We had planned to go to Piza to see the famous Leaning Tower, but sorted the washing first, and the Senora said there was only really the Tower and not much else. So we took her word and decided to visit the Cinque Terras. Drove doewn to La Spezia, a military naval town and very industrial. We had heard the promontary of Portovenere was very nice and drove the 11 km out to it. It was nice but the last 4km was one way and cars parked nose to tail on both sides. The only reason we wereable to stop and look at the view was because we followed the Bus and we could jump out when it stopped and not get honked at!! Drove backthrough La Spezia feeling a bit depressed and headed for th first ofthe Cinquterre towns. Riomaggiore. The road passes seveal hundred feet above the sea and each village is served by a steep road down. The first is 5 kms down! We had gone alf a km when we were turned back by the Police who sid the vllage was full. We could walk if we wanted, but we would have to go back and find a parking place. WHAT?? On to Manarola No signs to say it was full and no traffic so we thought our luck was in . After 4 kms we pulled into a car park place to be told it was for locals only!! Back up the hill and on to Vernazza. We got down the hill and close to the residents parking. Nicky indetermined mood decided we should park and walk down! A nice Itilian who had just got back to his car said it was a 20min walk. What he didn't say was it was a 1 in 4 slope, so 20 mins down!! The return pull up the hill gave Sophie a good reason for heavy breathing!! Anyway itis a fascinating old port, with a proper harbour and suprise a railway station. How the line got through that rugged coastline is a mistery to me, but must be worth a trip to find out. The place was packed with tourists and dozens of shops. Sophie had smelled the sea and she pulled and pulled to get in. The air was hot and humid and made walking not a pleasure and so we were pleased of the aircon in the car when we finally got back to it. The journey home was fantastic with views over the sea from the high mountain roads.
Another search for a Supermarket. And do we stay another night?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment