Cinque Terre Day 2

One of the cool things to do while visiting Cinque Terre is to hike between the towns.  It sounds so fun and exciting when you read about it!  Then after doing our first hike we decided we were happy to take the trains between and not hike.  The hikes are not difficult, but are very rocky and have tons of stairs so are more exhausting than you would think.  Add 90 degree weather to that and one hike was plenty for us! 

But the views are pretty amazing from the trails:

All fresh as we start out our hike…. headed to Corniglia

So Rick Steve’s mentions this secluded private beach that has been reclaimed from the nudists by the Italians.  It sounds amazing so we set out to find it.  It was an adventure just to find it.  Under the train through a pitch dark tunnel with only cell phone lights to guide our way, (as well as another couples phones we ran into), then pass the gate keepers who seem to live just on the other side of the tunnel.  Who by the way, offered us some of their food they were grilling up.  They were nice enough, but we kindly took a pass on the food to finally get to the beach.  You have to scale down a steep cement wall with only a rope to hold on to.  And finally you behold  the beautiful beach. 

As well as the nudists who are very much still in control of  the private beach Rick Steves!!  We decided to not let it bother us and headed down to the other end to mind our own business.  There was a very weird vibe here.  Somewhat of a organic hippy fest.  Lots of rubbing of sunblock in private places and parading around in the nude.  I really tried not to be bothered or stare, but oh my its hard when they are so okay with their nudeness!  

So while minding our own business, I was photographing these giant waves coming in every 30 seconds!  They were out of control and amazing!  However, right as I’m doing this a completely nude woman walks right in front of my camera.  so I took a picture cuz I couldn’t believe it.  Maybe she didn’t see my giant oversized camera and lens?  I think not.  What the heck?  again a weird vibe going on.  No worries, I didn’t post that picture!!!

   

As the waves retreated from the rocks and back to join the ocean they made the most distinct sound.  It sounded like a rainstorm on the roof, but magnified by 20 decibels.  It was a neat sound and had a calming effect similar to a rain stick. 

WE explored the town and decided to take a boat back to get some water views of the cities.  Such an amazing place:

This was the perfect place to go for a couples trip.  Everyone was friendly and relaxed.  Something about having no car traffic and only train/boat access, seems to slow things down a bit.  I could have stayed here longer. 

The path to our hotel…… right in the middle of town.  So convenient and a fun little place! 

To top off the perfect day, we had made a reservation at this great restaurant located on the cliff above Vernazza.  We had a great table with ocean view.  The food was awesome!  The pesto lasagna with their local homemade and homegrown pesto  was kind of to die for.  With the Italian cheeses all mixed in….Jared was in heaven!  The sun went down while we ate and it was a perfect ending to a lovely day!  16 years and counting…..who ever knew we would be here and all the other places we’ve been to 16 years ago!  If you’d told me on my wedding day, I wouldn’t have believed it! Love this guy and all the good times and places we’ve enjoyed together for the last sixteen years.