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Published: October 31st 2006
Cool Fall colors
The hills were a combination of pine and hardwoods.This is the followup installment on our road trip to Calabria. After leaving Civita, we proceeded on down to Consenza. We were following a google map of the area and we couldn't tell which exit to get off on; we got off too early and drove for what seemed an eternity. I thought that driving in Brindisi was bad - I was wrong, it was worse in Consenza. Driving through the downtown area was unnerving. Cars were double and triple parked (parallel) on both sides that reduced a two lane to a one lane in places. No one seemed to pay much heed to the lines, signs, signals, or other driving conventions. It was like a free for all. We spent a couple of hours trying to match the map with the actual roads and finally made it to the B&B that we booked. It was in a little village 2 kms outside of Consenza but the village can only be reached by driving through the downtown area. We finally found the B&B after a process of elimination of which road to us to the village.
The landlord was a very nice guy that was an ex-ballet dancer that had performed
The ski hill
The area was heavily wooded and we couldn't see the summit...but it was sure pretty. all over the world. He gave us useful info on the local area and called a local ristorante to reserve a table for us. The lunch was filling and the owners were very nice. We then departed for the mountains.
We have discovered that there is skiing way down here in southern Italy! The mountains are quite beautiful and it was gratifying to see hardwood trees that are changing colors. We drove to the mountain village of Camigliatello and went to check out the small ski area. It looks like it has potential to at least do a little sliding around. The only baffling thing was that there were no maps of the ski area posted anywhere. We stopped at a tourist office in the little town and they too had no maps. We were like - What the ???? We drove back that same evening and had to endure rush hour - that was the most frightening driving experience I have ever lived through.
The next morning we took a leisurely drive through a country road out to the coast. It was the most sane and relaxing driving I have experienced here. It was beautiful. The countryside is reminscent
Nice country road
It was a classic backcountry road...the road less travelled :-) of the New England area in the fall. We drove through picturesque villages and pretty wooded areas. We really liked this area.
We then arrived at the coast and stopped for lunch in the town of Amantea. The owner of the place was very gracious and friendly. We encountered two american tourists there. We joined them and had a nice visit with them. One of the ladies was there looking up relatives as she had family that came from that part of Italy. The owner volunteered to help them out and proceeded to treat us to some vin santo and biscotti. I had a nice buzz by the time we left the ristorante!
We drove the highway on the coast to Tropea. We are not much for seaside places so we weren't all that impressed. After looking around we drove back to Consenza via the autostrada. The next morning we left and as soon as we could we got off the autostrada and took the backroads. That was definitely more enjoyable and scenic. Like american freeways, there isn't much too see from the freeway system. Plus the road is bounded on both sides by high guardrails and it feels claustrophobic.
Picturesque villages
Sleepy Hollow and all that... Our overall impression of Calabria is that it is quite beautiful and we are looking forward to doing some skiing at Camigliatello.
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Mary Ann
non-member comment
Doesn't look like halloween
Thanks, I needed beautiful today!! Blessings w/Joy, even on Halloween - tomorrow the Saints, eh!? MOM/MA