To Italy and beyond: When the travel bug bites (Cinque Terre)

I got up at 6:15 in the morning, normally a very uncomfortable hour for me, I admit I was a bit bleary eyed and it took a shake from Alex to wake me; until I got outside and woken be the cool but not unpleasant fresh air... also it was at that point I remembered I had left my train tickets upstairs. Oh well, I try to maintain the attitude, if the worst that happens is you loose or forget a few things you're still doing alright, so have fun. Not long later I had made it to central station, purchased another ticket and was on my way. I could not of picked a more perfect day to go to Cinque Terre. I woke up from my short doze to see the sea gently lapping against the cost, rushing through the mountains by rail. By the time we had reached the station at 11am the weather had warmed up to a balmy beautiful high twenties.

No photo could justify that clear blue water that can be seen though for meters, with four inch fish darting between the rocks. A salty sweet smell hung in the giving me an urge to swim or explore; for practical reasons I chose to explore. At the peak of the nearest hill were the remains an old church that viewed out to all five of the towns; it was a steep walk up it but I made good time, to the top. The path was lined by small waxy leaved bush, with small hanging yellow and red fruit, skinks darted though the rocks, and the air was full with the smell of drying pine... yes the walk was ironically Australian, but the view was far from it.

Sitting down to take it all in watching the gigantic billowing pillow shaped clouds, I wished I could capture this moment and share it with you. No matter the detail I could try to describe it in, no video, photo, drawing, or document of emotions, can quite do justice to the place I was or feeling of travelling; I can only hope that I can spark a memory of peace and beauty, or the inspiration to get out there. This is the feeling that you know the the notorious travel bug has got you, and got got you good. I made my way down the mountain anxious not to waste a moment to explore.

From Monterosso I followed the trail to Vernazza, over and around the mountains, under the canopy of short trees, by tricking streams and bridges over deep gorges, where water pooled below. I tried maintain my pace, though this two hour hike that I did manage to achieve, but by the end, it took a lot of concentration, placing each foot carefully so as not to twist an ankle. I walked into the brightly coloured town of Vernazza as the urge for afternoon tea set in. Finding a small sandwich house, for something simple and delicious. I met a couple of Californians outside, that had set themselves the luxury I did not have of a couple of days, but I don't mind. I think it important to have that balance, of getting to know some places well, and wishing you had more time in others, a reminder time is fleeting so push yourself to be involved, and get exactly what you want out of life.

I hopped on a train back to Monterosso; though the afternoon had brought about a dramatic drop in temperature, the water was still extraordinarily pleasant. Though I didn't swim far, only out so I could see past a rock jutting out from the beach I could see the sunset come down over Vernazza.
I gave myself a caution of 25 minutes for the train as I usually would, needing to buy a ticket. I'm glad I did because, the single automatic ticket machine they had, had broken down so all tickets had to come through the single window of the ticket office. My train was due at 6:55, I got my ticket at 6:57, the train showed up one minute latter, lucky!

As the train returned along the track to Milan I watched the burnt red brown rays of light come down over the sea, the waxing crassest moon rising, as the stars start to gently appear. I was woken by my cabin mates when we got to Milan central.

I had arrived back in Milan earlier than I expected, so to kill some time, I headed to find a bar. It was a small place only two beers on tab, but the atmosphere was there that I wanted, I had the Italian beer and it was the most flavoursome one I've had yet. Being honest, the Italians have some superior vino, but the beer lacks character. The bar tenders and I talked beer for a while, giving me a sample of the Oktoberfest beer, the other on tap to compare. One tender was poring shots for other costumers, a mix of Jägermeister and white Sambuca, after the other customers had been served, they pored me the same on the house I was still a little early coming back to Alex's, but happened to bump into Franko and his giant German Shepard at the door, he who is very nice, and lives in the apartment building as Alex.

All in all, it was one of the best days I've had on my trip. I wish I could give you more than my pros and photos as they do not nearly do justice, but here is a tease of the spectacular place that is Cinque Terre!