Italy! Day 3

Cinque Terra - the five lands.  This is the literal interpretation. It is absolutely mind boggling how people came into this severely pitched coastal land and built their villages, farmed the land, and continue to live their daily lives. Multiple level dwellings literally chiseled into the striated volcanic rock. Terraces carved into the hills as they ascend from the water to the sky. A multitude of agricultural crops spring up from the multiple levels. 

Not many people own cars... No streets for the most part, let alone some where to park it... :D.  We all learned quite quickly that If the passageway is 6' wide or (less likely) wider, it is a street used by cars and trucks... 2 way streets!!  Downhill seems to have the right-a-way. Kind of like Duluth in winter.   :)

Our travel group.. So far

Today's adventure began in the southern most of cinque terra, Riomaggiore.  A portion of the village is behind us.  Again, the seas did not cooperate and our boating tour was cancelled. Not to be defeated from a boat ride and swim, our most excellent tour guide, Zara, found someone who would take us out  on the water. .. In the bay of Porte Venere. This took us to La Spezia, a bustling city for lunch and off to the coast. We had some time to explore ( nearly 45 minutes) before the 6:00 boat adventure.  My how time flies ....

It was a cacaphony of laughter and glee and we all had the chance to get in and swim!! Look! Even choreography !!

At this point, would insert a picture of the 8' to 12' swells when we went out of the bay, but was either hanging on for dear life or either got all boat or only air in the shot...  

Tomorrow off to explore more of the Cinque Terra!!!

Ciao