Italy: Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare / Vernazza / Corniglia / Manarola

The last stop on our jam packed day full of little Italian seaside villages was Riomaggiore. Just as beautiful as the rest, Riomaggiore was full of life and local charm. The sun was starting to set and the village colors were just coming to life. What I remember most about our few moments in this beautiful place was wishing for just a few more (hours) there. How lovely it would have been to watch the sun slowly set into the sea as the shades of pink, yellow and orange painted on the houses faded with the setting sun.

I know, I know, be happy with the time I had. And I am! All I am saying is, sometimes, seeing more (quantity) isn’t always better. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, would I choose to rush through all 5 villages in one day rather than slowly meander through 2 or 3? I don’t know. After all, I’m a stubborn traveler. I want to see see see. But as I reflect on my travels, I am learning that isn’t always best.

So, what am I trying to say? I have no idea. There is no right answer. But, that’s the beauty of traveling, right?

Kerrie and I made it on the last train back to La Spetzia just in the knick of time. As we waited at the train station for the bus back to our little hostel, I do remember (for whatever reason) that Kerrie and I got a soft serve ice cream from McDonalds. I remember eating the ice cream, but I have no idea why we would eat that instead of the gelato we passed up while we were in Riomaggiore.

Logic in our decision. none.