This weekend has been my best weekend yet in Italy. 

I have that feeling… You know, that adventure feeling you get when you’re traveling.

After tensions between roommates at the apartment in Siena, I decided to go away for the weekend. And it was the best decision I’ve made so far here.

After my weekend in Cinque Terre, I finally feel like I’m traveling.

I woke up Friday morning feeling a tad bit depressed. The vibe of the apartment was completely off and I just didn’t want to be there anymore. So I spent the morning narrowing a list of three places I want to go: Napoli (& Amalfi Coast), Firenze, or Cinque Terre. I scratched off Florence because I know I needed somewhere peaceful with a beach. Then scratched Naples because I was feeling something a little more closer. Alright, Cinque Terre it is! 

After a four hour train ride with four changes, I made it to Riomaggiore just before sunset. The hostel I stayed at was a little sketchy, as they didn’t ask for a passport, only accepted cash, and did all of their room organizing in pencil on a single blank piece of paper… But I’m not picky, I didn’t mind! All in all it was a great hostel for the price and location.

Upon arrival I met a peculiar, but very nice guy who had been hiking throughout Scotland and just finished trekking Mont Blanc. We exchanged travel stories and then told me about a beautiful overlook on the hill adjacent to the town. After grabbing the (now) obligatory aperol spritz, we walked what seemed like a small maze to an incredible view and watched the sunset over Cinque Terre and the sky change it’s colors.

The next day I decided to extend my stay for another night. I knew I wanted to get away for a few days and I liked this place so far. The sunset from the night before was just what I needed. After getting coffee, I set up a game plan to visit the other towns. The travel guides say that one of the center towns, Vernazza, is the gem of Cinque Terre for it’s quaint streets and picturesque seascape. I headed there first and, encouraged by it’s beauty and the un-touristy beach that I found (along with more spritz), ended up staying for the majority of the day.

When returning to the hostel in Riomaggiore, I met more wonderful people who eventually convinced me to stay ANOTHER night. So I though hey what the hell, I have nowhere else to be! What originally was a one night stay became three. I spent the next day doing the same thing I did before; absolutely nothing… The only difference was the change in location, now in a few of the other towns. There’s this Italian saying my professor loves to say, “Gli italiani parlano troppo e fanno poco”, which translates to “Italians talk too much and do little”. I love that because it’s especially true here, and I’m adopting that saying very well.

The final evening was the best. Although I spent every evening watching the sunset from the same overlook as the first, the final night was my favorite. Not only was the sunset the most beautiful of the three, but I was with very good company, a few bottles of wine, and a happy heart.

“Gli Italiani parlano troppo e fanno poco” … no better way to describe it.

Photo Gallery