Monterroso

After an hour train ride up north, we arrived in Monterroso.  We were very excited to visit Cinque Terre as it was described as a quite little region void of tourist traffic and congestion.  These little villages sit right on the Ligurian coast (aka the Italian Riviera) and are connected by a walking path/hike that has become quite popular over these past 5 - 7 years.  The colorful villages are beautiful and while I felt that they were a little touristy, near the train station, they were very quaint once you step into the tiny streets.  

 Finally arrived

 stairway in the station in Monterosso

 Finally arrived in the Casa di Limon.  It was a hike up cobble stone pathway.  We were sweating and tired when we arrived but were treated to a glass of their lemon juice.  It was PURa Limon.  I think it took the enamel off of my teeth.  

 Robby just with Monterroso in the back ground

 They had an annual lemon festival while we were there.  We got another shot of their lemon juice the next day.  Wow!  Pura

Pisa

We stopped off in Pisa on our way to Cinque Terra.  Pisa is a pretty town made up primarily of college students and of course is famous for it's leaning tower.  It was a lovely little city.  Our cab driver was interesting to talk to.  He made sure we knew that only Italians can be cab drivers in Italy and that a large part of Pisa's population was college students.  He is a musician, he played the guitar, and a fan of the blues and jazz.  He gave me a heads up on Ponte Venere, one of my favorite spots in Italy.   From Pisa we took the train to Monterroso one of the five lands in the Cinque Terra.

 Adrienne doesn't know her own strength

A little team work goes a long way.

Meet My Italian Boy Friend

I have always loved the David. My heart is true, through and through to the David.  I have a pen and ink sketch of him that I bought in an antique shop seventeen years ago. It is a PG13 sketch of his more modest side. but no matter the side, I have always been a fan of this amazing piece of art.  Although I am not a major fan of Italian Renaissance painting, I am whole heartedly a fan of the sculpture and in particular this piece.  He represents the perfect representation of man both physically and mentally.  He is humble, yet determined.  Although his foe is larger and stronger, he is not afraid to face him. He examines his opponent at a distance and is decided about fighting him.  He is in a relaxed pose, yet the look in his eyes and the tension in his neck reveal that he understands the dangers he will face and yet he does not turn away, but faces his opponent with courage and hope.  I love it.  He represents power and humility, strength and cognition, determination and sensitivity.  Who wouldn't love such a man.

Michael Angelo believed that when sculpting, the marble was brushed away to reveal what was hidden underneath.  It wasn't what he was creating, but what was meant to be revealed within the marble itself.  He was scrupulous about each piece of marble he would work with, choosing them himself.  When visiting the Accademia Gallery, where the David and other sculptures are housed, we saw many of Michael Angelos sculptures that were unfinished and they were beautiful:  you could see these perfect beings embedded, as if encased within the marble, waiting to be free.  Having the opportunity to see the David was a highlight of the trip.

Bike Tour of Tuscany

On Wednesday May 18 we embarked upon a bike tour of Tuscany.  The entire route which involved a nice long incline to the hilltop town of Chiusdino ended up being just about 12 miles.  I was pleased that my knee was able to endure the journey.   The views were spectacular.  I only hope you might be able to see a fraction of the majesty of those beautiful hillsides and valleys.

 The troops minus Nicole who wasn't feeling well.  The hilltop town in the distance

 Robby stuck by me the entire time although he was in the best shape of all of us.  He took care of his auntie.  Robby filmed the entire vacation.  I am filming him here so he can get some footage.

 Candice taking a pic of me getting her on video

 Dan the man!

 Robby with his parents my brother Scott and sister Adie.

 Italian body language says it all

 the views

 The troops at the top

 How blessed am i to have such beautiful people in my life.  Love you two.

 A ride through the city streets.  On the decent

Once back at the villa, we took a swim in the infinity pool.  It felt like you were swimming in a lake in the forest.  Robby's pose before he falls into the water.

The bike ride was spectacular.  I got the itch to get back on my bike now that I am home again.

Hiking The Refugio Mennagio

While in Lake Como, I wanted to go on hike and a bike ride.  The bike ride was not a success because the bike that was rented to me had a broken seat and every time I would bare down on my seat to get up a hill the seat would slip up of down--very frustrating, so instead I took a short bike ride around Verena, took a nap and found a nice spot to sit and paint a very mediocre water color.  Lily likes it however, so I will finish it up for her to put in her room.  The hike on the other hand was wonderful.  The forest in the mountains above Lake Como are full of life and sounds.  There was nice tree coverage as well so when the sun was out it made for a comfortable hike.  I was a bit concerned for my knee as the doctor said that I shouldn't hike on if for a few months, but I couldn't pass up the chance to see the Lake from the elevations above.

 The hike began in Breglia.  The adventure began before that however because trying to catch a bus in Italy is always and adventure.

 My "walking "companion Pauline at the beginning of the trail.  I loved all the vegetation.

 The trail was marked well and easy to follow

 Wild flowers were found through the entire trail

 An old home found along the way

stony pathway

 This part of the trail, higher up the mountain, reminded me of the our NEP at home.

 A shot of Lake Como half way up the trail

 Loved the moss on the trees.  Plant life flouishes in Italy

 Birch trees and aspen trees were along the path ways.  I was surprised.

 Wild strawberries along the way.  Pauline was a bit scared to eat them fearing they were poisonous.  I plopped them in my mouth.  They were itty bitty berries however.

 another shot of the farm house on the way back

 My hiking/"walking" companion Pauline and I

 I loved these little daisys that were found growing everywhere, especially between hard places reminding me that when stuck between a rock and hard place we can flourish.

 Once home, unfortunately the hostel was closed so my plans of kayaking were thwarted, however soaking my feet in Lake Como and a rest by the lake was quite relaxing.  Pauline stripped and took a dive,  I was not quite so willing or free. . .

 Pleased!