Europe: Trip Report- Day 10 Cinque Terre Italy
Aug 10th, 2008, 11:17 AM
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Europe: Trip Report- Day 10 Cinque Terre Italy
To read the previous 9 entries, go to www.explorerbear.blogspot.com
Day 10 Of the Trail of Love and Water Balloon Fights: The Cinque Terre
Morning song birds were chirping out our window. Looking below our balcony, the sun was shining brightly in the hotel's private lemon and lime grove. After eating a buffet breakfast on the shady hotel patio, we knew it would be a great day to explore the Cinque Terre.
We sat on the upper deck of the ferry to Riomaggiore. Passing by the other villages in the Cinque Terre, we admired the houses all nestled into coves like steps rising from the sea. All of the houses are yellow, pink, peach, rose, or lime green, all with forest green shutters.
Walking along the Via del Amore in the national park, we could hear the pounding surf on the rocks below. The sea stretched out before us as far as the eye could see. Cicadas chorused above cactus gardens covered with nets to prevent anyone being hit with rocks from the falling cliffs.
Lunch was in Manarola where happy hikers gladly took refuge from the sun on the outdoor porch of Il Poticciolo. Pedestrians don't have to vie with cars for space in this town. They compete for space with colorful wooden fishing boats parked right in the street. For lunch we enjoyed spaghetti with a heaping portion of mussels fresh from the sea sprinkled delicately with paremesan cheese. The ravioli pesto was prepared with basil so tasty it was probably just picked this morning. Hearty crusts of bread just baked complemented our meal.
During our meal we noticed a friendly water balloon fight started between two Italian families on holiday on their balconies. Soon it escalated into a community wide water free for all. Up and down the street, water balloons were lobbed off balconies, and even grandparents gleefully tossed dishpans of water off roofs and balconies onto unsuspecting tourists in the street below. As we ran the gauntlet toward the train station, bags of water came raining down on us which actually was a cool relief from the heat. Looking up we spotted one man hiding behind his shutters ready to ambush anyone with a bucket of water and little children ran around with squirt guns. It certainly was a "backdoor" moment and lots of fun.
We took the milk run to Vernazza. Surprisingly, the same cats from last year were cuddling together on the stairs. Sitting on the seawall over looking the breakwater, the houses in Vernazza looked like a carnival of colors with brightly colored flags hung over the streets. Swimmers floated in the clear water and grateful dogs jumped in. Ducks had their own private cove. Watching the holdaymakers stroll by we couldn't help but join in with a creamy scoop of homemade amaretto ice cream.
Splashes in the street
Manarola water fight
Tourists must take care
Day 10 Of the Trail of Love and Water Balloon Fights: The Cinque Terre
Morning song birds were chirping out our window. Looking below our balcony, the sun was shining brightly in the hotel's private lemon and lime grove. After eating a buffet breakfast on the shady hotel patio, we knew it would be a great day to explore the Cinque Terre.
We sat on the upper deck of the ferry to Riomaggiore. Passing by the other villages in the Cinque Terre, we admired the houses all nestled into coves like steps rising from the sea. All of the houses are yellow, pink, peach, rose, or lime green, all with forest green shutters.
Walking along the Via del Amore in the national park, we could hear the pounding surf on the rocks below. The sea stretched out before us as far as the eye could see. Cicadas chorused above cactus gardens covered with nets to prevent anyone being hit with rocks from the falling cliffs.
Lunch was in Manarola where happy hikers gladly took refuge from the sun on the outdoor porch of Il Poticciolo. Pedestrians don't have to vie with cars for space in this town. They compete for space with colorful wooden fishing boats parked right in the street. For lunch we enjoyed spaghetti with a heaping portion of mussels fresh from the sea sprinkled delicately with paremesan cheese. The ravioli pesto was prepared with basil so tasty it was probably just picked this morning. Hearty crusts of bread just baked complemented our meal.
During our meal we noticed a friendly water balloon fight started between two Italian families on holiday on their balconies. Soon it escalated into a community wide water free for all. Up and down the street, water balloons were lobbed off balconies, and even grandparents gleefully tossed dishpans of water off roofs and balconies onto unsuspecting tourists in the street below. As we ran the gauntlet toward the train station, bags of water came raining down on us which actually was a cool relief from the heat. Looking up we spotted one man hiding behind his shutters ready to ambush anyone with a bucket of water and little children ran around with squirt guns. It certainly was a "backdoor" moment and lots of fun.
We took the milk run to Vernazza. Surprisingly, the same cats from last year were cuddling together on the stairs. Sitting on the seawall over looking the breakwater, the houses in Vernazza looked like a carnival of colors with brightly colored flags hung over the streets. Swimmers floated in the clear water and grateful dogs jumped in. Ducks had their own private cove. Watching the holdaymakers stroll by we couldn't help but join in with a creamy scoop of homemade amaretto ice cream.
Splashes in the street
Manarola water fight
Tourists must take care
Apr 18th, 2009, 05:25 PM
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Whenever my wife and I stay in the Cinque Terre, we look forward to staying at the Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso. It's perfectly situated a short five minute walk to the water front, yet it also offers splendid sea views a bit of solitude from the buzz of downtown Monterosso. Be sure to ask for a room with a view and don't forget to bring your Rick Steves' guidebook as it offers a 10% discount on stays. The Villa Steno features comfortable modern accommodation and a terrific breakfast buffet. We always look forward to staying at this hotel.
Apr 18th, 2009, 05:30 PM
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My wife and I have not been to Portovenere. However, we are especially fond of Monterosso because it features a good selection of restaurants and a great nightlife. We like that it is two towns in one. One half is mostly populated with Italian families on holiday and the other half with a wide blend of tourists from all over. Monterosso is the closest to being a resort in the Cinque Terre, but not overly commercial. We like that blend. Our favorite hotel to stay there is the Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso.
