Italy #7
Yesterday (Saturday) we had a wonderful hike. Only 7 of us opted to go, led by Elizabeta. We took a train to Riomaggiore which is just south of us. It is one of the five Cinque Terra villages. We climbed for 50 minutes and the toughest part was the humidity. We were all dripping. I resorted to putting my buff on my head for a sweat band. The mist was swirling about. It cleared and the air was normal again. I love these trails as there are little restaurants along the way. Wish we had that in Canada. At the first one Eleanor had two cappacinos at E1.50 each!! They are E2.50 down below in all the villages. I had a big North American ice cream bar. At the next stop we had lunch -- E had spelt salad and I had foccacia bread with cheese and pesto, fresh from the oven. Then I had a lemon fizzy drink which was very much like our Sprite. Guess what E had! -- a cappacino. The trail most of the way was level with little ups and downs. The views were spectacular and the trail through trees, grasses and flowers. There were even exercise stations in one area. Eventually we got to the downhill part and it certainly was tricky in many places. We were climbing down trail that was basically rock faces. No danger of falling down the mountain but slipping was certainly a concern. We all placed our feet very carefully. So we got down and were in a beautiful port city -- Porto Venere. We had time to walk up to the old church and observe the wedding guests walk up the cobblestone path in their rediculous high heels. One lady was walking in bare feel carrying her shoes. The trip home was by boat so we could see the places we had meals at -- way up high.
For Eleanor and I it was a perfect day. One gal had blisters the whole way -- we were out for 7 hours -- tough! Eleanor did her best to doctor them which helped somewhat.
For dinner we just went across the road. I had ravioli in pesto sauce. This area is famous for its pesto and I can see (taste) why.
Now today: As usual we start with breakfast which is included. Cappacinos (I may have to have one every day at home!), granola, croissants (some small savory ones as well as the large sweeter version), yogurt, juice, fruit (not very ripe), bread, cheese, meat, etc. I stay away from the meat and cheese -- does not appeal at that time of day.
Today we did what the rest of the group did yesterday. Six of us took the train to Riomaggiore (south) then caught the north bound train for Margarhita which is out of the Cinque Terre. From there we walked the one and a half hour shoreline trail to Port Fino. Lovely!!! A few times we had to walk on the road which is tricky when vehicles are passing each other. We had lunch there -- the recommended meal that Anne and Karen had the day before -- pesto lasagne, salad and tiramasu. To die for. We shared. We decided to leave early as there was not a lot to do plus the shops were very, very expensive. I should have added a third very. Good thing. We were sitting in the train staion when the heavens opened.
Shannon and Robbie ---- we had supper tonite at Billys. Great meal with a thunderstorm going on. We had horse meat for an appetizer!!! It tasted like proscuitto. Next was spaghetti with shrimp -- had to peel our own so sort of messy with tomato sauce all over them. Again we shared. And a baked vegetable dish which included eggplant. Then Eleanor had the local specialty of sweet raisin wine with biscotti and I had a white chocolate, almond and lemon torte. Wow to both!!!
So tomorrow we are off to Lucca which is south of here. I hope the internet is better. I get only a fair signal in the room but usually get out if I go downstairs. Sometimes I am only partly through a short letter and it drops out. Frustrating. Especially for Eleanor as my computer does not like her. No internet cafes here.
These five villages are all built on steep hillsides with the ocean directly below. Spectacular. There are no flat places. Our village of Manarola has only one main street. Little side ones lead you to stairs and more stairs. Fun to explore. On our main street are parked their boats. Each morning we wake up around 6 to banging as they collect the garbage. Sounds to me like they are throwing all their wine bottles in a bin. We get back to sleep though. On Friday and Sat nights the streets are noisy and right below our window. I woke up at 1 and they were still partying. There is live music up the street which is too loud (and smoky) up close but sounds good through our window.
So far, Positano is our favorite with this place a close second. Hated the looks of Naples -- empty buildings, garbage, abandoned farms, peeling outer layers of their concrete buildings, etc.
Time to quit. Hope to send it tonite.
By the way, have not had a letter for a week!
One more thing -- mainly for Samara and Don. I have that horrible heat rash on my legs. It is so ugly but I wear shorts anyway. I took some pictures and will try to get some medic interested in finding a solution.