Cinque Terra

Left Nice on the train for Genoa, & an overnight stay. Found out that I'd been in Nice 3 days & not noticed that they are an hour behind the rest of France. Although I did think the locals ate late! However it was me eatng early, having not put back my watch.

Genoa didn't look too exciting on the train ride in. I knew it was a port, but it also seemed really industrial. Debated whether to keep going or stay the night as planned, but ended up staying. It was only a stopver night anyway, and I had a look around. The old city has ridiculously narrow streets, where the rooves almost touch. There were many churches, some of which were pretty elaborate. The white & black striped marble, & lions out the front, for example.

Have come to the Cinque Terra today. It's on the coastline, and there are 5 (cinque) villages that are linked by a coastal trail & a train. It's postcard-pretty! The villages cling to the cliffs, & as usual the houses are side by side with no space between. They're all painted pastels, particularly rose pinks & greens. I'm stayign in Manarola, town no 4 as you head south. It's the smallest one, but I felt the need for company so came to the hostel for 3 nights. It's pretty full, & tere are lots of people who speak english!

Will cover a few more of the walking trails between villages tomorrow, & then maybe do a day trip to Lucca/Pisa on Thursday. There are many walking trails around here but it seems that a lot of them are for serious hikers - I saw so many people with walking poles today!

There's a beach at Monterosso (No 1) that I lay on today. The sun went down too soon for me to have a swim, but I think it's on the cards.

The hostel has this internet point, so it's easy to blog. Will do so again soon.

Belle xxx