I've been a BAD blogger neglecting my laptop and anything that remotely resembled an electronic device. We were out exploring all day and coming back so exhausted that we barely have the energy to get up the next day. We're finally home in the UK and spent the last 3 days recovering from our travel. After 18 days on the road, we're thrilled to be sleeping on our own beds and wearing clothes other than the same outfits for the past 3 weeks. I haven't had the chance to reply to your comments nor catch up on my blog reading but will certainly do so over the next week or two.
I've got hundreds of photos and so much to share! The highlight of our trip had to be Manarola, one of the 5 villages that make up the Cinque Terre. In my rather biased opinion, it is certainly the most compact, charming and elegant village with an awe-inspiring view. Manarola is perched on a rocky cliff but one could walk from the town center to the train station in under 5 minutes. I was lucky to book a beautiful apartment with our bedroom overlooking the hills and incredible Easter lights designed by a local artist using eco friendly and sustainable energy and materials.
Unlike the other villages, Manarola has plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish at far cheaper prices. Think €5.50 - €10 as opposed to €18. There were plenty of fresh produce at the local Alimentari store which were surprisingly cheap. Most days, we ended up buying local cheese, wine, fruit and vegetables as well as the famous Ligurian pesto and trofie pasta and lugging them back. It was not only cheaper but far tastier than what's available at the restaurants. It's wonderful to be able to sit, enjoy the view and chat to our hearts' content. Needless to say, we ended up eating from morning to night and stopping for a gelato whenever we happened to walk past the gelateria. A local restaurant, Aristide has glorious cannoli which I couldn't resist buying every other day. Thank goodness we had to drag our arses up and down steep hills every single day or else someone would've had to roll us home after 6 days there.
Since I had such a marvelous time and the fondest memories at one of il Patio apartments, I thought I'd share the information here. For more information, click here.
Amazing place !!! And the food looks sooooo yummy !!!!
Glad you're back safe and sound. It sounds like you had a lovely vacation. I love that area of the world and your pictures- so stunning.
Can't wait to read more about your travels.
hi Marlene! this is great post!!! such a lovely trip... I envy you for this, I've been wanting to visit Cinque Terre but we never ever plan or organize going there.. we always thought we'll have time in the future but seeing these beautiful pictures I can't help.
Don't worry you have reasons for being absent in this blog world I just can't wait to see more beautiful pictures and post!!!!
by the way thank you for your sweet notes. I know life is really like a roller coaster ride we just have to know how to deal with and I'm really glad to know that there are people who understand me!!!!
I love your blog !! i love your pictures !
Your trip looks and sounds like a fun adventure. I have recently returned from Thailand so i know what you mean by "glad to be sleeping in our own bed". Vacation is fun and exciting but it is exhausting too, it is almost like we need a vacation after a vacation..haha. Unfortunateky i went back to work right away.
My husband would love a road trip like this so much while i prefer to get to a destination fast (no fun i know). Looking forward to more breathtaking photos from you.
I'm absolutely speechless at the beauty of the village and salavating at the sight of the food!
As much as we (I'm sure I speak for most/all here) all missed your posts, enjoying and living in the moment on your break was far more important.
great pictures! always wanted to visit the cinque terre. the food looks AMAZING!
Beautiful again... feel free to share (lots) more!
What a great blog! Just found you through Annie's. I love Italy and your trip looks and sounds perfect. I'm keen to discover more of 'the rest' of Italy. The wonders of Rome and Venice are amazing but after visiting Bolognia last year I really fell in love with the place and can't wait to ecperience more. I'm looking forward to reading your past and future blogs for travel inspiration!
Oh my gosh M!!! Manarola is one of MOST FAVORITE places!!!!!!! I love it there! You captured the beautiful pictures!! We stayed at La Torreta in Manarola - I would go there again in a heartbeat! I hope you tried some of the ink pasta - absolutely delish!! :) Thanks for sharing those stunning pictures - brings back lovely memories!
It sounds like you had an amazing vacation!! I am really enjoying these posts. Your photos are incredible!!