We bought a two day train/hiking trail pass this morning for our exploration of the the five fishing villages. We weren’t sure if Guy’s back would withstand carrying the camera whilst climbing up and down steps, so thought it best if we could just hop on and off the train. Glad we did this as it turned out that a lot of the trails were closed due to landslides anyway.
Sure you’ll be as confused as me after this but the five villages are called Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
We started at Riomaggiore this morning, which was the furthest away. A lot of people in a small place – there are signs up now saying masks must be worn all day in public places. The town was stunning …they all are, but looked better the further away you got.
Back on the train to Manarola then – no one has asked to see a train ticket so far – not sure why we bought them! 😉
Pastel coloured houses squeezed between the cliffs – stunning! We could have done with a bit more sunshine but at least the rain held off. We tried to walk to the next village but the steps up were super steep, we only had about an inch of water left and when we got told it would take three hours, it was turnaround point.
Back on the train, we decided to miss out Corniglia today as we knew it was ‘all steps’. Got off at Vernazza. Possibly the best out of the three we’ve seen so far. Harbour, beach, castle and more colourful houses. We walked up on to the headland a little way just as the sun came out. Got asked to show our ticket for the first time …just to go on the path.
Got distracted from the many steps by a small, but long snake eating a lizard or constricting it – not sure which but felt sorry for the lizard.
Back in the town, a man with the deepest but loudest voice was talking to his mates. We christened him ‘Fat Tony Salerno’ – been reading The Irishman and my imagination is running riot.
Had a drink near the harbour whilst watching them drag the little rowing boats in. There’s a storm brewing and this town takes no chances after a mudslide in 2011 wiped out the beach and killed three people.
Train back to base. Still no ticket request. Rain, thunder and lightening now …I’m off to hide under the table. More tomorrow! 😂
