Our travels have taken us to Monterosso, Italy. Part of
Cinque Terre (The 5 Lands). The beautiful place is a little off the beaten
path, but well worth the trip, especially after going mostly nonstop in Paris
and Rome. We are at the northern most town and the others are Vernazza,
Corniglia, Manarola, 4 & Riomaggioe.
We are fortunate to have breakfast at the place we are
staying – Hotel Margherita. Although Spencer is ready for some homemade French toast….it
is great to have eggs, croissants, ham and café’! Most everything in Monterosso
has been rebuilt since the flood last October. It is amazing to think of how
much water flowed through these streets…..check this video out…..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQZGPbSpZ1Q.
Compare these to current conditions….clean streets and some well need beach
time!
There is a trail between The 5 Lands, but our plans for
today…jump on the ferry and explore the other 4. Arriving at the ferry ticket
booth, we quickly realized that Lisa did not bring her motion sickness pills.
After a few prayers and great support from all, we decided to go ahead and make
the trip. The water had some swell to it, so Lisa decided to be the last one on….&
saving a seat for her right in front.
It was amazing…..she did great! She had no sea sickness at
all… although that could not be said for everyone
We got off in Riomaggioe, checked out the town and decided
to head to Manarola by foot. It is about a 20 minute walk along the coast…..molto
bella (very beautiful)!
Food is always a source of interesting discussion. At this
point, all were ready for a cheeseburger, fries and milkshake…..but we found a
nice little place in Manarola.
After sustenance…..joined the crowd at the ferry line,
watching the locals hop into the pounding surf…..then it was off to Vernazza.
Carissa decided that more time on the beach was better than another town to see….so
she stayed on the ferry and we checked out the town. It was busy as a train
unloaded some passengers from a nearby cruise boat stop. Interestingly, we were
walking by a couple of gentlemen who where introducing themselves to each other…..one
from North Bend, the other from Issaquah…..and I had to throw out a “Maple
Valley” with a wave and a smile! After meeting someone in our hotel from
Kirkland, the world does not seem so big.
The rest of the day was pretty chill; Hanging out, a nap for
some, then some dinner. Afterward, a stroll along the water and up to a convent
at the top of the hill. Incredible view…..
Tomorrow we are off to London…..more blogging to follow
Ciao
Tim
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