Day 5 & 6 (July 31 and August 1)

Now that we have settled into our new digs it is probably important to clarify where we are and why. It was Ann's choice (for her retirement) to spend a week in a rather remote but beautiful location that promised peaceful, beautiful surroundings where, for the most part, the sound of the sea was the background music for her time with family. The good news is that our choice of location meets and exceeds her expectations!



The trips to Rome and Florence was filled with history, culture, sculpture and the arts. On the other hand, the Cinque Terre is one of the most uncontaminated areas on the Mediterranean Sea. Five miles of rocky coast among two promontories, thousands of miles of dry-laid stone walls, five small towns castled up on stone spurs in minuscule creeks. For their history and their position, the Cinque Terre have not suffered a massive expansion. The vineyards, typical of this area, have contributed to create a unique landscape with dry-laid stone walls, winding paths, enchanting beaches between cliffs and clear waters.



The five towns of the Cinque Terra offer beautiful footpaths with breath-taking view, churches, oratories and old castles, diving, food and wines of first quality. As part of the Mediterranean Sea, the water lapping against the rocks reminds me of the Caribbean. The waters are warm, crystal clear and varying shades of turquoise. Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso are the five villages that form the Cinque Terra. We are staying in the sleepy, quiet fishing village of Manarola which is transformed during the summer to accept the crush of tourists seeking the sun and the water. The fishing boats are stored on the streets during the summer months and the restaurants with their fresh vegetables and fish are filled with happy travelers. While Rome and Florence provided a glimpse into really good Italian food, the offerings in the towns of Cinque Terra offer choices that are 4Star in every way! There is no bad Italian wine and the experience here is different in so many ways from the big cities. Besides the food it is clear we are with real Italians. Everything is in Italian and the potential of finding anyone who speaks anything else is very limited.



While the views and the beauty of our town is beyond the scope of any camera, the corresponding challenges of walking are something to be managed with lots or energy and perseverance. Upon arriving on the train we had to schlepping our luggage up ramps and stairs that ascended hundreds of feet without respite. Every time we go out to eat or travel it is an easy 10 minute walk down and an arduous 15 minute return trip. Almost everything is straight up!



There are trails to hike between the towns along with a boat that shuttles folks between towns. It boards below our windows. The primary means of getting back and forth between towns is the train. It is inexpensive and convenient.