Frantic start to the Italian phase of the trip when we discovered a last minute cancellation of our train. Mass confusion as everyone was directed on to a local train to change at the border for Genova and then again for Levanto. Thankfully all was well and our kind host, Doriana, actually met us at the railway station and drove us to her B&B, La Gerbera.
Levanto is a lovely town (sunsets above) that seems to have found the balance between catering for Cinque Terre tourists and maintaining its own character – people still seem to be able to live their lives without having their washing photographed. The Cinque Terre villages the next day were fascinating – magnificent views, impossibly picturesque little houses tumbling down the cliffs into the sea, vineyards clinging to the sides of the mountains – but very much a sense that ordinary life in these villages has changed forever and that people are living constantly under the tourist eye, including ours…
As tourists, though, we had a wonderful day, walking between four of the villages, starting at Riomaggiore and then catching the ferry back to Levanto from Vernazza (unfortunately missing Monterosso because we dawdled too long in the other villages – another reason to return here too!)
Stopped for wine and antipasta at the cafe in the right hand corner of the top photo, just coming into Vernazza...
Lovers' Walk at Riomaggiore :)
Had to be quick getting on and off the ferry - loaded by throwing this ramp out on to the jetty, holding it in place and telling people to move fast!
1 comment:
Hi Leanne and Col,
Unsure if you are home but think you would be. I was in Melbourne last week so am a bit behind. In case you read this wanted to say I loved the Italy blog...could relate to much of it! Didn't you just love Italy! Can't wait to catch up. Karen x
Post a Comment