The Best Day EVER!!!!!

Yesterday (Saturday), we had the most wonderful day since we've been here!

We went to Cinque Terra, a national park with 5 train stops and a wonderful beach! Its on the Italian Riviera, and that picture up there is where I spent the day. You can all hate me now!

We met the guys at 7:30 in the morning at the train station, and had mass confusion with 7 separate opinions on how to get there, and what train to take. Finally, we got on the train, and then this guy came in our compartment speaking Italian, very rudely. Evidently the gist was that he thought he had our seat. We had to get up, and find new seats. He was such a jerk that when we left, I "accidently" swung my beach bag and got him right where it counted! He was last seen explaining to his wife why he was singing soprano.

I was feeling tired from the day before, so instead of stopping at the first train stop to walk and cliff jump, I went straight to Montorosso to the beach. I got there, bargained with a beach vendor for some towels and a pareo, bought some blood orange juice, and I was ready! Got a cabana with chairs, pulled out a good book and settled in for a very relaxing day in the best environment I could ever be in!

As for my fellow beach goers, I will only say that a) many people should NOT be wearing speedos, b) I have never seen so many uncircumcised men in my life, c) European women who sunbathe topless evidently have more gravity problems than those of us who wear bras do. Some things should really be kept under wraps (see speedo comment above!), d) Call me a crazy American, but I still think kids should wear swim diapers when they get in the water with other people.

The rest of the group found me about mid-afternoon, and we all settled down with chairs and blankets. Vanessa and I went in the water and had a WONDERFUL time! Just couldn't believe that we were actually in the Mediterranean, and in the blue water, and the sunshine... you just couldn't create a better day!

While the rest of the group went to Genoa for eventual Milan trip, me and Vanessa just came straight home. Well as straight as you can get on an Interregionale train - I think it was about 2 1/2 hours to get back to Florence through Pisa. We eventually got home, and then went to eat. I politely came down with one of the worst sunburns I've ever had, so the food didn't even taste good. I came home, fell in bed, and woke up to put aloe vera on.

I figure than any sunburn from a Mediterranean beach is better than a perfect tan from anywhere else!