Florence never gets really cold, at least not compared to Chicago. Nevertheless, I’m trying to take advantage of the late summer weather while it lasts by exploring locations in Italy that showcase the natural beauty of the countryside.
Cinque Terre, literally meaning five towns, is a place said to equal the magnificence of the French Riviera. These delightful towns border the Mediterranean Sea in a region north of Florence, and the hiking trails between each city are famous for the stunning views they offer of the sea. Two weekends ago, while most of my peers in the program took day trips organized by touring companies, my friends and I decided to spend two full days there on our own in order to experience as much as possible.
After a short two-hour train ride from Florence, we arrived. We then journeyed between the Terre, taking a boat that offered spectacular views. Our ferry plowed through water that was crystal clear and a deep, gleaming blue that grew more turquoise towards the shore. The towns themselves are made up of quaint buildings in pastel pinks, yellows and oranges, and they are perched on promontories that rise from the sea. At the last town, we joined other tourists and locals on the beach, sunning ourselves and cooling off in the water. After emerging from the sea, my body encrusted with salt, I sat back and watched the people around me. I’ve never seen so many Speedos in my life. The only incident marring our peaceful afternoon was when a jellyfish stung a friend of mine, leaving red tentacle-shaped marks on her arm. That night, we sampled Cinque Terre’s specialties: pasta with pesto, seafood, focaccia and white wine.
The next day, we undertook the hike between two of the villages. My friend’s guidebook to Italy described the trek as strenuous, and I have to admit that it really tested my endurance. The steps up the cliffs seemed endless, and we had to negotiate along tiny ledges. By the end my legs were shaking, but it was worth it. The trail wound through vineyards and lemon groves, and around every turn the sea sparkled. I was so high up, I could see for miles, and I felt on top of the world.
My friend Monica and I journeyed even farther to the next village. The night before we had received news of a fire that had broken out due to the dryness of the area, and on this trail we passed trees which still smoldered. The smell of burning lingered in the air, and ashes fluttered in the breeze. The juxtaposition of this destruction with the beauty of the rest of the Terre was heartbreaking. But I am sure that by next summer, new trees will be sprouting and the damage will be repaired over time. I left Cinque Terre rested and contented, albeit sunburned.
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