On Top of the World!

Tuesday, June 3

We have two full days left in the Cinque Terre area. We try to figure out the 
best way to spend them. The area is known for its great hiking trails, albeit 
many of the trails along the coast have been shut down due to mud slides. So we 
decide to take a hike!

We're hiking the high hill trail from Manarola to Corniglia. Viewing the farming 

areas of this part of the country is humbling. I think the farmers of California 
are hard workers...and they are...but these people farm in some very difficult 
terrain. They have cut terraces into the hillsides to plant their grapes and/or 
vegetable gardens. We also pass through some beautiful wooded areas. But our 
favorites are when you have views of the seas and seaside towns. 

Corniglia, our hiking destination

We run across so many friendly people on the hiking trail. We say hello, and are 
greeted back by hello, Buongiorno, Bon jour, or hello in German (which I have no 
idea how to spell).  These times restore my faith in humanity. Everyone is so 
friendly, polite, and courteous. If only our politicians could have the 
attitudes of hikers!

We see so much beauty and as we're walking I'm talking about how I've run out of 
English words that describe beauty. Beautiful, gorgeous, awesome, breath-taking, 
amazing...I've used these words so many times. Jacque suggests "Bellisimo!"  
Great idea...I'll have to start using Italian terminology. So around the next 
bend I say, "Bellisimo," thinking the view is gorgeous beyond belief. But then I 
walk a little further and the view is even more stunning, so I try 
"Bellisimo-er!"  And, of course, around the next bend it's "Bellisimo-est!!"

We are so high upon this hills and the views are so stunning that we are

truly "on top of the world!"

just a few of the stairs we headed down to the train station;

at least we weren't headed upward!

enjoying dinner al fresco on our

lovely terrace