Cinque Terre, The Italian Rivera

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Every person we spoke to before we left who had been to the Cinque Terre puts their hand to their breast and sighs when we say "Cinque Terre."  Now we know why.  If anyone reading this has not been on their honeymoon yet, this is the place.  It is one of the few places I have ever been that exceeds the hype about it.  This area, the Cinque Terre, or the five towns, on the western coast of Italy is a string of five little fishing villages on the hills along the water, with houses built all on top of each other.  It is so tiny and so enchanting here.  You can hike to all the villages.  We did 2 hikes that were fabulous.  Also I think when people rave about Italy's food,  it must be because they came and ate here.  Pesto originated here and I had pesto lasagna one night while Mike had enourmous shrimp.  We swam on the rocky beach and ate a lot and lazed around and took a ferry to another town.  I will try and post some pictures later to give you all a better idea.  It was also pleasantly cool compared.

Last week's classes for me were an adjustment.  I can't remember what I already wrote, but I am doing a lot of work, which is great, but also time consuming.  The painting class is old master style and very intense.  Last week we got to see the Uffizi galleries, with Botticeli's Venus and Spring, amoung many many other greats.  These were the two we most looked forward to seeing and they did not disappoint.

Last night we went to the square and watched with the italians as their soccer team won the world cup.  It was very fun to be there celebrating such a cultural event with them.  What a match!  If you didn't catch it, France and Italy went into overtime tied 1 to 1 almost the whole game.  They finally had a shoot out where both teams get to kick 5 goals, just one kicker against the goalie.  France only missed one of the 5 goals.  Italy missed none.  The Italians went nuts.  Fun stuff.  Love you all.

Lynn and Mike