Monterosso al Mare and the Cinque Terre.

We arrived in Monterosso al Mare in the afternoon, and it was hot. One look at the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean and all I wanted to do was jump in. First we had to check in to our hotel, but then after that we’d go swimming. Before we jumped in, we got an obligatory Spritz from a small sidewalk bar, walked through the tunnel that separates the two parts of town, found a spot on the beach, and went for a swim. The water was so refreshing, and the waves gentle.

That night we had a pizza dinner at a place just steps from our hotel. We walked into the old town, past all the shops and restaurants, but we were both tired from the travel day so we called it early. We stopped at a small grocery store and bought some yogurt and fruit to keep in our room, and soon realized we had no means to eat the yogurt. A problem for tomorrow.

Beach Day! After a good rest, lathering up with sunscreen, a not so great breakfast and one act of larceny, we headed to the beach. We made reservations at a beach club for chairs that could be described as the worst ones on the beach. Situated right next to the garbage cans, with a broken umbrella, they served us well. The Mediterranean was calm in the morning, and the swimming was cool and refreshing. We spent most of the day there, with a break for lunch with our friends. When we came back to the beach the waves had picked up a bit but the water was still inviting enough for a few more swims.

That’s me eating dinner. So good. Clams, mussels, and scampi with pasta in tomato sauce.

The next day we went to some of the other towns in the Cinque Terre. Each one with their own charm and character, but all sharing the same iconic steep cliffs, pastel colours, and abundance of restaurants, shops and tour groups. It was busy with people from all around the world, taking in the views and atmosphere.

We swam in the bays of Vernazza and Manorola, had drinks and a snack at a restaurant overlooking the water below. All in all a great day.

That night would be our last night with our friends. They would be leaving for Florence in the morning, and we would be heading to Bologna. We had dinner together and capped the night off with a few drinks at Midi Bar. Bed time was 11pm, late for us, but worth it to squeeze out a few more hours with some good people.