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Cinque Terre: literally “5 towns”. You know how people often tell you to close your eyes and picture a beautiful, peaceful place …. I think we are here! And it’s real. We are in the five coastal towns along the Italian Riveria. The Cinque Terre are a group of towns on the coast, within hiking distance from one another which by the way we hiked today…more to come on that.
Typical Italian trains had us arriving late last night after a few train delays and then oh wait, an actual train strike which resulted in a few cancellations. We ended up being forced to eat McDonalds yet again in La Spezia because it was the only option available and had no earthly idea when the next train would arrive. It finally came and we laughed as we realized that yes, we could have hiked our way to the first town we had a reserved hostel in. The train ride we waited hours for lasted about 7 minutes. Oh well. Who knew.
Mama Rosa greeted us at the station with a full willingness to direct us anywhere we needed to go in this already tiny town that would take an idiot to get lost in. Rick Steeves actually talks about Mama Rosa in his book and sure enough…there she was with her arms open and a loving smile. We loved it.
Turns out our hostel is actually an apartment with out own room, bathroom, little sitting room, and a balcony…all for the price of an average hostel. AMAZING.
Today we did the entire hike from one side of Cinque Terra to the next. It took 3 hours and 38 minutes…yes we timed it. The entire hike was along a cliff overlooking the sea. Even in the tough parts the sound of the water and the visual aesthetics made the hike very enjoyable. It was just hot hot hot. We drank more water than ever before and still never had to go pee. Our body just sweat it all out…trust me. Internet is limited so we have to go but stay tuned for more on the Cinque Terre. Tomorrow we are doing a beach hop. One beach as the best deep water swimming, one has the best waves, one actually has sand, and a few others looked a lot more peaceful than the rest.

Hey Kathleen, the water was incredible…like the color of your eyes. Rafting anyone? Trip on!!!

As promised…pictures from the last few places.

In Madrid with our friend Carlos!


Our bus trip was no exaggeration. We rode that thing forever.


See previous blog. Our friend on the bus who gave “head massages.”


Fresh squeezed juice in La Boqueria…the biggest market in Barcelona.


Port tour in Barcelona. Ports are boring.


The Roman Forum.


Crowds at the Vatican. Please never again.


Noelle probably breaking a museum law…this fountain was in the Vatican Museum.


Check out how truly massive St. Peter’s Basilica is. Incredible though.


CAPRI!!!!


And again…us in Capri.


Riding scooters in Capri with our new friends Aaron and Nate.