Cinque Terre, the five little villages on the sea

Our village of Vernazza
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After the short train ride across yet another border, we made it to Cinque Terra.  There are five little villages all within a protected national park and we are staying in Vernazza.  It is the 2nd village and has a great feel to it.  We hopped off the train and a guy came up to us with an offer.  We ended up talking him down about 15 euros a night. So, we got the appartment for 3 nights.

Climbing up the steeps stairs to our appartment with over 40 kilos. on the back now that is a different story.  We made it to our place and it was so cute.  We have bunkbeds and a kitchen, dining room, bathroom and even a washingmachine.  So, we lucked out.

Vernazza again
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We went to the Blue Marlin for dinner and had some great pizza... of course and went for a drink later.

Mar. 26th.

Our morning was great... since we actually got to sleep in.  WE found a place to get some snacks for our lunch and we hopped on the train.  Started at the furthest village Rio Maggoire and working out way back.  Rio Maggoire was cute and then we took the path right over the Mediterranean to Manarola.  There was a land slide on the lower trail so we had to take the top hiking trail if we wanted to hike it. So, we caught a bus up and started the hike.  It was gorgeous.  WE were hiking threw peoples vineyards and homes way up overlooking the sea. On the way down it was a little tough because of the slope and rocks, but we made it.  I was so glad that land slide happened because we might  have not taken that trail... and it was so peaceful and such a view of most of the towns.

Rio Maggoire
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As a reward we had gelatto.

So todays gelatto flavors were Pink Grapefruit (my fave) VAnilla and WIld Berry.  Ohhhh so good. I°ll keep you updated on the flavors of the day.

WE then hiked up to the castle in our town with some people we meet.  On the way down I was at the last step and my ankle just went sideways and I feel to the ground.  I knew it was a bad one.  So, we went back to our place and I took the night off.  Icing it and keeping it up.  I°ll just baby it and hope that it gets better.  Bern has been taking great care of me.  I am so lucky to have her.

Great views from the hike
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WE went for dinner at Il Pirate and the food was great.  I had this Cannoli with Ricotta and Spinach.  IT was mouthwatering good. But then there is the hot chocolate that is not like our hot chocolate.  It is like having a chocolate bar melted in a cup.  So, we enjoyed out hot chocolate and our strawberry dessert.

Mar. 27th

So, this morning was another great sleep-in morning.  Bern got up early and got me some breakfast and then went out hiking for the day.  I got to relax at our home and put the foot up.  I got to organize my things and think about how much I need to mail home already!!!  I just love books... oh and a great purse that I bought in Portugal.

Manorola
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We went back to Il Pirate for dinner and I had Eggplant Parmigan and it was so good.  For my third experience with eggplant in 2 days... I was impressed.  So, we had a great night chatting with two couples from the states and also... the owners THE Brother and aka Borat.  So that was a blast.  The twins are hilarous.  And such good cooks.  We need some more good restaurants back home like that.

So we called it a day and we are off to Florence tomorrow.  WE will miss CInque Terra. THe atmosphere was really great and the people incredibly funny.