September 25, 2011

Day 19 - Verona to Cinque Terre

It was hard to leave our little agriturismo high above Verona. Our last breakfast was outside on the patio. We shared our meal with a couple from Boulder, CO who had arrived the night before from cycling in the Dolomites. They seemed just a little bit older than us and a lot fitter! She was a clinical social worker and he a fundraiser with The Nature Conservancy. It was a fun conversation. They have traveled in similar places to us and it was nice to share experiences.

After packing up we visited that giant, round church on our hill that I had photographed the first day. Didn't go in. Just enjoyed the view of Verona!

Marco suggested we stop in Mantova on the way to Monterossa al Mare, our destination. It was another medieval village. We never found the restaurant he suggested for lunch but we walked around and discovered this round church from the 15th century. Over the years it had been built over and was uncovered during some road construction in 1901. The town restored it to its original form only having to rebuild the dome.

Rooftop Gardens

We continued our drive arriving in Monterossa around 6pm. The instructions were to park in a parking lot 300 meters above the hotel. We could either pay someone to drive our bags to the hotel, not us, or shlep them ourselves. We shlepped! The hotel is a Rick Steves suggestion. I think we have the tiniest room so far but it is right in the middle of the old city. We are on the first floor which is really the second floor. Outside of the 4th floor is a 3 story garden area with lemon trees and grape arbors. The building is ancient and built into the mountain.

After our arrival we wondered around the town. It is very touristy but not too obtrusive. Lots of people on holiday and seemingly enjoying themselves. We're a short walk to the Liguirian Sea but by the time we wandered over it was dark. The whole area is known for its fish and sea food. Rick enjoyed his dinner of spaghetti with fresh anchovies. I like my spaghetti with meat sauce!