Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a region of Italy with five cities built in the cliffs and mountains directly on the Ligurian Sea. We started in Riomaggiore and walked along the trails that are built into the cliffs to Manarola. Due to my ridiculous fear of heights, we opted for the train to the remaining cities Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterossa. We enjoyed the beaches of Monterossa before deciding to head back for dinner. This region was amazing and we got some great photos...thought it was worth it's own post.

Almost like home...

Italy is even more wonderful with every passing day. Yesterday, Sara and I took the train to Bologna to meet with Jon (friend from OH). We had a great time last night hanging out with him and his friends. So many times I had to remind myself that I was in Italy and not Youngstown. It was really strange, but brought back many memories of hanging out with the football crew in Y-town. We had a nice dinner and some great mojitos!! We are now in Ravenna, a smaller city on the east coast of Italy and staying in an Italian house in the country...a nice break from the cities we have explored. The beaches on this side of Italy are flat and sandy, not like the rocks and cliffs in Genova.

Night out in Bologna


Cook-out at Jon's with his WILD Ravenna Chiefs team


Sara at her first American football game



One of many Sara and Tara pictures....after going to the football game in Ferrara

Italy...a different kind of love

The third day of my trip and I love Italy more and more each day. Italy is one of those places that you slowly fall in love with each day. I am enjoying getting familiar with the Italian lifestyle and loving the food!
Sara and I have been on the go from the moment I arrived at the train station in Genoa. We have fallen into a routine which includes at least one gelato a day, laying on a different beach each day, and drinking wine (of course) and eating the most delicious bread and pastas. Yesterday, we visited Cinque Terre, 5 small cities along the sea with amazing mountains and cliffs. The views were unbelievable. You could either walk on the trails from city to city (about 5 hours) or take the train. We did a little of both. All in all this place is amazing. I keep thinking of all the people that I would love to have here with me (especially those who enjoy good food like me :). We will be leaving Genoa on Thursday for Bologna and then Ravenna. We hope to make a trip to Venice sometime over the weekend. (at an internet cafe and taking too long to upload picts...will try again later this week)