Italy - Part I - Cinque Terre, Pisa & Siena

Alrighty...since you have been such a great crowd...I'm going to hit you with 4-5 quick blogs. I will space them out about every 4-5 days to keep a little suspense, but you guys deserve it.

And then for the real reasons...Italy has too much to offer for just one blog and I found myself with a bit of down time.

But really...it's all about you guys. Trust me on that ;)




After a 9 hour train from Hamburg to Zurich, then two days in Zurich...I found myself on an 8 hour train ride (throw in a 20 min bus ride) to Cinque Terre Italy which is located along the north-west coast of Italy.

Cinque Terre is actually a region composed of 5 small villages: Monterosso in the north, then Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore in the south.


This region was paradise(nice and relaxing) and reminded me a great deal of the Greek islands. So who can go wrong with that?

I also found it a mecca for Canadian backpackers which was very cool since I spent Canada Day here. Three of us Cdns and three cool blokes from London England did Canada proud and closed the only restaurant in town...then took some travellers with us and then hopped back into the hostel with about 10 seconds to spare before the hostel was locked down. One of the London boys actually had more red and white and more Cdn symbols on him than all of us Cdns combined.


The region has a very famous, picturesque walk along the coastline with breathtaking views. I chose the 9-11km walk starting at Riomaggiore and finishing off at Monterosso...and it almost finished me off. Very much up and down cliffs in 35 degree weather, but it had to be done and it was worth all the sweat and tears involved.




Oh yes...there was crying as I climbed endless stairs. I needed a beer SO bad, but I only stopped for a quick 20 min lunch (no beer!) and plowed through making my destination in only 3.5 hours when they said it would take 5 hours. Whatever grannies!

If anyone has thoughts about going to Italy...I would certainly suggest a few days in Cinque Terre.

Does anyone know what building this is to the left? I thought not. There is only one famous building in Pisa...and if you don't know what it is...well...there's no hope for you.

I was originally going to spend a night in Pisa, but was told by fellow backpackers that it was only worth a day trip and they were definitely right. I hopped off the train on my way to Florence and enjoyed the sights of Pisa for about 3 hours. And that was enough.

What about this building? I didn't think so. However, both buildings were spectacular.

I must admit...I was pretty awed by the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I spent a lot of time just staring at it. Maybe I felt consolation in the fact knowing that others can make huge mistakes and some times those mistakes turn out to be works of art. Damn...I must be a famous artist by now!

Well...here it is. And it is crazy to say the least. But it's spectacular! Now I didn't try it...I'll leave it up to the next Cdn traveler to Pisa, but I wondered if the Tower straightened itself the more beer you drank. What do you think? Can someone do a scientific experiment and let me know. My money is on a proven, positive outcome. Thanks.

One of the main downfalls I found in Pisa was the graffiti. I know it's everywhere, but I usually find graffiti art to be of pretty high artistic flair. However, most of the graffiti in Pisa either had slogans of liberating this country or that country OR slogans of death to this group of people or that group of people.

Very disturbing. I didn't see any graffiti dealing with Canada or Canadians so I felt OK, but thanks for asking.

Another *ç%&*ç%& lost picture. I'm guessing you guys think that's funny. But the jokes on you this time...it was only a so-so picture anyway.

And then it was on to Florence, but I'll leave that for another day.





I was going to spend a night in Siena as well, but once again...backpackers are all knowing (as am I now) and I was told it warranted a day trip only. So on my way to Rome, I stopped off in Siena for 3-4 hours.

I loved Siena except for one 'pain in the back' (literally) problem. Their train station nor their bus station had a luggage storage area. So what does that mean? It means Joe has to carry his entire backpack and day bag around Siena as I sightsee for 3+ hours. And we are talking summertime in Italy people...not fun.

But I have to admit, Siena was worth it. It was such a cool medieval town. Luckily, with all the old, high and cramped buildings...it gave great shade covering...yes I was sweating like a mad man. Unfortunately, it made it impossible to take pictures of the many wicked looking buildings.

And if you've ever been to Italy before, the size of most of these buildings makes it almost impossible to get into a picture. So I apologize for the pictures not doing most of the buildings in Italy any justice. But I was 'wowed' by most of them. I hope that's enough for you.

Remember...fast and furious for the next few blogs from Italy. Ciao!