Arrived at Cinque Terre

Yesterday was a long travel day. We left Pompeii by train, and it took 4 train segments to get up north here to our new spot at Cinque Terre.

No travel troubles this time, but our packs were extra heavy because the landlord in Cinque Terre had warned us all the shops would be closed when we arrived. We were carrying not only our lunch but also our supper!

It was quite dark when we arrived so we could not see much. I was here twice in 2002, but Phil has not been here. We are in the village of Manarola perched on a cliff on the Ligurian coast in Italy. Magical!

Our host is an eclectic young man who grew up here but has apparently traveled. He owns his family home and two other apartments. We are staying in the Open Heart AIRBNB. Jvan, our host, met us at the train station. He wears clothing similar to a Tibetan monk. He led us through a maze of narrow pathways up the steep village.

The apartment is decorated with sea murals, and while not the most contemporary, it has a charm about it. The best part is the view we woke up to this morning.

We had some planned some hiking, but it is chilly and a little rainy. The path is pretty slick, so instead, we'll catch the train to see the other four villages today and maybe eat a lunch out. We've been eating in to save money and keep us from eating too many calories, but we deserve a meal out on the coast. The big meal here is served between 1 pm and 2 pm.

More tomorrow or tonight!Read more