Cinque Terre

Today Staci and I got up early and did some good ol’ fashioned train ridin’ up to the Cinque Terre- a group of 5 small towns connected by footpaths and trains- fun! When you get off of the train it is clear that this place is unique- to the right there are green and glorious mountains, and to the left there is the sprawling Ligurian Sea! We arrived at Manarola- a very tiny town with a few places to eat, San Lorenzo church (with an awesome revised version of God bestowing Adam with life from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling- pretty freaking awesome!). So we checked that place out and then walked along the Lover’s Path to the next town over, Riomaggiore. Riomag was great- it had giant rocks in the marina area, a great little restaurant we had lunch at- we laid on the rocks and soaked up some sun for a while, and then unfortunately headed home.
I could have spent a lot more time exploring the other towns (though one of the paths was closed from a landslide) and the surrounding area- I hope someday to go back! It was so peaceful up there- a nice break form the sight seeing rush and crowdedness- it wasn’t too touristy, and it was calm and just relaxing! But I’m glad for the time I did have there- it was a GORGEOUS day to be there and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and scenery! Thanks to Beth for the suggestion!