Sharon Hough: Cinque Terre, hillside wonderland

Travelled to Florence for the night, and took the opportunity to visit a couple of historial monuments. Walking the streets of Florence in some ways reminded me of Paris but on a smaller scale, with many streets to amber along with very little traffic. A great regal looking hotel, somewhat dated (the lift reminded me of Dr Who!!), but so conveniently located to the city centre and the train station. Back on the train, and off to Cinque Terre, a historical National Park area, known for its hillside villages, mountain trails from village to village, and blue crystal clear waters. Was an amazing place to visit, but certainly not for the faint hearted!!! Particularly if you have heavy luggage like I did!!
Stayed the night at Riomaggoire, stepping off the train and walking through a tunnel and up a steep cobbled street (no cars here either!) to find where our little room was. Down a series of "rabbit warrens" with steps everywhere, and there was our room, totally adequate for our needs for a short stay. The temperature is hot, hot, hot ... I heard someone mention 40o and I can believe it. Took to the beach for a dip and a sunbathe on the uncomfortable large stones on shoreline, before tucking into yet another great feast of pasta! The next morning saw us on the ferry to Monterosso, relaxing and swimming at the beach (sandy this time!) before hitting the mountain trail to the village of Vernazza, a great 1 1/2 hour hike, and then train back to Riomaggoire where we collected our bags and took the train to our next beach stopover .... this is the life!!!