Cinque Terre = Five Lands

Despite the fact that Ashley already wrote about it, I do want to quickly mention that Portofino was absolutely amazing and by far one of my favorite places on the trip thus far. So there, I said it, but now to talk about the Cinque Terre. I will also make note of the fact that this too was one of the most beautiful and unique places that I have ever been to in my entire life. I know. It sounds like I'm exaggerating ... but I'm not. After leaving Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, we took a train to the Cinque Terre (specifically Riomaggiore). The Cinque Terre (or Five Lands) is essentially 5 tiny villages along the Italian Riviera. Many tourists come here to hike from village to village. After looking at several pictures of all 5 villages before the trip, I decided that Riomaggiore was the one that I was most looking forward to. Riomaggiore was the village furthest south, and after calling earlier in the day, we got lucky and stayed overnight on Saturday.

Upon arriving, we decided to explore a bit and found our way along a rocky pathway on the cliffside leading to a pebble filled "beach" ... once again, no sand just rocks. It was honestly one my favorite moments of the trip, so we stole some pebbles for souvenirs. :) I encourage everyone to click on the links to the right to look at all the pictures because one or two can't do these places justice:

On our way back to the harbor/port/whatever you want to call it, we decided that walking out onto some rocks/marble in the middle of the ocean might be a good idea. Well, I got some pretty great pictures!!!! BUT, in doing so, I stepped on a half submerged rock full of seaweed ... aka ZERO TRACTION. I slipped right into the ocean. Shoes: soaked and full of water. Shorts: soaked and full of water. Underwear: soaked. Sock: soaked. Ashley's camera??? : SAVED. Post slippage picture:

After making me take a picture as a happy version of my wet self, Ash and I went to look for some sandals/flip-flops. We found some. One pair in my size in the whole village ... with the Brazilian Flag across both sandals and the word BRAZIL across both as well. Picture in our gallery. We thought it was funny and I'm never throwing these flip-flops away ... ever. After exploring we ate at a really nice restaurant with the best view of the ocean at sunset. Romantic mushy stuff. I ate Fish Ravioli with Hake and Prawn sauce ... amazing, and Ash had a Pesto Pasta dish. The region is also well known for its amazing pesto.

I am now writing too much and getting tired (midnight here), so I will once again wrap it up as quickly as possible. Explored the village at night ... and got lost. Climbed a million stairs. Stairs are ridiculous! Twice the size of average steps and steep! Had a few beers while watching a Juve game with fellow Juve fan. He didn't speak the best of English, but we became good friends nonetheless. Left in the morning for the first Cinque Terre village, Monterosso. Also beautiful. But it started to rain. Hard. And we were in flip-flops. Uncomfortable. We had an amazing time and could not have asked for anything better. I loved this place. All of them.

Tomorrow morning we are off to Venice for two nights! Sure to have more to talk about when we get back. We miss everyone and hope that people still read this thing! Until next time!

Ciao!

-Dallan