My dream since the first trip to Italy in 2005 was to stay at the Cinque Terre. The dream has been realised. It has been four days of absolute bliss staying in the Cinque Terre village of Vernazza. Our apartment Elisabetta has two levels with the massive bedroom upstairs and the living room and kitchen below. Both our upstairs windows had Ligurian Sea ocean views with our shared terrace on the ceiling providing 360 degree views of the ocean, towers, churches- the photo that I had taken in 2005, had enlarged, framed and placed above my work desk as motivation for this trip.

La Spezia, the nearest city, provided previously unknown pleasures on the first day as we headed there for food supplies. We had no idea that a medieval castle (now museum), was positioned above the city, accessible by a free funicular. We found so many lovely side streets and promenades that positively reframed our perception of La Spezia.

Vernazza as a small fishing village is so amazingly beautiful: the terraced vineyards that surround it, the beautiful strada leading down to the ocean/fishing port, the evening lights, the beautiful cafes and pizzerias, the night time gelatos before bedtime. It is hard to believe that this village was devastated by flooding 13 months ago causing three deaths. That little evidence remains, other than the tragic photo collages permanently mounted on a poster board, is testimony to the strong resilience and tenacity of the villagers.

The tower: what a view! How could I have not known about this in previous visits. We sat up there with the winter sun on our faces for 2 hours. On two separate occasions we sat against the fishing port rock walls for hours enjoying the same winter sun bliss, consuming sumptuous local pizzas and beverages.

We also had the privilege of getting to know the other 4 villages in much greater detail. Monterosso was the biggest surprise because I had previously rated it the least attractive of the 5 villages. This is because we had been previously taken to the wrong side of the railway, not the gorgeous beach, tower, monastery and historical town 10 minutes walk in the other direction. The REAL Monterosso is stunning !!!!! Another town devastated by last years flood that caused death, yet has been amazingly rejuvenated.

We are so sad to leave. We could live out our years and die on the Cinque Terre!