The Recap: The Cinque Terre June 12

I had time to kill before 6PM to meet up with Riccardo. I went to Levanto and laid in the grass and read my book for 2 hours. Right after I closed the book, a police officer comes up and says, "Sorry, but you can't lay in the grass. Sorry." Really, AFTER 2 hours of, in fact, laying in the grass?? I had to leave to catch the train anyhow. Good timing.

Even better timing, saw Dave when the train stopped at Vernazza on my way down to Rio. Butterflies filled my heart as I wasn't expecting to see him for two more days! Our hands touched for a brief moment as I hung out of the window and looked down at him from the train. He winked at me from the platform as the train departed. Ready for homemade wine! :)

June 13

Aye! Too much wine last night --- good wine --- but too much! I felt good today but wish I woke up earlier. Riccardo drove us to Porto Venere this morning. He drives a yellow Fiat. Cool. Porto Venere was more hoity toity than the other villages, but very beautiful. After we got back, I departed by myself to hike the LOVE TRAIL from Riomaggiore to Manorola. It was a 20 minute walk on the seaside and the ocean air was perfect. Since two trails were closed, I trained to Corniglia and Vernazza.

I almost died climbing 383 steps to the center of Corniglia! Damn wine! :-/ Corniglia is up high and has an awesome view! Breathtaking. At Vernazza, I bought a spicy chocolate and banana gelato. No, no, I know you're jealous. At Manorola, I bought a slice of pesto pizza. YUMZ. In flip flops, I hiked a rocky and semi steep trail from Vernazza to Monterroso, the last village.

Again, about died going up the trail rock stairs --- probably 380 steps too, dammit.

But the view --- AH BENE! and so worth it! 1 and 15 minutes later, I arrive at Monterosso. I walked around the old town. I just love how all the houses are built on each other. Such color and character. SPENT.

I headed back to the Riomaggiore. Riccardo again made me dinner --- Rabbit sauteed in olives, carrots, garlic, onion and olive oil. Really good! Last night I enjoyed homemade cannelloni. Bed early and rise early tonight. Riccardo is a good man and I'm very lucky to have found him on the couchsurfing site. I recommend him to anyone surfing in the Cinque Terre.

Can't wait to start the next part of my journey with my favorite company, Dave!

FLORENCE AND VENICE MANANA!