Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, meaning 5 towns, sits along a cliff side on the coast of the Mediterranean in Italy. After Justin had already been there we knew it would possibly be our favorite place so far. Each of the 5 fishing villages are spread out along one cliff side.

On the way there we learned our first lesson about the Italian trains. We hopped on our first train to Genova that had compartment seating, thinking we were lucky to get a sweet little room to ourselves. As we stopped at each station we realized that most, if not everything, is already reserved. The entire ride became stressful not knowing if our seats were going to be taken from us. As more and more people got on the train we all had to move to the hallways, which also became more and more crowded with people. We ended up standing, or sitting in cramped hall corners, for an hour and a half. We definitely reserved seats on our next train out of Cinque.

We then got in around 2 and stayed in the first town, Riomaggiore, for two nights. Our hostel ended up being a small apartment that sat 4 stories up looking over the main road (or walkway you could say) with one bathroom once again (Im going to stay positive and say I didn’t mind). We also had two shutter windows with drying lines outside. After dropping our stuff off we walked down to the water, consisting of a small boat ramp for row boats and a small marina-like area. On our way down we happened to meet another Coug, Adam Holiday, in one of the smallest towns in Italy. He was the Cougs kicker in the ’03 Rose bowl and was wearing a giant Coug Rose bowl ring. He let us all try it on and agreed to have drinks later.



View of Vernazza from the hike



Down by the water we had a late afternoon meal on the Cliffside of just Italian pastas. The portions were small for the boys but there is nothing like an Italian pasta dish, especially when you’ve been anticipating it. After, the boys went to jump off cliffs and swim while I finally had time to shop on my own. Later we bought cheap Italian wine, pieces of pizza, and headed to the only local bar that was open. We all agreed the Mojitos were the best we have EVER had, made with all real ingredients and enough sugar to give you a heart attack.

On our second day we got up early to hike the famous hike that stretches along the cliff side of the 5 towns. It now costs 5 euro to do the trail and the portions between towns 2-3 and 3-4 are blocked off because of rock slides. We started in Riomaggiore and walked lover’s lane to the 2^nd town. It was pathed and flat the whole way. The second town was quant with great swimming holes. From there we took the train to the 4^th town, which is the most beautiful and busiest. We got back on the hike and realized we were in for a lot more than expected. The first part of the hike was simply a trick. This portion headed straight up the hillside on rocky stairs that never seemed to end. We were panting like dogs but the view just got better and better. The hike lasted a couple of hours just between the two towns and continued up and down the steep hillside. When we finally got to the descent our legs and knees were shaky. It made it difficult to carefully climb down the steep stairs on the other side. These also seemed to be never ending. When we finally reached the bottom there was no better reward then running straight for the Sea and bottles of water. The Mediterranean was calm and aqua blue. We stayed on the beach for a few hours and had kebabs and Gelato. To get back we hopped on a ferry, giving us awesome views of each village from the water. The feeling of being on a boat was so satisfying. Of course we then planned on doing some laundry but the washers just happened to be broken. After taking turns for 8 people to shower some went to get more pizza while JW, Justin, Keagan, and I went for a nice dinner. We didn’t hold back after the long hike and had Bruschetta, bread and olive oil, Seafood spaghetti and pizza. Later a few went back to lovers lane to check the town out at night and a view of the stars, obviously with more wine. In the morning we had to get up early to catch another train to Roma… and yes it was smooth.

When arriving in Rome we struggled to find our apartment from the train station. When we finally did we were pleasantly surprised with a newly remodeled apartment in an old Roman building. It contains three bedrooms, three baths, a kitchen, and a living room, and yes, I am the happiest traveling girl you can find. Aftering settling in some set off to do laundry. We also went down to a local market and baught Tortellini and Salad to cook ourselves. We have now eaten and are happily content hanging in our new digs.

Keagan has also already taken a bubble bath, and we learned that our water supply is definitely limited...the showers and sinks are now spitting water =)

We'll catch up with you tomorrow!