The Italian Riviera – Monterosso by the Sea
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Time to leave Siena. Destination the Italian Riviera with my first stop being Monterosso by the Sea.
I put on my backpack and decide to forgo the bus ride to take a long stroll from my Hotel to the Train Station. Seeing how life is beyond the travel books is what I’m after.
On the way to the Train Station I pass by a local Market that happens only on Wednesdays in Siena.
Siena's version of have-mall-will-travel. I'm stoked. Time to find a gift for my wife.
And are you ready for sights and sounds of a real local Italian Market?
So, here I am, can't pass up this really sweet, down-to-earth guy (well, maybe it was the 5 Euro sale sign that grabbed me!). I told him I wanted that nightgown (the one on the left of the picture) for my wife. He smiled really big and I handed him a 5 Euro bill. What a deal I thought. He said in Italian, "20 more Euro, please." Turns out the nightgowns on the right are 5 Euro, but on the left - yup, you got it. Tourist Lesson #1 now under my belt.
A short train ride later I arrive at the Italian Riviera ~ Monterosso by the Sea.
Hold your breath so it’s not taken away.
I start walking around the town looking for a place to stay because I’ve come without reservations. A risky business, I realize, but hey, I know something wonderful will happen.
I thought I could fall asleep anywhere, but this feline takes the cake.
After a long search for a room, a miracle happens.
I shed my backpack and head for the town.
Leaving my apartment I am graced with this picturesque walkway that leads from the top of the hill (where my apartment is) all the way down to the town.
This is a view of my apartment as I am descending the walkway to town. It hadn't quite dawned on me at this moment that I had to walk back UP this hill to get home. Ignorance is bliss.
The arrow is pointing to the culmination point of my walk down the hill from my apartment into another world.
And, what do I see first but . . .
It has been a full day - train ride, searching for a place to stay, walking down a huge hill - like uh, I was ready to eat that entire piece of pizza if it were real. Lucky for them this café was closed.
Different colors everywhere. Architecture that wouldn't necessarily win any awards, but gently whispered to you, "Come run away to us."
A beautiful Open Square whose trees eavesdropped on the chatter from the sidewalk cafés they shaded.
Now here is a scene that definitely comes out of a movie.
See those 2 women in the second story windows? They were flirting and teasing and throwing kisses to the man walking by. He was absolutely eating it up. It didn't matter that I didn't speak Italian. The language of love is surprisingly understandable.
I became so enthralled with this other world I walked into that only now did I remember I was hungry. Staying in the moment is just the best!
I found a cute little café to grab a quick panino and a Coke, which is something I never drink. But ah, this entire trip is about "nevers!"
It was time to see the beach, and on the way I was drawn to something quite unusual.
Isn't this ceiling captivating?! Just a little cubbyhole of a knickknack shop.
As I kept walking toward the beach marveling at my surroundings, I was thinking I was in Heaven. How befitting what showed up next . . . a Stairway. (Some songs are always in your memory. Thank you Led Zeppelin.)
Time for a quick location explanation.
Monterosso is a small town that is located along the west coast of Italy, one of 5 towns in an area called Cinque Terre. There are 2 parts to the town, connected by a tunnel through a mountain.
My apartment is located on one side of the tunnel and we are about to see the other side of town.
Not just any ole' tunnel. Such a visual pleasure used just to roam back and forth from one side to the other of Monterosso.
Being the curious type, I wanted to see where this side tunnel led.
A side tunnel that I just had to explore. Any guesses where it leads?
The tunnel leads to a peaceful place to enjoy the sea. Oh my.
I return to the main tunnel to continue to the other side of Monterosso.
Having just exited the tunnel, I caught a coastal view of the other side of this dream world.
A leisurely walk along the entire length of this secluded coastal town brings me to the very end of the beach. It is gorgeous, no doubt. People playing, dipping their toes, swimming, sunbathing, boating. But just then my nose smelled a scent of something splendidly savory, so I slithered in.
This scrumptious place is just across the street from the beach. I feast my eyes on the homemade combo of garlic and onions. (You're probably thinking, sure, he's alone, doesn't have to worry about his breath. Well, I'll have you know that my wife would kiss me even after garlic and onions. So there!)
With food in hand I stroll back across the street and I see something perched on the edge of a cliff, something that boggled my mind.
Once again I am stunned by the magnificence of what can be created by the hand of an artist. Just look at where this is located. How was it ever accomplished?
My first day on the Italian Riviera has exceeded all my hopes. I decided to pick up some wine, cheese, olives, prosciutto and bread and spend the rest of my evening enjoying my view from my exquisite balcony.
Tomorrow we’ll get up early, see a little more of Monterosso and then you and I shall begin the famous walk along the coastal path to the second town of Cinque Terre, Vernazza.
Tags: Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, Italy, Monterosso, Monterosso by the Sea, panino
June 27th, 2009 at 10:20 AM
[...] This post was Twitted by EcoOfficeGals [...]
June 27th, 2009 at 10:29 AM
looks like you enjoyed yourself
July 4th, 2009 at 6:55 AM
Great man what a nice post, really I am very glad that you have shared these beautiful pictures and videos with us. I am very much interested in Italian culture, art and fashion and I am planning for a trip to Italy next month, I am planning for Milan please suggest me for a Good place so that I can enjoy with my family.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Hey There Italian Learner,
Truth be told I’m not a Travel Agent ~ just a naive traveler wanting to explore the backroads of Italy. My best suggestion would be to get a hold of Rick Steves’ Italy Guide Book. When I went to Florence I bought his Florence and Tuscany book and it helped me enormously.
Really glad you’re enjoying my posts as much as I am!