It's Supposed to be a Wet One Today!

We awoke to forecasts of rain for most of the morning. Our itinerary was changed because we were supposed to walk through the vineyards of Riomaggiore and visit the Monastery of Montenero, but apparently the walkways can become very slippery when wet.

So ... our changes for the rain included a train ride to Corniglia instead. This is one of the five terraces of Cinque Terra (that we were not supposed to visit) but ... the rain changed our plans.

Corniglia is the only one of the terraces that is not at sea level. We climbed 373 steps to reach the village. It didn't seem too hard though, because these steps are made of flat bricks in the middle of the walkway. They are soooo much easier to navigate than the uneven rocks that lined the paths in Amalfi!

This might be a good time for me to share that Cinque Terra is a National Park. The five terraces include Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. We learned that fishing is strictly prohibited between the two capes that bookcase Cinque Terra. The National Park pays for public busses that provide uphill and downhill transportation in each of the villages.

We enjoyed a visit to Vernazza last night and really had a wonderful morning! The scenery was not just spectacular ... it was entirely magical. One of the things I am really enjoying about this 'Walk About..." is the pace. It is quite different than Amalfi! We are offered more time to take pictures and really soak in the beauty that surrounds us! I'm not sure if the location is what makes the difference ... or... the guides, but we are thoroughly enjoying the pace of the this incredible tour. So far, it is more in keeping with what I expected when I signed up for the two 'Walk About Italy' itineraries.

We could not have been more pleased than to realize that our change in plans meant we averted a massive downpour of rain. We sauntered through the villages (dry) and I took so many pictures that I drained my battery. I wish I could share them all, but here is a small smattering of them.

We also really enjoyed a short break between 3 and 5pm to head back to the hotel! It was a chance to digest some of the wonderful moments we experienced this morning! And, we meet again at 5pm to head out for dinner and a short walk. We've already logged 9,367, so I'm not sure how much further we will walk, but it has not felt the least bit grueling. And, the sun has come out!!! I am so happy to go wherever the guides take me!👏👏👏

We wnded up taking the train the Manarola for dinner. We caught the sunset! I will post the photos separately in another blog!

See you there,
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