This was a day for hiking.
Backpacking across the countryside, yes
Backpacking in the city, yes
Backpacking while trying to fit into a tiny gelato store, yes
Today had it all and then some. It was a cool, grey day outside. Maybe the pictures have less of that high dynamic range without editing but my face also has much less sun burning. So it's a fair trade.
My first hope was to hike through all the towns. Sadly, the first two coastal pathways were closed, the more famous ones, also the shorter ones haha! So, I still got plenty of walking in. Added by the actual exploration of the towns and it was a very long day.
Hello Manarola!
Manarola_street
This is the smallest of the five towns, known for being much less interesting. However in hindsight, I think I will stay in this town next time to get the photographic night advantage because in my opinion this add some of the best flare even for being so tiny.
And great locals
Manarola_cat
The cats of the Cinque Terre will be my next adventure I think. One even took over my lap as I was trying to make this post at night sitting in a little indoor\outdoor lobby.
But back to town. This town has a vineyard walk, a hike within itself
Manarola_vineyard
The Cinque Terre produces its own wine, oranges, and lemons. The groves along the mountain side were a favorite of mine.
This little walk led me all the way around to one "swimming spot" better titled as the tourist make out spot. While an Italian couple enjoyed each other's faces,
I enjoyed the crashing water views
Manarola_tide
More so, from this spot you can see where my hike leads to. That little cluster of houses up to the left in the mountains, thats a short train ride away. That tiny speck of lighter yellow in the top left corner. That's where I'm hiking to today.
But before we leave, this was the highlight of my day view wise
Manarola_harbor
The water was pure, the town bright, and my heart was lighter than its been before.
On to the next town. Tucked in the mountains, Corniglia is the only town the doesn't on the sea level. Which means about 385 steps just to get into town.
Which means, my first stop was here
Corniglia_gelatto
Gelato made from local honey is hard to beat.
Refreshed, the walking around town was much easier to enjoy the details. For example, everyone's laundry out to dry in the warm sun tucked behind the clouds.
Corniglia_corners
I even hiked down to what used to be the coast of this tiny city
Corniglia_coastline
And found some more detail to appercaite
Corniglia_door
Beyond the colors and the location, the Cinque Terre also had a way of feeling real, tactile. Gritty, it is a place that shows the labor that goes into keeping it alive, the pulse is in the very stonework.
Now for the hiking hiking which was quite challenging. Up's and down's, stairs and rocks, tourist and tight walkways
R
ewarding however
Corniglia_Vernazza_hike_view
Corniglia_Vernazza_hike_flowers
I carried my camera on my chest strap, and my water by my shoulders and hiked for about two very difficult but worth while hours to...
Vernazza
Corniglia_Vernazza_hike_rolling_in
This city stop was bursting with life, from the kids playing in the streets to the loud fishermen pulling in their boats
Vernazza_boats
Honestly, my favorite part of this town was the platter of meats I choose for dinner but I was a tad biased from lack of nutrition.
The views are probably the majorities highlight.
Vernazza_top_shot
Waiting for the sun to set, I even had time to play with a filter
Vernazza_bw
One more hike to go tomorrow, one more town to see, then it's off to Paris!