Cinque Terre - May 6

After visiting San Gimiagno yesterday, we were up early this morning, and back on the bus. It was another rainy day. We bused up to the first Cinque Terra town, RioMaggiore. Because it was raining and the sea was rough, we weren't able to take the boat ride that was planned so we took the train to the town of Vernazza.

Cinque Terre towns are beautiful sea side towns literally hanging from the cliffs. There are no spaces between the houses, they seem to be one large building. All are different colors of yellows, pinks, and reds. Dad and I were the first to walk up the over look - a pass along the side of the mountain. From there we could look back at the town and really see the beauty of this little hillside village.

We had a great lunch at Vernazza at a restaurant called Gianni. I had the mussels with spaghetti - very garlicy and yummy. Dad had the gnocchi with pesto. This town is known for it's pesto and it was excellent.

Ann, Jessie, Pat and Rosemary

Lori, C.J. Kinney and Bud

Winston and Nancy

We shopped a bit and actually bought some things. Back on the bus, we went back to RioMaggiore for our last tour group bus ride to Florence. Arrividerchi Antonio!! (Our bus driver and he was really a great driver and very nice as well).

Florence is really a remarkable city. It is so old and so beautiful. The hotel here is beyond belief. It is so gorgeous - stain glass ceilings and sculputes and frescos all over. After Dad's luggage was found, we walked to the Ponte Veccio, known for it's shopping; gold, leather and beautiful clothes. The walk felt great!!

The Ponti Veccio, Florence



Ceiling of the hotel lobby

Dinner was with our fellow tourists. It was wonderful. Dad's veal was the best dish of all. I had ricotta and pesto dumplings, among other things, and it was delicious. We had a great time with our new friends.

Before dinner, I was desperately trying to get my stupid cell phone to work, even calling the toll free number. I got it working and tried to call Lauren, but couldn't get through. At the same time, Lauren called me again (she left a message before). We'll meet Lauren and Shannon at our hotel tomorrow at 12:30 and we can't wait to see her! We have a fun day planned. After our morning tour we'll meet and the take the girls to a wonderful dinner. We are hoping to go to the Trattoria Quatro Leoni.

So far, I really love Florence. Can't wait to see the David tomorrow - a life long dream of mine!