More from Cinque Terre

Living in California where people drive to their next door neighbor's house, I never knew the charm of a late night stroll.  But, I fell in love with walking late at night while in Europe.  Vernazza is perfectly delightful in the moonlight.

Cafe owners have standards.
Eating and drinking is about eating and drinking.  It's serious business. 
As is conversing with the folks at the next table. 
Updating your Facebook Status is not encouraged.

And a morning stroll anyone?  Had to walk to the post office to send post cards to all my cuddles.

Cappella. 
I love these little chapels that can be found everywhere.

Italians have perfect breakfasts: cappuccino and pastry. 

While sipping our coffee, we got to enjoy our favorite pastime: people watching.  It was 9am!  The water was so warm that early birds were already out enjoying it!  Here's two things I loved about Italy: First, the women were very confident in their bodies.  Even elderly women were out in their swimsuits (two pieces!) and none hid in a muumuu.  And second, the über masculine men.  Seriously, they oooooooze testosterone from every pore!  Here's another elderly gentleman in his speedo, strutting his stuff.

This is how I hope to spend my retirement.

On our second day on the Cinque Terre we took the train just a few minutes down the cost to the village of Corniglia.  It's a quaint little village where the air smells thickly of the wine grapes growing on all the hills and it's a mere 382 steps UP from the train station.


Please don't forget to bring your water.
In August the climb can be very challenging.



But the view is SOOOO worth it!

After climbing back DOWN to sea level we had time for a quick swim before catching a train to Rome.  We found a little place of virtually uninhabited beach.

That we reached from this tunnel, which we imagine is our own secret passageway to our paradise.

Refreshed and inspired by the Cinque Terre, we hopped the train bound for Rome--where all roads lead, so we've heard.  We fell in love with Paris, especially the Rue Cler.  We thoroughly enjoyed Rome, especially all its history.  But, our only regret about our Europe adventure is that we didn't pad our trip for an extra day or two on the Cinque Terre.