I would love to go back and stay a few days, but I was happy
to have spent a bit of time in each village. The ship docked in La Spezia and
from there we took a ferry to our first stop, Manarola. The village is set atop a rock outcrop, with medieval hamlets
perched on the rocks. The bedrock juts
from the soil and sea below. The effect is stunning.
Cinque Terre has become a popular tourist destination, and you
will find the necessary souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. Yet it retains
an old age charm, with small fishing boats moored on the street, sort of like
parking a car, except they’re boats. We has enough time to walk down the main
street and a few narrow avenues that further defined the charm of the village.
Our next stop was Vernazza, the villages are similar, yet
have a unique flavor all their own. Towering buildings flank narrow alleys, and
they lead down to a magnificent bay. I stopped for a espresso in a cafe
overlooking the bay. The coffee and view were sublime. The walk along the
narrow streets, and the main tourist area was relaxing and you forget
everything except the sheer age and natural beauty that surrounds you.
From Vernazza we took the local train to Monterosso. The
village is a bit bigger, and more touristy. I stopped for lunch at a restaurant
with a fantastic view of the sea, and the best seafood pasta I’ve ever tasted.
Pasta was cooked al dente just the way I like it, and the seafood was incredibly
fresh, and the tomato sauce was light and well seasoned.
Along the way, we tasted some of the local wines, and amaretti con limone cookies; the Monterosso
specialty-macaroons made with lemon, and some delicious Pesto, served on a
piece of toasted Italian bread, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
It was a long day, and well worth the effort. The views were
stunning and unspoiled.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com
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