Italy {Cinque Terre}

The morning we arrived to Cinque Terre it was rainy. I was a bit bummed

because I wanted to enjoy the sunshine while exploring all 5 towns.

It ended up being great. The sun would come and go and luckily we

didn't get rained out, which was another fear of mine. Exploring these

five fishing villages was absolutely amazing. You can either hop on and off 

the train that takes you to each village or hike a path that has been used

by shepherds since those towns were established way back in the day. The

villages are only made for walking or riding bicycles.

Unfortunately because of construction of those paths we had no choice but 

to take the train to each town. It worked out great for us, since we only had the day

to explore Cinque Terre.  It was stunning and I hope to go back one day

and be able to explore each town with more leisure.

^^You can see some of the path from one village to the next.

^^Pesto! What Cinque Terre is famous for, pesto originated in this region.

^^My calves were so sore the next day from all the stairs in these villages.

^^This little boy melted my heart, so cute.

Up next: Rome

Italy {Genova & Piedmont}

 After spending a couple days near Milan and Venice we took the afternoon

train to Genova to visit old family friends. Friends that my dad had grown up 

with in Chile who were also Italian-Chilean. They had not seen one another in over 40 

years, so the reunion was the sweetest to encounter. 

We spent a full day in Genova, walking around, soaking in the sights and 

stopping at all the delicious bakeries. We stuffed ourselves silly with food that

day, it was glorious! I am surprised at how much I liked Genova. The last time I was there, 

nearly a decade ago it was not such a fortunate experience. I was with a group of friends, 

our accommodation plans fell through and we were wanding around near the port (not the

safest area) until night time trying to find a hotel. Luckily all worked out that time, but 

I think I just didn't give it the proper chance and it was tainted in my mind. So happy I got

to give it another try and really see it for what it was.

After spending the day in Genova we rented a van the next day and drove to the Piedmont area

of Italy where my nonno (Italian for grandfather) was born and grew up. I fell in love 

with that area. Rolling hills with vineyards, villa's tucked away in the mountains,it

was so breathtaking.  We met up with my dad's cousing, Carmen, who lives in the area. Carmen

was so gracious with her time and an awesome tour guide. She showed us the around town, we

at lunch at a local pub and had the most amazing pesto gnocchi ever, afterwards

we went to another family members winery and got a tour of how they made wine. It was

an amazing day. We stayed in this villa that was just amazing. It belonged 

to a wealthy duke, it has now been renovated and now houses permanent residents 

along with apartments that host tourists.  So glad we got to spend

some quality time in this region. I'm regretful it's taken me this

long to see where my family comes from, but am going to make it a 

point to go back as much as possible.

^^So many pastries to try!

The center of Genova, pink fountains for Mother's day.

^^Dad and mom and in the middle their sweet friend Emilia.

 

^^ The neighborhood my cousin Carmen lives in.

Tagliolo-Monferatto, the little village my nonno comes from.

^^Dad soaking it all in.

^^Carmen and my dad.

^^The grounds from the Villa.

^^The Villa Scati

Up next: Cinque Terre