In May we traveled with the Cabe family to the Cinque Terre region of Italy. It is located on the northern coast of Italy on the Mediterranean Sea. "Cinque Terre" means "Five Lands" and it is comprised of five villages located on the rocky coast line - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. We stayed in the La Francesca Resort in Bonnassola, Italy which is just north of the Cinque Terre villages. Without a doubt the most beautiful place I have ever visited on earth. We had a fabulous time and hope to return again soon.
Getting ready to depart!
The drive to Italy from Clermont-Ferrand is noteworthy in and of itself. We drove through the French Alps which were absolutely breathtaking. Freddie and I weren't expecting the phenomenal view and once we entered the Alps we were sitting at the edge of our seats, jaws dropped, waiting to see what was coming next at every twist and turn. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20).
On our way to Bonnassola we spent the night in Genoa, Italy to break up the trip and to visit the largest aquarium in Europe which is located in the harbor in Genoa. I saw my first prostitute ever... that was weird (and sad) and lets just say it didn't appear to be a "Pretty Woman" type of situation. Genoa was cool because it was Italy and the architecture was charming but it was a little on the trashy side to be perfectly honest. The aquarium was fun and, of course, the children enjoyed it but probably the most notable experience in Genoa was eating the yummy authentic Italian pizza. Surprisingly thin crust and minimal fromage... we weren't in Pizza Hut land anymore.
The next three days were spent lounging by the private beach on our resort in Bonnassola or on the public beach in Levanto, Italy - the neighboring village by the sea. One evening we went out to eat at a delightful seafood restaurant with the Cabes in Levanto. Freddie ordered lobster which the waiter promptly took out of the tank in the back of the room and brought to our table for us to inspect before the poor thing was to be dropped alive into a pot of boiling water. I think it is just the saddest thing ever. :( Nevertheless, Freddie thoroughly enjoyed his meal. The kids and I wandered around Levanto where there was an outdoor market in the town square. The city was quaint and charming and perfectly Italian with the narrow cobblestone streets, red begonia flowers spilling out of pots hanging from the windows and the village church perched up on a hill overlooking the sea.
It was fascinating to drive 200 miles and find yourself in a completely different culture surrounded by people speaking a different language. When we made it through the Alps and were coasting on the autoroute through the northern Italian cities near Torino, it oddly felt a lot like driving down I85 headed to Atlanta. I couldn't articulate why but it was the feeling that washed over me. Buildings were more modern and more "American" like than the buildings you see in France. Then, you get to the coastal villages and the architecture changes to the Mediterranean style red tiled roofs and stucco cottages and apartments with fresh laundry hanging from the windows and between exterior walls with the beautiful begonias pouring out of the windowsills. The Italian people were incredibly friendly and I could sit and listen to their beautiful words all day long.
Speaking of language, when in France I struggle with my french and oftentimes yearn for the ability to speak English to someone. When in Italy, I found that my initial inclination was the speak French. Quite puzzling considering the Italians were more likely to speak English than French. The only thing I can fathom is subconsciously I was figuring they spoke French since France was only a few miles away, relatively speaking. Not so much. Nevertheless, when I was in hot pursuit of Crocs in Genoa (I know, for real, shopping for Crocs in Italy... but we were desperate), I did find a store where the lady spoke only Italian and French and we were able to successfully complete a transaction using my broken French. Glory be to God because that was a miracle!
Moral of this story, if you are ever able to visit this part of the world you should. It was incredible and created wonderfully fond memories for our family. Many thanks to the Cabes for inviting us and for coordinating everything.
I heart Italy.
Outside of the Aquarium there was a man covered with white paint and clothing standing as still as a statue with his eyes closed. He was dressed as Christopher Columbus, I think (CC was born in Genoa, Italy). It was the freakiest thing ever! He would stand as still as a statue until someone would drop some coins into a little wooden box placed at the base of the podium he stood on then he would come alive very slowly. The kids got a chuckle out of it although Sophia was terrified to walk up to him. I can't say I blame her.
