Greetings folks,
We started a wee bit early today because we had a train to catch at around 8:49 AM (Italy time). There was suppose to be two groups today but we all woke up and decided that we were going to make the early group. However, the first group (Jen, Nana Andi, Nana Connie, Gage, and Griffin) went to the train station to scout out how to buy tickets. Then a few minutes later the second group wandered on over to the train station (Kayla and Connor) and witnesses Gage making a mad dash for the bathroom. So, the third group (Matt and Gage) came in running and made it to the train station at the exact same time as the train pulled up to the station. Once we all loaded on to the train we headed to our first stop of the day, Riomaggiore. Riomaggiore is one of the five towns in Cinque Terre and is best know for sunsets because the tiny harbor has great positioning for viewing the sunset.
Once we got off the train (which was only about 20 minutes) we headed to the tiny harbor of Riomaggiore which involved us walking through a tunnel from the train station that had beautiful mosaics along the walls. Once we got to the harbor of the tiny town we were able to walk out to the harbor and up to a beautiful lookout. At the lookout you were able to view one of the other towns of Cinque Terre (which we were 90% positive was Monterosso) and the very clear, turquoise water. After going to the lookout at the harbor, everyone but Kayla (because the towns pushed the limits of Kayla's ability to do heights) went up to a playground (which was literally right next to the edge of a cliff which seemed interesting but also where else would you put it).
After the playground, Connor came and joined Kayla at the lookout again and they walked through the streets of the town when everyone else headed to the church/castle on the hill. At the castle/church there was a beautiful lookout and both the Nana's decided that they were done with all the ups (especially ups that involved stairs). So, both Nanas decided to stay with Kayla (who had decided early on that the very steep and intense hike up and over a very large mountain was not for her) and take the train to the next town. However, Jen, Gage, Matt, Griffin, and Connor walked up and over to the next of the five towns of Cinque Terre which was named Manarola.
Halfway up the ridge - the hike was 30 minutes of stair climbing straight up, then 30 minutes of rocks occasionally resembling stairs going down
View of Riomaggore from the top
View of Manarola from the top
Manarola was a small town just as unique and just as beautiful as the first town Riomaggiore. However, Manarola is one of the most famous of the five towns of Cinque Terre and is best known for being the village that has a small harbor with a boat ramp and picturesque multicolored houses facing the sea (which you have probably seen on a post card or have done the a jigsaw puzzle of). At Manarola, we went down the boat ramp to a small clump of rocks which was very neat. Then after relaxing for a bit we headed on the super scary (at least Kayla thought so) trail along the cliff to another lookout.
Also, at the lookout, their was a fun playground which the Nanas decided to relive some of their childhood and try out the equipment. (Parent note: the fun part not captured on camera was the Nanas getting OFF the see-saw!)
On the trail is where you can get the famous view of the colorful houses and tiny harbor which is what most of the five towns are known for. Thankfully, Connor and Nana Andi were able to help Kayla so that she was able to do half of this trail (out to the main point and back) and then were even more helpful and brought her back to a "safe" bench on the trail. While Kayla was sitting on this "safe" bench, everyone was off exploring what was beyond the corner which was apparently pretty neat.
However, while Kayla was sitting and waiting for them, two girls came up to her and asked her to take a picture of them (obviously they did not realized that she was afraid of heights because she agreed but could not take the picture without clutching the side of the cliff, so hopefully the picture turned out alright). Thankfully, Matt and Griffin came to Kayla's rescue after what felt like an eternity and brought her back to the safe harbor. At this point, we then explored the town of Manarola and found a few gift shops and a cute church to go in.
After exploring Manarola, we decided to split up again because some of us (Gage, Matt, and Jen) had not gotten enough hiking in today, and some of us (Kayla, Connor, Nana Andi, Nana Connie, and Griffin) decided we were done. So, some of us (hiking group) decided to take the train to Monterosso al Mare (the largest of the five towns with the most amenities and a beach) to hike back to Bonassola (two towns over).
The hiking group were able to go up the mountain which was very steep but gave some amazing views of all five of the Cinque Terre towns. (Parent note: this one was 45 minutes up and not quite as steep as the morning hike, but still very steep - with amazing views at the top and then a more gradual descent - about 1.5 hours down to Levanto, then back through the old train tunnel from Levanto to Bonassola.)
Also, an incredible view of Levanto as well. Levanto is the home of many rich peoples summer homes, a castle, and part of the old city wall and bell tower.
The non-hiking group took the train back to Levanto (the town right next to Bonassola which is where our Airbnb is) and to Bonassola (where our Airbnb is). Both Nanas and Griffin went back to Bonassola to relax and play soccer (that was Griffin). Kayla and Connor went to explore the town of Levanto and then walk the tunnels back.
We all met up around dinner time (after Jen and Matt went to the store and got gelato to reward themselves for both the hike and going to the store on their hike back). Also, we greatly appreciate them going to the store (so thank you Jen and Matt) and Nana Connie for going to the tiny market in Bonassola (thanks Nana Connie) to get potatoes for dinner. After helping to prepare dinner, Kayla and Connor went out to watch the sunset (which was breathtaking).
Finally, after several times of tripping the breaker while finishing dinner, we were all able to eat some delicious pasta, chicken and vegetables. After cleaning up and writing this blog, we all settled in and watched some Top Gear in Griffin's room (aka the living room).
Until next time. Signing off for the day,
Kayla Daniel
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