Cinque Terre- Italian Rivera Well we made it to Monterosso in Italy. Not without a few minor dramas. We managed to get up at 5:00am to make our morning flight. When we got to the airport, I weighed our luggage and realised that while in total were under the limit, some bags were over. So we rearranged the luggage, which meant more in the carry on bags. This led to our bags being searched at the x-ray, have them go through our dirty washing, luckily we only lost a tube of toothpaste as it was over size for on board luggage. The perils of using both international and domestic air flights. Caroline arranged wheelchairs for herself at the airports, and at Pisa they took her right onto the train, very impressed with their service. We caught the local train from the airport to Pisa central and tehn regional train to Monterosso. We caught the train from Pisa to Monterosso, about 1.30 hours. Getting off proved more of a struggle, the carriage doors wouldn’t open, so it was a mad rush down the train trying to find a door that was open, and then push our way through the crowd trying to get on the train. Then down stairs carrying the luggage and a 0.5km walk to the hotel. We were exhausted by the time we arrived. Cinque Terre is a group of 5 small towns on the Italian Coast, between Genoa and Pisa. They retain their authentic look and charm despite being overrun by tourist. Monterosso where we are staying has a old town side and a newer town, a beach area( well manly pebbles) and a small Warf for ferries. The other towns were fishing towns without beaches but with wharfs. The day after we arrived we spent the day on the beach, 27 Euros for 2 sun beds and an umbrella, like many of the Aussies have said, it wouldn’t happen back home. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, not a bad way to spend a day. Next day we caught the local train to visit the other Cinque Terre towns. We made it to 3 others, we gave Corniglia a miss as there are over 300 stairs to climb. They are all pretty towns and different to each other, but smaller than Monterrosso. On Monday we caught a boat trip out to Portofino, just past the Cinque Terra group. The trip was about 2 hours each way and a few hours at the town. Portofino is a port for the rich and famous, with many large yachts berthed including “Dream”. The stores include, Rolex, Gucci, Louis Vuitton etc. The prices in the cafes were priced accordingly, a days wages for just an ice cream. But now been there done that. Most night we have been eating out at restaurants, fantastic if you like Italian seafood, all very fresh and local including the wines. You are in trouble if you don’t like seafood or Italian. Today is our last day here, just taking it easy before packing up and moving across to the UK. Thoughts of Italy – Love the place, picture perfect towns, great food and people, lots of Aussie tourists. Visit while you can walk as not disability friendly, lots of steps everywhere with few ramps or elevators.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 07:28:41 +0000
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