One of my sweetest, most favorite friends jetted over the Atlantic to visit me (or was it just to visit Italy? Just kidding, Amber!!) She spent a few weeks here while T was away, and we did some major traveling! Wandering around Cinque Terre was definitely one of the highlights of our time together. Composed of five different coastal towns, Cinque Terre, is an area right along the Italian Riviera. Since we only had a day and a half, we were limited to visit two of the towns, Vernazza and Manarola, however, these two villages hold the most scenic views. We decided to stay the night in Vernazza, and I have been dreaming to go back since! Our flat was absolutely stunning, and overlooked the town and the ocean. The walk to this flat, however, was a different story. You could say Amber and I got our workout for the entire trip. The walk was so steep!! This picture doesn't even do it justice. When we turned this corner after already walking a little ways and saw those stairs, we almost passed out. You know how girls are, they don't pack light suitcases for vacations!
After finally making it up to the top with our 1,000 lbs suitcases and into the flat, the view from our balcony that greeted us was probably one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. I felt like I was staring directly at a postcard.
Amber and I were so excited to start exploring! We went down to the water and grabbed a panini on the way. There was a wall along the water where many people were relaxing, laying out catching some sun, and watching the locals in their boats. And weren't we lucky to be approached by this local....
He was totally our favorite. Still wondering why we didn't ask him to give us a tour on his boat.
The water was crystal clear and so clean! When I walked past this boat, I knew I had to snap a picture! It ended up being my favorite picture from our entire trip!
And some more pictures strolling around Vernazza!
Model status , unfortunately I can't take a picture in focus.
I've developed a weird obsession with doors since we moved to Europe...
Had to do some artsy pics...this is this only setting I have mastered on my camera that I have had for three years...
Again with that one camera setting......
After Vernazza, we were off to Manarola! This is the town that is usually shown in pictures when Cinque Terre is mentioned. And the views warrant it!
If you look closely at the picture below you can see a man swimming. He just parked his little boat, dove in the water, and started swimming laps! What a life!
Grape vines!
This was the cactus I ended up with exactly 23 pictures of because it was literally as large as my house...I was a little obsessed.
I like the picture below because you can see the vineyards on the hill! Cinque Terre's mountainsides are very terraced to produce olives and grapes, which are then obviously are made into Italy's specialties, olive oil and delicious wine!
Cinque Terre was the first stop on the Amanda & Amber Italian road trip, and I don't think we could have chosen a better place! I wish we could have had a chance to explore the three other towns that complete this amazing place, but I guess I do have to leave some fun to be had with my husband!
Looking forward to going back and next time I will definitely be asking a local for a personal tour on his/her boat (yacht hopefully).
Until Next Time,
Always
