Originally we were going to make a stop in Pisa to see the leaning tower, but after our late night trek around Bologna we didn't even get going until noon. 4 hours later we finally pulled into La Spezia, the major gateway city to Cinque Terre.
Unfortunately the 4:16pm train didn't show up, so we had to wait until almost 6pm to get there. Fortunately, the station had a McDonalds. I know what you're thinking "Why the hell are they eating at a McDonalds?" Well, here's the thing: the food still stinks, but they serve booze. So I got a beer and Greg got what he called "McWine." He even took a photo of himself drinking a McWine in front of a "I'm lovin' it" sign. Not a bad way to kill an hour.
Finally, the train arrives and 2 stops later we are standing in Manarola. After 2 weeks of travel, in spite of all the amazing sights we'd been to, seeing the deep blue of the Med was an inviting scene for two UCSB grads. We walked up to a square we met our hostess, Mrs. Marcella, who took us to the apt we were renting. She took us inside, cracked open the windows and we were staring over the top of Manarola. Absolutely incredible view with the next Terre in the distance, and the Med off to our left.
Once we got squared up we were off to the beach. 20 steps and a 40yd ramp later we were diving into the 75 degree water. The layout was really nice. The town literally drops into the water, so there's no beach, but paths are carved out fo the rocks and there are ladders to get in and out. From the left shore a jetty creates the harbor that the local fisherman keep their boats in and 2 large rock formations jut out from the main part of the shore to sort of create 3 natural swimming pools.
After 2 hours of soaking and exploring the pools, we were about ready to head out when I felt a sudden sting on my arm. I spun around and slapped my wrist on top of a effing jellyfish. Friggin bastard. I quickly got out and got cleaned off and 30 mins later the sting had pretty much gone away and I wasn't getting dizzy or sick or anything so I figured I was good. Not dying by getting stung by a crazy european jellyfish FTW!
Once that ordeal passed we headed to dinner. We picked the restaurant on the ocean, killed a bottle of Cinque Terre wine (specially made by local grapes and local method - fantastic!), and had a spectacular 2 course pasta-seafood meal. We then headed to the bar up the street and finished the night with more wine, beer, chatting with backpackers and listening to live guitar music strung by the bartender.
This town is freaking awesome.
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