Cinque Terre: Multo Buono!!

Ahh , the Cinque Terre!
The '5 Lands' so-called because they had been isolated from the rest of Europe for so long. They even developed their own dialect in Manarola, where we stayed for 3 days.
Impossibly perched on the edge of sheer cliffs dropping to the Mediterranean, these multi-coloured buildings have some of the best views imaginable. Our apartment was at the very top of the steepest street in the village. Well worth it though!
And to think that we had never heard of this area until a few years ago when Shoni & Simon stopped here on their European trek and came back with some amazing shots.

The water was beautiful! I must have impressed the tourists with my death-defying dives into the water, as they all averted their gaze while muttering indecipherable words of wonder!
The water is incredibly clear, very buoyant and as warm as Cairns in May. Magic...



Our apartment was quite modern, reasonably priced and split level: more stairs to climb after the long hike up the hill! Our calves were rippling with new-found muscles after 3 days. The view from the terrace was memorable.

We checked out the other 4 villages using the coastal train system (a very handy development for the tourists) and the walking path. I wanted to walk the whole thing (and in less time than Tony & Debbie) but it started raining so Rhonda refused, and, considerate husband that I am, I agreed to catch the train. This pic is at Monterosso, just before the deluge. Notice the sandy beach: it's the only one in the Cinque Terre. Soft!! Give me rocks and a ten metre plunge any day.


Our last meal was a seafood spectacular from 'Billy's", a trattoria close to our apartment. Not a bad view, eh? We were regaled with tales of daring and disappointment by our waiter, an old toothless fisherman who thought I was talking about him when I said the food was 'deliciosa'. Oh how we laughed! I think he is coming to visit us in Australia if his wife lets him sail. He would be a good addition to Friday night tennis.


Next: Florence; I feel a masterpiece coming on...