The train began early as our train for Firenze left at 9:25 am. Who organised a holiday that involved getting up at 7:30? It turned out to have been quite lucky we were up early. We learnt the Italians had planned one of their infamous general strikes for the next day. The hotel owner said some trains would run, but the trentilalia website was down, surprise, surprise, and he could not tell us which. When we arrived in Firenze, we joined the train information queue. The line moved quite quickly – we found out why when it was our turn. The official no-sayer was extremely unhelpful. Any trains at all to La Spezia tomorrow – "No" Any suggestion on how we can get to La Spezia – “No”

So we had the choice going straight to Manarola today or risking missed a day in Manarola and having 2 days in Florence. We decided to ring the hotel in Manalora to see if we had somewhere to stay first. This turned out to be a poor plan as Italian businesses do not work between 12 and 4, so no one answered the phone. At the time we didn't know this and thought we couldn’t use the phone system. We did, however, have to use public phones. The great iphone picked a great day to not work and as usual, I’d let my phone go flat.

Looking around Florence it did have that big city feel and we’d heard to many great things about Cinque Terre to let a train strike ruin it. So we caught the next train to La Spezia. Once there, 2 hours later, that Cinque Terre information ladies gave us a list of accommodation. The first one we rang was free. The path to the rooms was very steep. But yiu can’t get great views without steep, windy paths.

Made it to Cinque Terra! We are so glad we came straight here it is beautiful. We walked to Riomaggiore along the lovers walk. Looked at all of the locks along the way. Watched an amazing sunset. The place has a very relaxed atmosphere. There are probably as many english speaking tourists as other languages. I have decided I really like Italian gelato.