Our travels yesterday took us around the hillsides of Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Italy. It is known for its vibrantly painted buildings which contrast with the sea and the sky as well as the intricately terraces vineyards which cover the hillsides. In 2011 Italy received record amounts of rain damaging many of these popular places and killing many people. Slowly the people have begun the rebuilding process and are striving to regain a sense of normalcy. To the visitor, the effects of the storms are barely visible. As we rounded the naval shipyards we came closer to the trainstation which would whisk us away to our first of three towns. We had to cancel our boat trip as the seas were too rough and dangerous.

While each town was on the sea, had beautiful cliffs, and a maze of side streets each town had its own special feel to it. We were able to explore castle ruins, wine shops, and sea edges. Andrew Vaulk was having his picture taken in front of some breaking waves and had one splash up and over him. In the afternoon we lunched at Ristorante Marina were we enjoyed fresh seafood and good drink.

 As our afternoon wrapped up we grabbed our standard gelato and loaded onto the buses. We also flooded a local ‘supermarket’ and fumbled our way through the produce section. The evening ended with Andrew having a birthday dinner with a few group members, some enjoyed a bike ride to the beach and pier, and others relaxed in the hotel.

All in all…a great day to be in ITALY!

 

bonjourno

(Pictures will come later. Gotta go to breakfast.)