Cinque Terre

Can you see the sea?!

Monterosso al Mare

Lemons, Lemons, Everywhere

Monterosso Street

My Travel Buddie Brenna!

Day 9
Going Coastal!

This was a perfect travel day, lots of sun and scenery. We had lunch at an Autogrill and had an hour and half to check out Pisa. I took my pictures but it seems funny to me that such a big deal is made out of an engineering mistake!

I'm so excited! We're on our way to Cinque Terre (Five Villages). These villages cling to the hills along the Mediterranean coast. There are no roads between these villages which makes them only accessible by boat, train or on foot. Everyone I know that has been to Italy has come to Cinque Terre and they all said that it was a must see.

We took a train into the first village of Monterosso al Mare. I was so excited to finally be here! There are tiny little trucks within the towns, and one was waiting to take our luggage up to our hotel, Hotel Villa Steno. We walked along the sidewalk above the Mediterranean Sea. The water has such a wonderful color.

After the wonderful dinner Anita, Don, and I went over to Cecilla and Brenna’s balcony for fragolina wine. It was a beautiful evening with stars shining over the sea mixed with the fragrance of a divine wine and excellent company.

Pesto Demo

Pesto Demo

Vernazza

Next Stop, Vernazza

Absolutely Charming

Piazza

Typical Terraced Yard/Garden

Free Samples!

Lovely, Stuffed Mussels

Day 10
It's All About the Seafood, Bella!

Today I took the 10 am boat to the next village over, Vernazza. My feet were too sore to do the hike there. I ran into Ferdi at the dock; he was headed to the same village. Soon we were floating along the coastline admiring the view. We docked and Ferdi, knowing my weakness for desserts, told me of a great little pastry shop at the top of town. We walked up the only road in town which was flooded with tourists. Shops and restaurants lined the street waiting to cater to them. Once we passed under the train station the crowds disappeared and we were the only ones left! They missed some lovely places for photos. There was a nice little stream with ducks and a friendly cat to welcome us.

We found the pastry shop owned by twin brothers from Sicily that had graduated from the Sicilian Pastry Academy. Oh, heaven, I've arrived! Fresh baked almond cookies, still warm! - how did they know I was coming? I bought some cookies that seemed to melt in my mouth and had blood orange juice that was freshly squeezed right in front of me. Best orange juice ever! One of the brothers, who was minding the till, of course knew Ferdi. He was trying to figure out our relationship. He said "Ferdi, your daughter?" Ferdi laughed, "Yeah, my granddaughter!" I just laughed and the brother asked me where I was from. When I said Canada, he replied, "Oh Celine Dion!" Cringe, can't we be known for anything else? I would even prefer snow and cold weather for goodness sake!

The brother was so energetic and funny. He asked if I was married and when I said no he replied, "Okay you need a guy who is smart, sensible, and financially secure. I know the guy!" He pretended his hand was a phone and talked into it "Hello, George Clooney, yes I have the perfect girl for you... Yes, from Canada - you know like Celine Dion. You'll be right down? Great!" Too funny!!

Ferdi and I headed back to the beautiful piazza on the harbor front. I sat on a bench and enjoyed people watching. There were three grandmas sitting high up in their windows leaning on their elbows looking down at the people. After a wonderful lunch at, Ristorante Belforte, I headed up the trail a little way to a wonderful spot overlooking the town. I started to get my paints out and suddenly out of nowhere it starts to pour rain! I hurried down the trail a way and found a tree to hide under. A couple was also sheltering under the tree. I apologized to them for the rain. I explained that the last time I tried to paint it hailed, so it was clearly my fault!

The rain wasn't letting up and the ferry was leaving soon so I hurried down to the piazza. The tourists were huddled under awnings because the pretty colored umbrellas of the restaurants were just pretty, not practical. They weren't waterproof! I dashed across the piazza and made the ferry just before they pulled out.

Soon enough it was time for dinner. Ferdi had arranged for an optional group dinner. By this time we'd learned Ferdi's impeccable taste, so when there's an optional dinner - you go!

We met at a seaside restaurant. Very appropriate for the local seafood feast we were about to embark on. Not everyone in our group was a fan of seafood, so less than half of us had the feast and the rest ordered from the menu.

Ferdi told us that everything had been caught that morning. The cooks layer everything in a certain order then add white wine and herbs, then it goes into the oven for twenty minutes. Everything melds together, including the ink of the squid. The waiter brought out a vase-like terra cotta pot and poured the contents into large bowl. A whole squid, lobster, prawns, clams and broth filled the bowl. We just looked at it not knowing how to start. But not to worry, the waiter was just showing us the variety of seafood before cutting the individual types into more manageable portions.

To actually eat the dish, you place a piece of bread in the bottom of your bowl, put your seafood on top, then spoonfuls of broth - ta da!! And that is how you create perfection - excuse me, my mouth is watering just thinking of it. That folks is the best seafood I've ever had, and I used to live in a costal state, so that's saying something!

The Seafood Feast

This Bowl is All for Me!

Back at the hotel, I set out some more chairs on my balcony as this time I was the one sharing my Venice fragolina wine with my tour buddies. I poured a glass for myself in my travel wine glass - a must for any travels in wine country. Ahh, another perfect night by the sea.

Anita & Don Enjoying the Evening

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