hill. Now we all know that I haven’t worked out in like 4+ months. So as the Argentine basically sprinted up this hill, I’m panting, sweating, and fingers falling asleep at the bottom. I was in a tank and capris, and the Argentine was in long jeans!!!! We ended up catching up to him…we did lose sight for a bit, but then we got a little of a downhill (YES) and made it to a sign that said our hotel was UP! Ahhhh. So then we had to climb a bunch of stairs, and now it’s 245. So we’re a little worried, but not too much. We get ahold of our hostel owner, and find then that he’s eating and will be down in ten minutes. So in Italian time I said we had a half hour! Anywho, we finally get our room and discover we’re in the room with Dana, which is nice. One bed was empty, so we got to use that as storage. We also discovered that one of Tino’s wheels broke, so that was hilarious…in retrospect for him it will be! We only need to make it to Florence to get him a new suitcase since the bazaars there are phenomenal. We then walked back to Amalfi (which was considerably shorter without the bags) and toured the city. The church was gorgeous, and I loved it because it was so medieval looking. After walking around the entire city we had dinner, which was fantastic. Tino got a mixed seafood salad and I got grilled calamari with mixed veggies. TROPPO BUONISIMO!!! I loved it so. Damion, Dana, Tino, and I then found this bar ran by two brothers that had a ridiculously priced bar…I mean a beer for 2 euro (think German stein) and a liter of things like Pina Colada and Mai Tai for like 7 euro. It was great. We sat around and talked for a while learning about each other’s cultures and talking the ears off Andrea and Lelo who were the owners/brothers of the bar. Now, the hostel had a curfew of 1230…but one of the brothers said that the door was always open, so we stayed out until 1 and then went home. Tino and I decided to do a beach day Sunday, because it’ll be the only beach opportunity until we get back to Cali…which come to think of it, is really, really sad! But our tour should be great so I can’t complain too much! Lol…So after basking in the sun for 4 hours (don’t worry, I only got pink, and I only laid out for 2 of the 4 hours, we bought an umbrella) and then went to lunch overlooking Amalfi. We then went back, took a shower, and had another amazing dinner of mixed seafood salad and a rolled pasta with fish. We then walked ten steps back to the bar with the brothers, who then gave us so many souveniers from the bar that those will be the memories we will always have of Atrani. Great people, great food, and great drinks. We stayed out kind of late, and Damion is going to be kicked out for his last day, but it was worth the fun we had that night. I’m currently writing this in the Salerno train station as we wait for our train to Napoli and then off to Florence! I’m excited to see the Davide again, and take a mini trip to Fiesole where I can view where my favorite philosopher of ALL time made his namesake! Machiavelli rules! More to come once we discover Firenze!
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