Magnificent!

Woke after 11 and a half hours sleep.
Went to sleep last night at 8pm and woke this morning at 7.30am.
I steadfastly refused to look at the time any where in between these two.
I was so tired.

But up and raring to go this morning.
Sunny.
Not a breath of wind.
Forecast said 25 degrees but I think it may have been hotter than that.

A 7 minute walk to the train station from my room.
Ermanna had given me the train and ferry timetables when I arrived.

On the 8.45am train to Riomaggiore.
First stop the village that is inaccessible by sea, Corniglia ... high up on the cliffs.
By passing Vernazza as I had already been there.
( Not for anywhere near long enough in case you were wondering!)

When I got off the train, there was a little mini bus waiting.
Something in my mind was telling me ...
Get that.
Get that.
So I hopped on.
2 Euros.
Then I remembered that it was a 365 step climb up to the town.
One for each day of the year.
Glad I remembered this!
I saw people climbing these stairs from Angelo's boat yesterday.
It looked amazing!

First little shop I saw had the 'Step by Step' charm!
One more to go!
Wandered around Corniglia.
Up steps and down steps.
Through tiny little narrow streets with very tall colourful buildings on both sides ...
Washing hanging from balconies...
People were just waking up and emerging from doorways, neighbours greeting each other for the start of the new day.
I loved it.

Three of the five trails were closed due to mud slides.
The trail from here to the next town was one of them ... So I backtracked.
Next, headed for the steps.
Very wise move to take the steps down...
That was fun in the blazing sun.
There were some very exhausted people walking up.
At the train station talked to some Australians from Queensland. They were loving it too.
On the 9 minute train ride to Riomaggiore.
Remembered to get on one of the middle carriages as the rail platforms are so short in these towns, if you are at the start or the end of the train, you may be in a tunnel with no platform!

Arrived Riomaggiore.
Beautiful again.
Each town is so different.
Found the shop for the last 'Step by Step' charm.
That's it.
I've been to the Cinque Terre.
And I have proof!

Once you get away from the shops, the views are spectacular.
( And it was a really good idea for me to get away from the shops!)
13 ... You are a gift!

Did a huge walk in this town, up to an old church and castle high above the town.
Really up!
Lots of steps again.
Well worth it.
Then thought I'd catch the Ferry back to Monterosso.
I was had at the ticket office.
She sold me 3 tickets, I think.
27 Euro.
One ticket was 9 Euro.
Oh well.
Office closed.
( I like to think she went out to lunch on my money.)
And I certainly got 3 times my money's worth on the ferry trip anyway.l
Said 'Hello' to dogs on this ferry.
Dogs allowed everywhere still amaze me.

But it was only 12.30pm and the ferry did not leave until 2.35pm so back into town, up quite a few steps... bought a roll.
Back down many, many steps ...
And clamoured over large rocks to sit in the shade at the harbour and watch people swim, hop into boats, scuba dive, jump off rocks and scream 'Watch out. There's a mouse!'
Amongst the rocks.
Didn't worry me..
Now, if it was a snake ...

Sat there for an hour, negotiated the rocks back to steps ... And bought a gelati.

Then after people, and spectacular scenery watching, climbed up and down steps to the ferry point.
Now I was early ... Because I had checked this out earlier.
( Yep.)
And there was absolutely no shade there.
The sun was blazing.
( Holidays are good!)
Because I was early ...
(Yep.)
I had a little spot on a rock and, if I lay down I was in the shade.
So I laid down.
Talked to 2 Australians from NSW.
Lovely chat.
Then on the ferry.
Right at the front. Great spot.
Ferry ride back was magnificently.
The views to each town were spectacular!
Finally, sadly, off in Monterosso.

Checked out the two unusual churches in 'new' Monterosso.
Walked the Tunnel for the last time.
Back to my room.
Then went for a swim in Monterosso.
Beautiful.
Floated there...
( The sea seems saltier ... easier to float. )
And looked above the water line at the 4 other towns of The Cinque Terre.
I am here!
And cannot believe it!
Absolutely beautiful!
And I am swimming!

Back to my room for a quick dry.
I am now sitting at a bar right on the water.
Have had Lasagne for dinner...
And several drinks ...
But, have a look at the photos ...
How could you not?

Amazing day!
Very relaxed and I LOVED every second of it.
Have to leave tomorrow ... and I don't want to.
Speaks heaps for how wonderful the Cinque Terre is.
So glad I came here.

Thanks Brooke!

On the 'password' thing for access to Wifi.
Yep, that was the actual password.
So glad I only had to enter it the one time.
Heading back to the garden 'bench seat' to try to upload this ... and photos.
Takes a very, very long time to load.

And I have do many photos.
This place is simply beautiful!

Onto Pisa tomorrow.
Climbing The Leaning Tower.

WOW!

Had several drinks...
13 may have to pack itself!

Check back to this one.
I will add more photos when I have better Internet.
I have SO many photos!

Also, have to write up the boat tour day.