Happy Dance in Vernazza!(Cinque Terre, ITALY)

Saturday March 12

Loved taking the tour around Milan. The Last Supper was definitely the highlight! Took the train from Milano to Sestri Levante and then to Vernazza. Got off and went into the Blue Marlin for a rum and coke and to ask where I might stay. The bartender called a friend and within 20 minutes I had an INCREDIBLE place to stay with a view of the ocean and a balcony with flowers and a lemon tree for only 40 euro a night! I love the old skeleton keys too. I literally did a happy dance in my room. (i.e. jump up and down, then jog in place with your knees lifted high and then jump some more. Giggling is OK too.) I wandered down the stairs to Ristorante Gambero Rosso for dinner and had possibly the best meal of my life! Spaghetti con frutti di mare (pasta with muscles and clams and amazing sauce!) along with a bottle of water, a glass of vino, different types of bread with REAL Italian olive oil and balsamic. Some lemon-cello after the meal complimentary of the restaurant! I am in love already and I haven't "seen" a thing because it was dark when I arrived by train.

Lessons learned:

1. It is SOOOO good to celebrate the little triumphs in life.

2. Don't take a train ticket that departs in 5 minutes, but "really" has already departed or you'll have to wait in line AGAIN.

3. Listen to Rick Steves. He knows what he's talking about.

Tomorrow Plans:

Wander through Vernazza at a leisurely pace and enjoy every millisecond I am here.