Chapter 5 - DAY 4 - Monterosso (Cinque Terre) Day 3

---

It was a bit colder this morning, but still warm enough (just) to have our breakfast in the garden. We discussed the best way to get from Monterosso to Siena - we leave for siena in a couple of days - with Fausto (our host at Giardino Incantato), he suggested rail was the most effective and offered to work out the best schedule with the least changes for us. A nice gesture which we very much appreciated, the level of service since we arrived has been outstanding.

WALES V FRANCE WORLD CUP RUGBY
Originally we were going to head off early to see the last two towns in Cinque Terre (Manarola and Riomaggiore). However last night we found a Pub that was screening the Wales v France Rugby World Cup semi final live – 10am our time. We decided that we didn’t have a particularly busy day so we would rearrange things to watch the game. It was a bit strange sitting in a small Pub in Monterosso a small town in a remote(ish) area of Italy –hardly a rugby stronghold looking at the rain pouring down on Eden Park Auckland listening to Nisbo’s (NZ rugby commentator Grant Nisbett) pre-game commentary.

A few Kiwis and Aussies (and the odd Pom)drifted in and we cheered on the Welsh to the bitter end, the general consensus was they were robbed and the Red Card an example of a referee looking for a reason to get his name in the paper. The girl running the bar was both bemused and amused by our passionate support for a team that represented a country none of us came from.

Hopefully tomorrow the All Black v Wallaby game will be on at the Pub, there’s a bit of confusion regarding that but you would think they would screen both semis of such a big tournament. If so it should be a great start to the day, word is every Kiwi and Aussie in the area will be at the bar!

MANAROLA
After the final whistle we jumped on the local train that took us to Manarola, once off the train you walk through a tunnel to get from the station to the township. The first thing we noticed was the boats parked up and down the main street – no room for cars here! The main town and its pretty square are set above the harbour, but unlike Corniglia which is higher up on the edge of a cliff, there is a comfortable walkway down to the harbour area. The Harbour itself is tiny but pretty with traditional housing crowded around it.

We found a ceramic/pottery shop near where we entered the town that had some absolutely amazing products on display. Brilliant colours and scenes related to the local area, I would have liked to buy something but Jeanette didn’t share my enthusiasm! We also found the only piece of grassed area we have seen in our time in Cinque Terre. Incredible given the open expanses we all enjoy at home. It was a small park/picnic area overlooking the harbour, a lovely place for to sit and contemplate.

VIA DELL AMORE (LOVERS LANE)
We had a good look around and then headed back through the tunnel and turned right to the Via dell Amore (way of love), the most famous stretch of the Blue Path. The pathway is carved into the rock and overlooks the sea for its entire length. It is also a 20/30 minute flat walk, quite a contrast from yesterday!
The walkway is so named because it is such a romantic walk and has been a favourite of lovers since the 1930’s.

People take padlocks with their and their lovers initials on them and lock them onto various mesh fences along the way to signify their never ending love for each other. We’re far too old for that nonsense but there are some awesome views and it’s certainly a lovely walk which we very much enjoyed together.

RIOMAGGIORE
It wasn’t too long before we reached the last of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore. On arrival we walked through quite a long tunnel which was beautifully decorated with coloured tiles that made up a variety of pictures covering the length of the tunnel. Just like Manarola we took a series of steps down to the tiny harbour which was flanked by a number of restaurants. We picked one and had a light lunch and a quiet drink overlooking the harbour and the sea beyond – beautiful and relaxing. We had a look around the town – not too much to see – and then retraced our steps along Via dell Amore to catch the train from Manarola back to Monterosso.

Back at home base we did some souvenir shopping and had a rest before returning to Ristorante Al Carugio for another delicious dinner. We got there at 7pm (opening time) and by 7.30pm they were full and turning people away so it obviously not just us who are impressed by the quality of their food and service.

MORE PICS BELOW

---

Photos

Wales v France Rugby World Cup Semi Final
On the big screen at a small bar -FAST Dal 1989 (known as the American Bar) - in Monterosso. Gutted with the refereeing performance and the result.

Manarola
The buildings are crowded around the tiny harbour.

Manarola
Boats line the main street, no cars here!

Locked in Love
Just a small number of the many padlocks that line the Via dell Amore

Riomaggiore Harbour
Another small harbour, this view is from the restaurant where we had lunch

Tunnel to Riogammiore
The long and colourful route to the main town

Coastal Views
The rocky coastline between manarols and Riogammiore offers some spectacular views.

On the Rocks
Peopke exploring the rocks off the marked track - it dangerous stuff the coastline is a place to be respected.

Boats in the Main Street
No room for cars here

Comments

[Melissa]

Dodgy! Obviously these guys didn't grow up hearing stories about people being washed off the rocks at Castlepoint :p