Fun Weekend in Chinque Terre

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I just got back from a WONDERFUL weekend in Chinque Terre literally the 5 cities what a beautiful place!!! We started out in Porte VerneI believe, a little further south than the most southern city. We spent the afternoon around the town, having lunch, climbing up to the castle and enjoying the breathtaking view!! From there we took a boat to Monterosso and on the way got to pass the other 4 cities, all with such colorful homes and buildings. I was surprised by how compact each city was, I guess I always imagine it would be much more spread out!!

Porte Venere
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When we arrived in Monterosso we began the climb to the hostel at which we would be stayingwayyy up on top of the hill. They said it was an 1 hike, we made it in about 45, we were literally booking it up this hill with a straight up vertical incline. They didnt tell us this at the bottom, but the first 50 people to get to the top were going to get beds at the hostel, everyone else had to sleep on the floorand with about 120 people on this particular trip it was a real luxury to get a bedI was the 15th person to the top ? Id say thats pretty good for no exercise since Ive been heregasp! After that though I feel like I really need to get out and start trying to exercise a bit more!! We were SO LUCKY to make it to the top of the mountain right before the thunder and lighting began and an absolute downpour began!!! After we all get settle in they served us dinner at the hostel, which actually was an old monastery. The dinner was delicious!!! Pesto lasagnasomething I have never had, it was amazing!! After that we had the option to take a taxi down to the town, but it was already 9:30 and the taxis stopped running at midnight, so that really did not leave a lot of time. Most of us just stayed and hung out around the hostel.

Porte Venere
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Saturday morning we woke up, had breakfast and then listened to the options on the different hikes we could take. I decided to do the one that took us along the hill to the next town. We hiked about an 1 to the next townthe hike wasnt too difficult and the view was BREATHTAKING!!! Really unbelievable! Again, we were SO LUCKY because as soon as we got down to the town of Vernazza another downpour beganwe hung out here and had lunch for a few hours and then to the 4:00 train back to Florence! I am so excited for a morning of sleeping in tomorrow ? a luxury I dont get at all during the week because of my early classes!

the girls at porte venere
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Hope everyone at home is doing well! Keep me updated!!! Lots of loveuntil next week, Capri and the Almalfi Coast!!!