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After enjoying a leisurely morning in our great suite room we headed out to the train station. I'll spare you the details but let's just say that navigating our way to town was not as easy as our concierge said it would be. Needless to say, we missed the 12:30 train so we decided to grab a beer at a local cafe. The cool thing over here is that when you order a drink at one of these places they practically give you lunch for free. They served us pistachios, olives, peanuts, chips and an assortment of focaccia with our small and medium Becks. Good stuff! We're coming under budget on our food because one, we're not eating much and two, breakfast and these "lunches" are free! That leaves more to spend on wine.
There are five small towns in Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manaroloa and Riomaggiore. We decided to only go to Corniglia because the trails connecting R and M to C were closed. The train ride from Levanto to Corniglia is 15 minutes. You literally cut through the side of the mountain and ride along the ocean. I am happy to report that I finally got a work out in....The hike from Corniglia to Varnazza is not for the faint of heart. Who would've known given the fact that people were wearing Haviannas. Who goes for a strenuous hike in sandals?! Better yet was the man wearing speary topsiders. The path from Varnazza to Monterossa is slightly easier but not by much. The scenery has to be some of the best in the world. Truly amazing views of the Sea. The water is aquamarine in color....breath taking! These little villages are literally built into the side of the mountain. It's crazy. I couldn't stop wondering how in the the hell do they get building material over here. Yes, by boat but then how do they get the bricks, mortar, equipment, etc up the side of the cliff?
After the hike, we went to the spa and sat in both the dry and hot saunas then enjoyed the Turkish bath several times. Dinner was back in Monterossa (3 minutes on the train) at Ciak Trattoria. We ordered the seafood pasta and fresh whole sea bass. When I say fresh I mean they brought the entire fish to our table for us to confirm which one we wished to have grilled. The pasta was served in a large clay pot with local clams and mussels. OMG, these two entrees were divine.
This region is known for several local specialties. On this trip I want to make it a point to try everything that each place is known for. So here's my list for CT - Focaccia check, white wine check, seafood pasta check, olive oil check...only two remaining items are honey gelato and pesto pasta. According to Ron and the lady from Ireland ,that we met on the train last night, I can make my own pesto. It's not worth staying here longer to try. We should eat lunch in Lucca. Speaking of, we met this older couple on the short 5 minute ride from Monterossa to Levanto. We got to talking and come to find out that they, too, are staying at Park Hotel Argento. They were complaining about the hike from the train station (which is a pain the ass) so we offered to give them a ride back as we dove down for that very reason. They kindly declined because they drove themselves as well. Ron couldn't believe it. He was so pissed..."WTF?! They don't offer us a ride? We were b****ing about that same damn trek! I mean they didn't know we had a car! Seriously, so rude!" Maybe it was my euro hair style that made them hesitate.
In conclusion, this has been a nice break from wine country. I'd highly recommend coming here for a few days. There are a lot of tourists but it's still worth seeing. We'll come back and hike to all five towns and then spend one day at the beach. Next time we will stay in Montrossa and buy the one day all inclusive train, CT national park and bus pass. According to the woman at the train station ticket counter we spent way too much money buying things individually. Live and learn I guess...still doesn't take away the sting.
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Cleo Samarin Happy 40th kats We love you mom&dad
Sasha I'm almost at the point where I can't read this anymore. I'm too freaking jealous. I've been dying to go to CT for years. Had a cute little place all picked out in Vernazza too but then sadly, our trip was canceled . (Uncle Johnny :( )Your killing me with the yummy wine and pasta. Hey, I turn 43 this year, let's celebrate and go again! Who's in? You? And why is everyone wishing you a happy bday today...it's not until next month.