The train ride from Verona to Monterosso was our longest, including 3 different trains. It was made much longer by what we learned were typical delays. I understood enough Italian to know that we were delayed, and by how long, but I couldn't figure out the reasons they gave. We eventually arrived more than 2 hrs. late making our long travel day even longer. Considering the number of trains we've taken, we still consider ourselves lucky since this was our first delay. The good news is that we left the cold rainy weather of Verona behind and entered into a summer paradise! Cirque Terre consists of 5 villages along the sea and is known as the Italian Riviera. Bellissimo! Sun, sea, sand! Paradiso! Our hotel is fabulous. Its grounds are beautiful, and it was quite a climb lugging suitcases uphill along cobblestone paths. The breakfast here is the best yet. The homemade pastries are to die for!There is an incredible hike along the coast between the towns. We hikes all the open trail. (some sections are closed due to landslides) Ill let the pictures speak for themselves. The trail was challenging with dramatic climbs and descents along generally narrow, rocky sections with lots of steps, sometimes challenging the quads with their height. We took enough time to smell the cactus flowers and herbs, notice the lizards, listen to the birds singing in the olive groves, enjoy the spectacular vistas, and stop for a cappuccino in Vernazza, and pasta in Corniglia. When we turned a corner and saw a new village loaning, it was like discovering Brigadoon! Lou was wearing his Rochester marathon shirt and we met another couple from Rochester, the guy also wearing a Rochester shirt. Later on we got another shout out from a man from Seneca falls. The hike may have taken us about 4 hours with stops, but the train ride back took 10 min. Before getting to the train we climbed down an incredible set of switchbacks to get back to the shore. We were glad we were going down because the people coming up were covered in sweat and breathing heavy. Once back in Monterosso we hiked along the sea, climbed castle's walk up to a scenic cemetery visiting statues, chapels, towers and overlooks. Did I mention paradise?! More great wine along seaside cafés and a fabulous dinner. We chatted with a Swiss couple at dinner and our waitress who was from Tunisia . It made is realize how small our lives are! We could have stayed here much longer!
Once again I'm having trouble uploading pictures. I'll try in Milano since its a big city I assume it must have better WiFi! Arrivederci cirque Terre! Divertimento!
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