We spent 2 nights in a lovely coastal town called Levanto. From there we set out to explore the Cinque Terre. The above photo is the beach 5 mins walk from our hotel. Not quite the same as a Sydney beach cause the sand was really dark and looked more like dirt, but nice to finally see the coast nonetheless.One of the most memorable experiences on our trip was the pesto making class I took in Levanto. It was in a little shop run by a lady who spoke no english. She demonstrated how to make pesto with a mortar and pestle and then let us take turns making our own for each person to taste test. I was first up, and am pleased to report that through her interpreter, she said... "I dont think I need to run these classes anymore... she can run them!" Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver! lol
One of the most disappointing things on our holiday was that it rained on the day we were supposed to be hiking around the Cinque Terre coastline. It was a stunning view and would have been amazing to see however cause of heavy rain our boat ride was cancelled and we could only walk one of the 5 walks we were planning. Instead we just got the train to each stop and had to use our umbrellas to shelter us from getting drenched.
Unfortunately too, the colours in these photos are considerably dull cause the weather is overcast. We are told that when the sun is out, the colours are vibrant and the sea a crystal blue. Damn.... another reason I have to go back to Italy... to see this place in sunlight! lol Below are some photos of our visit to Portofino... the town where the rich and famous do coffee. Only designer boutiques here, and the coffee was very expensive.
On the one walk we were permitted to do around the Cinque Terre, we walked through a tunnel which has been devoted to lovers. It was quite lovely to think that this place allowed couples to come from around the world to graffitti their words of love and passion for their loved ones on the tunnel walls as there is poetry and drawings. Also of interest was the tradition of couples attaching a lock on the below railing and throwing the key into the ocean. This was meant as a sign of eternal committment to your loved one. Makes me wonder how many people have since fished off the coast in an effort to retrieve their key and unlock their 'committment' made years prior to some random love from their not so rational youthful years. lol
On the one walk we were permitted to do around the Cinque Terre, we walked through a tunnel which has been devoted to lovers. It was quite lovely to think that this place allowed couples to come from around the world to graffitti their words of love and passion for their loved ones on the tunnel walls as there is poetry and drawings. Also of interest was the tradition of couples attaching a lock on the below railing and throwing the key into the ocean. This was meant as a sign of eternal committment to your loved one. Makes me wonder how many people have since fished off the coast in an effort to retrieve their key and unlock their 'committment' made years prior to some random love from their not so rational youthful years. lol The below cafe was our haven from the rain and cold. They also made one of the best cappuccinos in Italy. 
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