Well the day started at 4am as we are all having a bit of trouble adjusting to the time change still. Hopefully we will sort ourselves out in the next couple of days - it's not good having a 3 hour afternoon sleep and then not being able to sleep at night! Today started as a mixed bag - I got us a 50 euro fine on the train for not validating our tickets in the station - I thought they would have a machine on the train -boo hoo! However, we fared better than Wendy and David from Christchurch who we met in the train station who are going on the same cruise as us - she got her purse stolen in the train station with all her credit cards etc. in. What a nightmare! We were on the train to the Cinque Terre which is 5 beautiful villages all built into the rocky coast. Supposedly they are all still working fishing villages, and they certainly do fish, but tourism would be the predominant income stream as this place is now a World Heritage site and marine reserve. The villages are thousands of years old and all built into the rocky coastline in the most amazingly precarious way. Paths link all villages and you can travel between them by train also. On the trip we also met Aussies Calvin, Colleen and Taylor, who are also on the cruise with us. They have also just finished a cruise on our boats' sister ship so it was great to talk to someone with some insight as to how the cruise works. Here are some photos of these gorgeous villages. It has really been worth the trip to Rapallo to see these amazing places - Corniglia, 1 of the villages had 382 steps to get to it from the train, so we are not short of exercise, thankfully because we have been drinking our share of beer and red wine and eating pasta, bread and cheese!:
We have really enjoyed Rapallo where we are staying. the
hotel has been fantastic and really well located and they recommended a lovely restaurant, Bella Napoli where we have eaten both nights here - lovely antipasti, pasta and red wine (Chris and I have polished off a litre jug each night - I normally never drink red wine!) It has felt like a lovely and authentic Italian experience. Off to Genova tomorrow to board our cruise. We are all hoping to sleep through the night!
Hi Guy's WOW!!! What a fantastic blog. Your doing an awesome job Lynda and it's great to see the photo's. How cool is the cinque terre, beautiful. I can imagine how fresh the seafood is! Mum and Dad have been there. Well I better go put some sign's up for Chris!!!! lol !!! Jimmy
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you enjoyed the cinque terre....it is so cool. And Portofino...playground of the rich and famous. Enjoy the cruise....we are looking forward to the updates.
ReplyDeleteHi Di, yes a great recommendation from you to go there! It was gorgeous. And yes, I was looking for Dolce and Gabbana in Portofino - hmm, they must be in New York! Thanks for keeping an eye on us! Lynda x
ReplyDeleteHi Jimmy, thanks, the CT would be a very romantic place to take Talia one day! Looks like you are working very hard! Lynda x
ReplyDeleteMum and I loved CT, was a highlight for us when we went last year (April), we are both checking in each day or so for you updates, love Rod and Bec
ReplyDeleteHi guys, enjoying following your travels. We too, loved Portofino and Cinque Terre. Hope you walked between all the villages!! Hard work but worth it for the wine :-) Sorry, but we laughed out loud at your misfortune, as we also were fined for not validating our tickets there. A money making scheme we think! Enjoy! Love N, P and s xxx
ReplyDeleteLynda, you're supposed to be on holiday not on the computer!!! You're addicted. Your blog is fantastic... but I know what I'd rather be doing while on holiday! Rest and relax girl!! Kerrie xx
ReplyDeleteHey looks great guys!
ReplyDeleteHi all. Enjoy the cruise, hopefully the body clock will function better on the boat. Kaye
ReplyDeleteHi All,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! Kerrie, you are right, I am addicted! It's sort of like a comforter! And no of course we didn;t walk between all the villages N and P, far too lazy - although maybe we can blame the kids! And body clock is slow to come around Kaye, maybe the next couple fo days we will get things sorted. X
Hi Lynda, Chris, Jordan & Liam
ReplyDeleteEnjoying reading all about your trip - what a wonderful record it is. We have arrived home safely but you will be interested to hear that the transfer we organised from the boat to Milan was not that great because we ended up sitting in the carpark until 2.45pm waiting for the bus. We therefore didn't get to Milan until 5pm - what a lovely city - beautiful cathedral Love Wendy & David
Hi Wendy and David,
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will pick up this comment. Yes, we had a long day with our train to Milan and then a bus to the airport and it probably wasn't a lot cheaper for all the lugging around of our bags. Glad you are home safely, will keep in touch when we get home! Chris, Lynda and boys!