Cinque Terre

Part of the group before dinner.  Grace, Mollie, Olivia, Kelsey and Paige

     For our first free weekend most of CIMBA, about 65 of us, decided to take advantage of the warm weather and head to Cinque Terre.  We had Alberto, the gate guy on campus, arrange a bus for us. It was an amazing trip and I couldn’t stop thinking how I was living in this puzzle. The trip started with an EARLY 4 AM bus ride. We arrived in La Spezia around 9:30 and took the train to Riomaggiore, which is the first of 5 villages in Cinque Terre. We checked into our hostel, which ended up being an apartment right near the water.    
     After a quick breakfast we walked to the next town, which had more amazing views. We then took the train to Monterossa, the last town, for some quality beach time, which was fun and refreshing. After some much needed gelato we headed back to the hostel to get ready for dinner. Dinner was pretty fun and the food was good but I have never felt so American in my life.  It was a little embarrassing. It made me realize how much I want to try and adapt to the Italian culture rather than stick out like a sore thumb and be labeled a “stupid American.”

From the hiking trail.

     The next day 5 other girls and I decided to conquer the hardest hike from Monterossa to Vernazza with all of our stuff. It was pretty brutal with our bags with us but the views were totally worth it. I also thought it was pretty neat to see the grapevines and little streams on the hillside.   We even got to eat some fresh grapes off the vine from one of the farmers.  They were literally the best grapes I have ever had.  After we finally completed the hike we desperately found water and chugged it. Then we went down to the beach and swam for a little bit to cool off. Being in the beautiful water with the mountains and town in front of us was truly amazing. After we got out we found the most AMAZING pizza. I got pesto and I literally can’t stop thinking about it. It just melted in my mouth. Overall it was a great first travel weekend and I am so glad I got to see Cinque Terre.
     Once we got back to Paderno I realized how happy I am that I have met so many amazing people and have a place that after only two weeks, I can already call home. Paderno is the perfect place to be during the week to recover from the big cities or exhausting outdoor towns. I really can’t believe how lucky I am.