Thursday 9 April 2015

Our last day in Italy


Our last day in the Cinque Terre, so we walk up from Monterosso to Santuario Di Nostra Signora Di Saviore Monastry , famous for its round faced Madonna....at the top with splendid views once again.


On the way we pass lemon orchards - wish I could bring an Italian  lemon tree back with me.  From small they are laden with fruit.


View from the monastery


The church- truly beautiful, old frescoes on walls and ceilings, beautiful chandeliers 

The round faced Madonna


The frescoes are not repaired.  


We leave our Cinque Terre guesthouse, la Casa Andrea sadly - such vibrant colours


Good bye to Carola who has looked afte us so well


Train change over at Pisa, and we walk through the city to check out the tower...



Fascinating story- building started in 1172 and the tilt began from the 2 nd floor in 1178- and after that all the floors were built with one side taller than the other to compensate for the tilt, so actually the tower is curved! it took 199 years to build, completed in 1372. 


The tower has been leaning for 840 years.... A similar tower collapsed in 1989 so this is the reason between 1990 and 2001  has there been structural strengthening.  There is one tower in Germany that leans more than Pisa... But who knows about this...
Such exquisite marble facade and details, it takes ones breath away.
 



And we land home for 5 weeks... Just enough time to get ready for our next adventure.....
Lovely to have had people following and commenting- we feel blessed and filled with gratitude for this time to explore beautiful places and spaces.   May we lift a few hearts and inspire others to follow what matters.



Monday 6 April 2015

Another walk, my favourite, from Verrnazza to Corniglia, wonderful vistas everywhere


We leave Vernazza, described as the prettiest of the five hamlets.  Drunken-sailor buildings lean against each other, hanging on .....

In the dry stone wall a shrine of Mary.  I love the reminders of religion or rather for me, the mother, in the middle of the walk, she's everywhere in this beautiful place, bountiful and generous 




Isn't this a fabulous view of Vernazza- postcard perfect


It's an easy walk with much of the walk protected with good railing.

The trail is busier, the season has just begun.




And there is Corniglia - you can see that this hamlet is 100 Metres above sea level.



My heart belongs in Corniglia..


We are getting closer to the hamlet

We stop for a bite and a cold glass of wine at the prettiest bar.


I love their philosophy!



I start with the local Limonata, made from the lemons which grow everywhere, it's refreshing and delicious.


Lunch!


The prettiest, kitcheist shops...


Enchanting stairways


The flowers are a delight.


Gelato! Everyone eats Gelato, all day, everyday, people walk around the hamlets with cones or cups.


Why resist?


Driftwood is used as decorations everywhere in the streets.


We walk to a look out point and Rob has a fit when I take this photo... What if I drop my camera...?


The ferry boats have begun their trips betwee villages.  The tramontana wind has brought calm waters.


And this time we go down the 365 steps....


The crowds are too much for us.  We have been spoilt arriving "out of season". Everyone has come to the Cinque Terre over Easter...


Another drink and we head for home- Casa la Andrea.  It's been a fantastic base for us for 8 days.



Sunday 5 April 2015

Market day, relaxation and walk to the local cemetery

Enjoying a glass of wine with snacks at Enteca Eliseo, the best wine bar in Monterosso.  Eliseo and his Brazilean wife Mary love opera, (and wine) so there is an operatic ambience as you sip and snack.  Eliseo seems to be open 18 hours a day.  By the way, this is early evening.


It's Market morning- each village has its own day.  Vans roll in spilling out flowers, spicey cold meats, vegetables, olive wood carved ware..and the inevitable Chinese stuff.


The little delivery trucks used with their own style of branding.



Waiting for coffee in the local square.


The square is where the locals get together.  And the oldies sit on benches and run commentaries on passers by!


We go for a walk to the local cemetery, passing a blossom tree which is beautiful against the sky blue and the Italian flag.


Steps up to the Capuchin monastery, where only one monk remains...


The view through the arch way ..


The view from the monastery.  The sea is not calm - yet.


Inside the Capuchin church, dedicated to St Francis of Assissi.


I love the alter too.


We climb up,higher to the cemetery.  Napoleon declared that cemeteries were unhealthy, so all cemeteries were built away from the towns, ... Fitting that those passed have the best views?  The grave are all marble - the same Carrarra marble that Michelangelo used for his creations.!


A charming courtyard view on the way down.  I love the hammock.