Ferry Travel

Wednesday, June 4

Before we leave this lovely area we thought we'd take a ferry ride to 
Portovenere, which is south of the Cinque Terre, and enjoy the views from the 
water.  Portovenere was supposed to be "the" travel destination on the Italian 
Riviera in the 1950's. It was a bit of a disappointment. 

Portovenere




We walked up a hill (of course) to see the church and walked up and down a 
couple of streets. That's about all there was to see. But the ferry ride was 

lovely. 

When we were taking the ferry back, the water was more choppy. The first stop 
was at Riomaggiore, which is the southernmost Cinque Terre town. We got off 
there...and none too soon...cuz the waves were a bit much for us land lubbers. 
We did a bit of shopping there and then we were ready for a train ride back to 
Manarola. Of course something needed to happen that involved a u-turn because it 
seems all our travels involve u-turns. Somehow we got on a train that didn't 
stop at all the towns like most of the trains do. So we traveled to the 
northernmost Cinque Terre town, and then had to wait about an hour to catch a 
train that was headed south again. That's just so us!!

I wanted my last taste of Italy to be homemade pasta. We ate at a little 
trattoria on the Main Street of Manarola and had yet another amazing meal. I had 
linguine with clams, which is something I wouldn't ordinarily order, and it was 
wonderful. Met my need for a fresh pasta fix and the clams were small and 
tender. Also had some grilled calamari. I'm gonna miss all the fresh seafood 
we've had here. Can't get any fresher...out of the sea, up a few steps, and into 
our mouths!

Our beloved Manarola, our temporary home

Feeling sad about leaving Italy, but looking forward to France. Tomorrow we move 
from Buongiorno to Bon jour. 

just a couple of locals enjoying the evening;

Larry actually photographed this same charming woman two years ago

here she is two years ago