Cinque Terra

A change of plans. We have decided to go down to Cinque Terre on the coast for two nights and then come back to Torino.

Sunday Morning, another large continental brekfast, then off to the station to catch a train first to Genova and then to Monterosso, the largest of the five small hillside, ocean villages that form Cinque Terre. We changed trains at Sestri Levante for a short ride to Monterosso.

Cinque Terre (five lands) is truly one of the highlghts of our trip. This world heritage area comprises of five very small towns tucked away in a series of little inlets at the very end of the eastern side of the Ligurian Riviera. Famous for white wine and anchovies, both of which I have sampled.

We stayed in Monterosso at the Amici Hotel and spent the rest of the time exploring Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore by boat, walking and train. There are no or few cars. The boat trip from Monterorro to Riomaggiore was absolutely wonderful. A large group of Italians around us were singing most of the time. And Riomaggiore, a delightful little town with the main via winding up a hillside. This is where I want to live. Si!.

After a twenty-minute walk to Manarola it was time for lobster spaghetti and a glass of local vino. Manarola is smaller than Riomaggiore but with its own special character with fishing boats lining the streets. It was time to catch a local train to Corniglia, (the walking track was being repaired) gelati and a cappuccino. This town sits on top of rocky headland. A beautiful view after you walk up the 350 stairs from the station. Karen was excited about the exercise.

Another local train rlde, this time to Vernazza. Their is an arduous hour and a half walk, however without seista time, the train was more appealing. Vernazza is.yet another beautiful fishing village. Lots of small fishing boats, windows with shutters on ocher and terra-cotta buildings with daily washing hanging out to dry. Then we headed back to Monterosso.
The restaurants don't open until about 7:00 pm so it's a good time for a rest before another meal of fresh seafood. Tomorrow we go to Torino for three nights then on to Malino.