La Spezia

Arrivederci Roma - we left by high speed train and for hours later in La Spezia which is just a few mins train ride to Cinque Terra.
I should mention the fashion in Rome - so many smartly dressed people, oozing elegance. There was a group of ladies at Rome station - all wearing furs and outfits that were possibly a bit young for them?! Matching luggage and obviously off somewhere fabulous!
The train journey was very comfortable,- we were in 1st Class which cost about $60. The route took us along the coast (cruise ships spotted) and also inland where we saw olive trees, marble depots and even what looked like marble quarrying up in the hills. Fascinating.
Checked in around 3pm to our studio room (nice shower) leaving time to meander down the town. La Spezia was full of nice surprises ,- orange trees lining the main route, palm trees near the marina and quite elegant buildings. Didn't understand the sudden profusion of high end shops until we spotted the cruise ship in port!
Lovely "pasticceria" cafes with the yummiest of cakes!
We opted for early dinner again as I was getting super tired. Found a lovely (empty) restaurant for fusili with shrimp and zucchini. Richard had what he professed to be the best carbonara rounded off with chocolate torte.
Found our way back to the studio and called it a night. Thankfully streets were all quiet.Read more