You had a relaxing day yesterday. A late start to the day 8.00am, a bit of a tidy up around the villa and with your travel bags, a rest and then a walk through Riomaggiore to see the sites. Rosy and Joanne were keen for a ferry ride around the bay and to each village but the sea had a heavy surge and no ferries were running. They ended up going for a walk along one part of the trail 1.5hours between Monterosso and Vernassa about 1.5kms but mostly uphill. They had a swim, did some shopping and we all met up again back at the villa around 8pm. Sorry no pics of their day.
But you guys came with Frances and I around Riomaggiore, then a train to Corneglia, the third village along the trail. A much smaller village perched 365 steep steps above the train station. There are only a small number of shops to visit and 4 small restaurants to eat at, although the village does have 4 or 5 snack bars to buy food from.
The unique feature of Corneglia is the narrow lanes and close concentration of the village homes, closer than in Roma and anywhere else you've visited. In total I think the entire village would fit within 6 NZ 1/4 acre sections. It's close quarter living and clothes lines extending from the windows of each dwelling almost touch one-another. If you need to wear something different other than from your own wardrobe then just reach across and borrow from your neighbour - underwear included. There's no privacy but that's how it is in most of the villages we've seen throughout Italy. The people are once again, very friendly and the tourist season is important for their economy, so the welcome is very warm.
One thing I do appreciate while shopping in Italy is that the shop-owners leave you alone to try out their offerings and pay little attention to what you're up to. Of course they're happy to help if you need them. Shopping in Italy is a very pleasant experience.
Here are some pics of your day in Corneglia and back on the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola.
The main shopping lane in Corneglia. YEP there are shops with their products displayed in the lane, it makes for a tight squeeze when you bump into others also shopping.
The station below is Corneglia and the village in the distance is Manarola. The trail between runs through a tunnel to the left of the train tunnel. Frances's umbrella has been a blessing. 365 steps straight up to the Corneglia in 30degs, a formidable challenge for anyone.
This is an entrance to a home in Corneglia, they are all like this one. I had just helped two young girls close and lock their door as it was falling from it's hinges and needed to be lifted to be closed. Watch your head as you enter!!!
This restaurant is at the top of the trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore, a welcome respite after a gentle walk up the hill. Pimms and a snack while overlooking the sea and across to France in the distance. It's a real tough trail to walk ...... NOT!!!
The restaurant is built against the cliff-face. Each day all of the fresh food must be carried up the trail by hand, including the many bottles of water, coke, wine and beer that are consumed by the walkers who drop in. What a mission!!!
At home after a tough day of sightseeing. You have the top level to yourselves and the roof balcony complete with table, chairs and a view of the sea and village shopping area below. It makes for interesting viewing throughout the day and at night. The only thing lacking is air conditioning (that's a BIG gap - believe me) I know you're experiencing the cold at home, this is the other EXTREME but with no way of controlling the temperature.
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