Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore to Manarola

After a long train ride to the west coast of Italy, we were a bit disappointed that most of the Cinque Terre trails were closed–for the season we think.  We were only able to hike the 1.5-2km stretch between Riomaggiore and Manarola.  Still, we were able to find a great restaurant that was open–despite the dearth of tourists.  Fantastic seafood…given the location, of course.  After an equally long train ride back, did a little walk and shop through Florence and that’s about it.  I think we all hit a lull in the trip and I am hoping we can get some energy back for tomorrow.  The crew wants to hit Pompeii–which wasn’t originally on the schedule.  Majority rules so we will be up early to drag ourselves yet again to the train station for the 3 hour ride to Naples.  I am beginning to think I extended my trip a little longer than I should have.  Not sure how much I will have left for Istanbul……I know I won’t have any cash left, that is for sure.  Only a few pictures today–couldn’t get motivated:

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Florence Day 3…

We were all exhausted today and Sinjin continued his torrid pace of setting the town on fire by sleeping until 4PM. John, Derek and I spent most of the day at the Pitti Palace–a place I had never visited. The rest of the day was spent walking…and walking….then a little more walking. Wish I could be more descriptive but I can barely keep my eyes open….so….I’ll post a few more photos and let them do the talking…

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Best bicycle….

award goes to……

Best Bike Award

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Occupy Firenze!


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Florence Day 2

On the way up the stairs of Giotto's campanile

Our evening ended– after a three hour dinner involving copious amounts of alcohol– with me tumbling across the street then sliding on my knees for about 10 yards after tripping over a curb.  The fall was so violent that used museum tickets and paper money were ejected from my pockets.  I call that a great finish to a fantastic day.

Our itinerary included The Accademia, Santa Croce church and climbing all 490+ steps of Giotto’s campanile (while sober thankfully).

Since the only way to convey the feel of Florence is visually, here are some photos from today’s travels:

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