My long day to Paestum started here on the Sita Bus from Praiano to Amalfi. I then took a connecting bus on to Salerno. It was a lovely bus ride along the beautiful and winding road of the Amalif Coast.
My bus driver, although very good was a bit on the slow side and we barely arrive at the Salerno Station before departure time. And with a long line at the ticket counter, I was getting concerned.
As luck would have it, the train is delayed. I was glad, but I was also bummed because the delay meant less time in Paestum. :(
I meet a very nice couple and I joked with them that I'll watch when they get off to make sure I get off at the right stop. Both the wife and husband made sure to let me know that they are getting off one stop before Paestum because they are going to the B&B first. That was nice of them to alert me. The wife later comes to me and tells me that they think that they may have missed their stop, but I am certain that they didn't.
So we arrive at a stop and they get off. I realize that I also saw a couple of other people get off as well and it finally hit me that we are in Paestum. Well, she did warn me. I dash toward the exit door but can't open it and the train begins to roll!
Now I almost never ever swear but when I stood there in dismay I blurted out "Shit". There was a young girl and an older gentlemen who heard me. Very embarrassed about that. My heart was racing and I felt a sense of helplessness and a feeling that the day is ruined.
I turned over to the gentlemen and he said something in Italian, lifted his shoulder, had a little grin and pointed his hand towards the front. He didn't speak English and I didn't understand Italian, but I understood what he meant. Translation . . . "Chill, it ain't no big "shit", just get off at the next stop and go back!" Ha ha! My heart calmed down, I smiled and said Grazie.
When we arrived at the next station, the girl brought me to the taxi stand so I could return to Paestum.
It was actually a very pleasant drive and the area was quite beautiful.
I finally arrived in Paestum. Yay! And let me tell you the greek temples were spectacular! I was able to spend about 3 hours there.
I wanted to spend a bit longer, but decided that I will take an earlier train back so I wouldn't have to take the last bus back to Praino (just in case). It was a long walk back to the station in Paestum, but it was a lovely day and it was very enjoyable.
I arrive at the train station and see the "big" Paestum sign. I can't believe that I missed that sign. Oh well, spilled milk, water under the bridge, no big "shit".
I arrive in Salerno.
I felt that I had just enough time to walk a couple of blocks to get some Gelato! :) I finish up the last of my gelato at the bus stop. I then see my bus, I step up to the curb, only to see it drive by! Shit! I find out that there are two bus stops and the Sita Bus stop is located across the parking lot right in front of the station!
Well, after a long 1.5 hours waiting for the next bus, I finally arrive in Amalfi. It is just about getting dark. I'm there in plenty of time to catch the next bus to Pariano.
It's darker more, and I'm wondering where that bus is? Well, I find out that the schedule changed and the bus I wanted was cancelled and the next bus won't leave for another hour. Shit!
I wanted to grab something to eat, but was so afraid that some crazy shit will happen again and I'd miss the last bus back to Praiano. So I wait, hungry and a little tired by the bus stop. I was determined not to miss this bus.
Finally, here I am, back where I started the day....on the Sita bus heading home to Praiano! My thoughts on the winding road back . . . "Wow, this whole day was some kind of Shit!"
Although I had some mishaps and probably sweared more on this day than I have ever done in years, I have to say that it was all worth it. Being in Amalfi, so close to Paestum and not make an effort to see it, was not acceptable to me. Life is just too short to put things off.
Now, on a serious note, I have to say this past week was very solemn for me and I decided to write this post as a personal way to sort things out. First, here is one of my favorite all time quotes.
"It is not the years in your life
but the life in your years that counts."
~ Adlai Stevenson
This quote reminds me of a long time Slow Traveler who over the years, I have grown to respect and admire for his generosity and zest to enjoy and live life to the fullest. Although I shall so miss his postings on the community forum, I believe that his adventuous spirit will continue to be present in all of us who were touched by the way he lived his life. Thank you so much for your example and for reminding us to live our own lives to the fullest. RIP rr
