Behind the scenes
Cinque Terre part 4
For those of you following along, this is my last post on our fantastic adventure in Italy. I would like to now share with you some random facts and pictures from behind the scenes of our trip.
While my husband and I both consider ourselves to be rather fit and healthy, we did have a few small problems hiking. We live in Norway where the number one thing to do is walk and its mostly uphill, so that wasn’t a problem. It was the heat we struggled with. It didn’t help matters that on our first day my husband wore leather boat shoes, with NO socks! Needless to say, by the time we reached our destination his shoes were full of puddles and his feet full of blisters. I told him to wear socks but no one ever listens to me. (I know, I sound like my mother)
I knew Cinque Terre would be a beautiful place, but was in no way prepared for the splendor of these five villages and landscape around them. Hiking through olive groves, vineyards and passing lemon trees along the way was heavenly. That’s why I cannot, for the life of me, understand a person’s need to defile such beauty.
Everywhere I looked I could see names, initials and curse words carved into the leaves of the surrounding cactus and Aloe Vera plants. Why would anyone want to mar these robust and time enduring plants?
I insisted on an unplugged vacation, which meant no laptops, iPods, iPads or iPhones (one phone for emergency use only). The television in our hotel room had NOTHING on in English, not even CNN. There’s only so much talking a couple can do (he’s the quiet type). Luckily, I brought a book (two things one must always remember to pack, aspirin and a book). I also had to give my husband permission to cruise the net on our ‘emergency’ iPhone, while I read. I must now confess, curiosity got the best of me and the book I brought along was, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (I swear, I don’t usually read erotica and don’t ask for a review).
Now for the best part – food, drinks and dessert. Cinque Terre is located on the coast and their speciality is most definitely seafood. Now when I think of seafood, I think of lobster, shrimp, crabs and salmon. Here the delicacies are anchovies, squid, octopus and sea bass. The sea bass was good but I didn’t care for the rest, my husband loved it all. I would have been happier with a bowl of pasta, but even that had seafood in it.
Seafood spaghetti anyone?
Lunch was never a problem, we always ended up at an outside cafe eating salad and pizza. The pizza was always thin, crispy and loaded with melted mozzarella. The tomatoes plump and red with fresh mozzarella and basil on top.
We found a restaurant on our last night that served real spaghetti, minus the seafood and along with some crusty bread, I chowed down!
I have just two words to describe desert, Panna cotta and Tiramisu. I shouldn’t have, but I did and it was worth it!
We ordered a bottle of Cinque Terre wine everyday, for lunch and dinner. The local wine is a dry white (my favorite) with a delicate bouquet and nice finish. Being a costal wine it also has a bit of sea tang to it (my husbands words). I don’t usually drink soda, but I have to admit ‘La Limonata’ (Lemon Soda) sure tasted good, on those hot afternoons. The one thing I didn’t see, was iced tea and was only able to drink hot tea for breakfast and in the evenings. I’m surprised I didn’t go into withdraw.
I love eating out in foreign countries, surrounded by people from all over the world. One night as we sat waiting for our meal and enjoying our wine, I noticed there were Swedes sitting to our right. A couple from down-under to our left, a family from somewhere in the UK behind us and Americans everywhere. I’m sorry, I have a bad habit of listening in on the people around me…
Every evening after dinner we’d wander out to a charming little Cliffside Bar, where I’d sip tea and we’d watch the sun go down on another perfect day in Italy. Bellissimo!
Posted on July 9, 2012, in travel and tagged aloe vero, cactus, Cinque Terre, desert, fifty shades of grey, hiking, Italy, lemon soda, Norway, olive groves, pasta, photos, pizza, seafood, tea, tourism, unplugged, vineyards, wine. Bookmark the permalink. 33 Comments.
The food looks lush – I’m just making my way through “Fifty Shades” as well – we must have mutual good taste!
Truthfully, how do you like it?
Honestly, I was a little disappointed – particularly as everyone is raving about it. One of my friends suggested that it was just an exceptional marketing ploy. There is a very good blog on here about just that and I’ll try and dig it out as I think you’ll find it interesting.
Yes, please do…
I only bought the first book and haven’t decided whether or not to buy the other two yet. There really isn’t much of a story line, I mean, I’m not exactly dying of curiosity to find out why Grey is the way he is. What to do?
Great post! One cannot say enough good things about Italy. I smuggled – don’t tell- two oranges in my purse and planted seeds when I got home. Sure enough they sprouted so I put them in small containers to grow in my sunny window until they were big enough to plant outside. They thrived and when two feet tall I planted them outside. They are three feet tall now. Yesterday I learned that they might take ten years to blossom planted from seed! Oh, well,I just wanted something from Italy to grow at home. They are beautiful just like Italy!
Oh, how I wish I could have taken lemons home and grown a Lemon tree… But that would never happen in Norway
Myers lemon can be grown inside in a sunny window and it will blossom and fruit. Its a cross between a lemon and an orange but when picked while still green taste like a lime. I have several outside because we do not get that cold. It is bred for cold climes but many people grow them inside with good success. Google it and learn all about it
I will, thanks!
But I’m not sure we even get enough sun in the windows. We have pretty dark winters and although its light all summer (until late in the evening) there are a lot of cloudy days..
thanks for taking us on your beautiful trip! it’s like i was with you and harry! now i can’t wait to see you in jersey girl! xoxo
I know… I can’t wait either!
I am sad that this is the last post of your journey. The pics and journal have been terrific. The pizza looks divine. (Now that you have read “Fifty Shades”, will you go see the Magic Mike movie? jk!)
Hmm… I don’t think so…
I don’t even think I’ll read the next two books in the trilogy.
Have you read it?
no, have just heard a few reviews from friends.
Maggie, I read the first book and can’t bring myself to read the next two……I agree with your other follower……a great marketing ploy. Sounds and looks like a lovely holiday.
It was one of the best we’ve had… Maybe because we were alone…?
ps
I do not intend on reading the next two ‘Grey’ books either.
Your posts make me want to go to Italy. What a feast for the senses!
If you ever get the chance… Go!
A few years ago we went to Rome, that was a great trip also.
Oh for crying out loud. Would you stop it already with these posts. They make me ache to travel!
That was the last one Robin.
My next trip is to New Jersey, I’m guessing that won’t be quite as alluring as Italy…
Ditto – that’s the only part I don’t enjoy about these posts: my sheer envy!
It all sounds marvellous! I LOVED Italy when I was there and would adore another visit.
It was a great trip… Next stop, Jersey and then you’re all going to see where I come from
Wow. You jet setter – when are you off?
Soon… July 20!
Its a very happy and unexpected trip
Fabulous! Enjoy!
I love all your posts and pictures of Italy! I hope someday I will have the chance to go but I can tell you now that I will not be ordering what Harry had! It looked like it was still alive….
I am looking forward to seeing you here in New Jersey <3
I hope you get the chance to go one day too…
And don’t order the octopus!
See you in Jersey!
Hi Maggie, I love all the photos and the day to day details. Sounds like a great trip. We loved our time there.
So did we… I’m so glad you posted that picture!
what a marvelous adventure! I want to visit
Great pictures! Thank you for taking me along on your vacation.
Thanks, and I was happy to have you tag along!
What a joy to read of your Italian travels, Maggie. Thank you for sharing. (Wish you could share the food! : ) I hope that all is well and happy in your world these days. ~ Lily
i have never been to italy, your images are amazing maggie. from the comfort of my chair, i have enjoyed much. ALWAYS EAT DESERT!!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks Debbie!
ps
I do love dessert.