5 Terre

---

Geo: 44.1086, 9.73296

1 May

Arrived in Manarola today after two comfortable train rides. The last section of the ride was through a tunnel and then we popped out on the side of the cliffs up against the ocean. Outstanding. It is absolutely beautiful.

The trek up to the B&B with my suitcase was tough but I knew to expect that. A good reason I hadn't done much shopping.

The village is very small. A handful of restaurants specializing in seafood and pesto, a couple of delis and tourist shops. It is lovely and a great place for a rest.

Had a lovely meal with some girls from New Zealand and met Fillipo the restaurant cat.

2 May

There are many hardcore hiking trails in the Cinque Terra although a few are still closed following the mudslides last October. I decided today I should at least attempt a "hike" and walked the lover's path to Riomaggiore - about 25 MINUTES GOOD LORD! Didn't find a lover on the way so that was a total waste of time wasn't it?

Riomaggiore is larger than Manarola with more shops to choose from. The village is very pretty with flowers lining the streets and outside the homes. Mainly roses and geraniums. Had a nice lunch their and "hiked" back to Manarola. Might have to get myself some of those walking poles - then I'll look really professional.

My first serious shopping day today. Bought two prints of the 5 Terra, ready for framing when I get home. Hopefully they will survive the trip.

3 May

Slept in today as my room was very cold. Was great to lie in and organize some of the next week of my trip.

Today will be a quiet day strolling around Manarola and soaking in the sunshine, coffee and wine.

Enjoyed dinner tonight at my restaurant with Fillipo (remember its the cat). He loves swordfish.

4 May

I awoke this morning to an email saying all services of Cinque Terra National Park including the train station will be closed until further notice due to a government dispute. Excellent! I'm leaving town tomorrow. I guess there are worse places to be stuck.

Rushed down to the station to find the trains are running, just no tickets. Thankfully I bought mine yesterday through to Lucca so should be fine - unless they shut down the trains in the meantime.

After all that excitement I needed a vino but held off until 12.00 noon to appear respectable. The Germans were drinking pints at 10.00am. I was planning to do a day trip to Monterosso today but no ticket, no travel.

So this afternoon I'll be enjoying a siesta ready for more pasta tonight.

Just had a lovely dinner at my favourite restaurant Il Porticcilo and they gave me pickled/seasoned green tomatoes in oil to have with my bread. They are fabulous. The owner has now given me a jar to take with me so Sue, Deb and G you have them to look forward to.

---

Comments

[ann waller]

I have heard so much about that area - it looks gorgeous. The walks are quite famous but sound quite rigorous. Interspersed with plenty of vino is the way to go. Did you say 'cat'!!!!

[Anastasia]

Tania, you are so funny, do the rest of the walks, they are not hikes just walks (no matter what crazy American tourists may imply with their poles and funny socks etc) and its so beautiful! Miss you!

[adrian]

You finally found a cat to pat! this place looks amazing Tan. I would wait right until the end of the trip to buy my present as you wouldn't want to be lugging something that big around mountainous countryside.