The long day driving

After Pentedattilo, I wanted to drive the south coast, along the Ionian Sea. Google really wanted me to go back through Reggio Calabria! I took the road along the Ionian sea and stopped one time in Bova Marina. It was 1:30 pm, so everything was closed. There was a sign for gelato, but no gelato. Only pastries, pizza, and calzone. I ordered a calzone and sat in the pizza, which was right by the train station. I love how in many places, the staff seem very inconvenienced when you order...

After my snack, I proceeded for 2 hours along the coast to somewhere near Catanzaro, where I headed north east towards Lamezia Terme. From there, I drove through Cosenza to the agriturismo. Sunset is at about 4;30pm and I saw it over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Luckily, the drive from Catanzaro was all highway! I no longer like driving in the dark but had no choice. I stopped briefly at a rest area and bought a sandwich, as I did not know what to expect when I arrived.

The last part of the trip was up a very winding road with no lights, I couldn't find the high beams and had no place to stop and look. Finally, I reached the entrance of AZIENDA AGRICOLA MIRACCO ATANASIO FRANCO. There was a man waiting who said, "Julie?" I was late and missed their messages because I was driving. They do not speak any English and my Italian was very tired! The man took my suitcase to my room and asked me when I wanted dinner. I said anytime was fine, and we agreed on 20 minutes or so. They would ring a bell (buzzer) when it was time.

The room is sparce, like a garret. There are 3 cot-size beds--I chose the one with the nightstand and a good view of the TV. I unpacked my toiletries into the bathroom and relaxed while watching an episode of "La Casa Piccola in Prateria"or Little House on the Prairie. It seems to be one of the only shows that I can get in English.Read more