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So sad to leave another gorgeous Aunt & Uncle, but we have been blessed to have spent the last 9 days in France with Dad's side of the family & share their incredible summer life in France. We simply wouldn't have experienced the things we have without them.
Waved au revoir from the Antibes train station, destination - Monterosso, Italy.
The first train was packed due to the Bastille Day long weekend, but we were going further than most day trippers, so it soon quietened down again. The security was high, lots of heavily armed police & army officers. Arrived at Monaco station but didn't have time to go. There were only glimpses, as even though the train hugged the coastline, much of the trip was spent in darkness in the long, long tunnels that went through the hills or under towns.
Arrived in Monterosso & of course we walked the wrong way to the end of the cove. The shore was bustling with tourists & markets, with a thousand beach umbrellas set up for hire. So different to Australia.
Found Hotel Pasquale & the staff could not have given us a friendlier reception with a welcome glass of water after dragging our cases twice as far as we had to.
Room 9, Level 3, with a view straight over the beach area & sea. Beautifully appointed room. After having a rest & catching up with messages, we headed out to explore the quaint alleyways, shops & restaurants. We decided to try our luck at the newly opened Torre Aurora Restaurant in a thousand year old fort, built to defend the area. We were told if we were willing to wait at the bar, a table could be arranged. Well, that was easy enough to soak in that stunning view. It was one of those places that made you really feel blessed to have experienced.
We were put in one of the archways & ordered fish bites (for me) and spaghetti marinara (for Scott). Both equally delicious. How wonderful to sit overlooking Monterosso, listening to the waves crashing below us. It really was perfect.
Our waitress, Ellena, was lovely & told us where we could buy the little limoncello clay cups used at the restaurant, so we set off to find them as a momento of our evening. Everything stays open till late - it was 11pm when we bought them & wandered around eating gelato & there was no sign of it getting any quieter. Bought some limoncello & went back to our room to enjoy the sea view. What a perfect introduction to the Cinque Terre!
- comments
Conny Plant Just beautiful, love the food photos and am always a fan of limoncello on a hot day. What a wonderful city to visit. Have fun.