Yesterday we left Minori and Paul checked off an item on his bucket list: he drove the Strada Statale 163, aka the Amalfi Coast Drive. Until this point we used a route that took us through the mountains and only to Maiori, limiting the time along the winding coastal road. Not to diminish the sharp curves of the previous drives, but this one was different. Paul did a great job and I was distracted by attempting to snap pics with the phone. I realize the pics that I have don’t do the height and fear factor justice.

Three hours later we reached Matera, one of the three oldest continually inhabited cities remaining in the world. Matera is estimated to be over 9000 years old and it was where “Passion of the Christ” was filmed since present day Matera looks so much like Jerusalem of 2000 years ago.

We arrived in time for siesta which meant most places were closed. Luckily Parisi Piera at Cucina Lucana offered to make us a platter of antipasti: julienned zucchini, burrata, mozzarella, salumi and more.

We then went to explore Matera, but it was so hot. Miss M and I ended up staying at a cafe in the shade while Paul and Big D explored and snapped pictures.

It took a little over an hour to reach Alberobello, the next stop on this adventure. We’re staying in an actual trullo, one of the cone topped structures that Alberobello is so famous for. We are a few blocks from the main drag, but very close and almost next to the Basilica of Saints Cosmo & Damiano. Miss M is excited that she got to sleep in the cone. Pics coming tomorrow.

We had dinner at Bar Tropical, at Largo Trevisani, by the main pedestrian area of Alberobello. After a very nice antipasto, the kids opted for trofie al pesto, I had a salad, and Paul had the local specialty of Orrichette with rabe, olive oil and pepper flakes. It’s also served with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with dry oregano, to sprinkle over the dish. Everything was very good, though the kids were in agreement that Paul’s pesto was better.