Paradise

There is no other word to aptly describe it. This little town, Venezza, part of Cinque Terre, Italy is pure paradise.

Our first view of Cinque Terre from the train.

We arrived early this afternoon and have checked into our room. The town is built into a mountain so you have to climb many, many steps to get to where you are going.

We had hoped this would be the first, and only, set of steps.

We were wrong...

And, still, wrong again!

Now imagine doing that with a 40 lb pack on your back. You get the picture! But, it is OH SO WORTH IT.

After checking in we spent the afternoon at the beach. We haven’t even changed out of our swimsuits because there is no need to. The town is so small and quaint; no cars to speak of and the only way to access it is by train. We have been visiting the small shops, delis and gelaterias and just, basically, taking in all of the beautiful scenery.

Tomorrow we are taking a double canoe out onto the ocean. This will be a terrific way to enjoy the gorgeous Mediterranean and the beautiful cliffs and villages.