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I woke up today excited to explore Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is such a different experience than everywhere else we have been and it is scratching my travel itch. I love art, history, culture, and people. But I also LOVE the beauty of the outdoors and I was ready to emerge myself. After a hearty breakfast in our hotel we headed off. 

Reaching the crest in the trail that gave view to Vernazza. Looking down from above on the beautiful town that hugged the ocean. 

Italy

Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

May 19, 2013

Tour Day 15

Wow Moment

Food

Breakfast was one of the best hotel breakfasts we have had- lots of options and lots of food. Lunch was only so-so- veggie pizza, and ham and mozarella sandwhich.

 

For dinner we shared pesto gnocchi and a pizza called "the bull." It had spicy salami, anchovies, and olives. Mike thought I was nuts for ordering it but it was good, really good! (said like Nacho Libre)

Travel Tip

If you take a Rick Steves tour (or travel with other people) sometimes you will have to decide if you want to spend your free time with the group or do something else you want to do. I really enjoy being around people so at times this was difficult. I don’t necessarily have a recommendation except to realize that at times you will have to make that choice. In Monterosso our group got together to socialize during happy hour. I was tempted to be with them because they were such a great group of people but ultimately we decided to enjoy the beach. I’m so glad I did because that was one of our favorite moments together. 

We woke up to the sun which was heaven sent. The day before it had been heavily raining and I was nervous that would affect the trails being open. The sun was the beginning of a very good day. My top priority while in Cinque Terre was to hike. So we headed off on the trail to Vernazza. 

To be able to see Cinque Terre in the light of day was amazing. Instantly on our walk I was dumbfounded by the beauty. The trail had twists and turns and around each corner was some new view to take in- beautiful ocean, wild flowers, and vineyards protected by rickety fences.

For the first part of our hike we were walking through a light stream of water- kind of like a little waterfall. All along the way were streams and waterfalls. 

Eventually we arrived in Vernazza and it was beautiful. Layers of stacked buildings, the contrast of color against the blue ocean- it was all so invigorating. After some time in Vernazza we took a train to Riomaggiore because the boats were not running. 

A funny note about Riomaggiore: About three years ago we were decorating our apartment and found a national geographic picture that we really enjoyed. After we had it hanging on our wall for some time we discovered that it was in the Cinque Terre, but we did not know what town. When we arrived in Riomaggiore we knew this was it! It was fun to have a little connection to this town. 

 

We mostly hung out on the rocks and enjoyed being by the ocean. Eventually we headed back to Monterosso. We decided to spend the rest of our time enjoying the beach. We walked up and down the beach, collected rocks and shells, and played in the waves. It was the perfect ending to our Cinque Terre experience. 

We returned to our hotel, washed our feet, and then headed out to find some food. We bumped into some fellow tour-mates and enjoyed dinner with them. I’m already missing Cinque Terre. 

Thoughts & Observations of my Italian Experience

  • Italians know how to slow down and enjoy life. Everywhere we went I saw people relaxing in cafes enjoying coffee and a pastry. I think this is something we undervalue in America and could learn a thing or two from our Italian friends.

  • Italians enjoy food. Not every meal I had in Italy was excellent but I did have the best food of the whole trip in Italy. We had a handful of superb culinary experiences. From seafood to pasta to gelato, Italians know what they’re doing with food.

  • Italians are passionate people. No matter what setting it was I sensed the passion of Italians. They don’t live life half heartedly. This way of living is infectious.

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