Saturday's PhotoHunting: Observe Children

The Cinque Terre in Italy is a very popular tourist destination, but it is also a very popular destination for local schools as a day trip.  In 2005, my friend and I hiked from Riomaggiore to Vernazza on one day and then from Vernazza to Monterrosso on a second day.  This part of Italy is just breathtaking and I really want to return some day. 

 

On our first day we spot a big group of children resting near the town of Corniglia.  What a fabulous place to hang out and not be in a stuffy old classroom.

 

 

Further along on the trail we crashed into another group.  These Italian school children were so adorable and full of energy.  Kudos to their teachers. 

 

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Keyhole Pictures website HERE!  

 

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Paths

The Cinque Terre (or the "Five Lands") which is located in Liguria, Italy has some of the most beautiful hiking paths I have ever seen. You can take the famous Via dell 'Amore in the village of Riomaggiore and walk to the towns of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza (we stayed here for 3 nights) and Monterosso al Mare.

I loved the Olive groves we passed by along the paths.

Sometimes we found ourselves practically alone.

And then we'd crash into a big group of hikers like this friendly group from Germany.

 I really want to go back!

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!  

PhotoHunt: Waiting

Trekcapri:  "Hey Bea, you may want to put your arm down, it might be a while before our train arrives."

Friend:  "But I just want to be ready to lift myself up the stairs and find a seat."

Trekcapri: "Hmm, maybe I should get ready too.  Btw, have you noticed that people on the other trains keep smiling at us."  :)

Friend:  "They're very friendly here in Italy."

Trekcapri:  "Yes, they are but I kind of think they're smiling at us for another reason."

Trekcapri & Friend:   "LOL"

When I saw the theme for this week, I immediately thought about all the experiences I've had waiting at train stations in Europe and so I have lots of train station photos in my collection.  They are all pretty interesting and cool, but none is more memorable (in a funny way) than this photo, which I took in 2005 at the train station in the small fishing village of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre (Italy).

While my friend and I waited for our train, we parked our humongous 31" luggage side by side at the edge of the platform so we can quickly lift them up the stairs and onto the train before it takes off on us.  As I saw other trains go by I kept seeing people (mainly locals) stare out of their windows at our luggage with great big smiles.  And well, let's face it, we all know why.

To this day, my friend and I laugh about our big luggage experiences in Italy.  And btw, I sold that infamous luggage at a garage sale a couple of years ago. Ha, ha.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

Travel Thoughts: The special finds I found in Italy . . .

While exploring around the town of Monterosso Al Mare in the Cinque Terre, I stumbled upon this small off the beaten path alley.  It felt good to be away from the crowds in this popular town.  But I wasn't alone. :)

PhotoHunt: Missing (Missed)

Lately, I've been really missing . . . need I even say it?  I-T-A-L-Y!

One of my fondest memories of my 2005 European trip was my 3 day stay in Vernazza, Italy  to hike the very beautiful Cinque Terre trails.  Here is a photo looking down on the small town of Vernazza where we stayed.  We hiked to the town of Monterosso Al Mare and enjoyed their annual Lemon Festival celebration. 

See more PhotoHunters HERE!

PhotoHunt: Closed

Look at the three large scoops of enticing, mouth watering, mind teasing gelato cones on the doors of this closed Gelateria.  :)

I took this photo early in the morning in the small fishing village of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre.

See more PhotoHunters at Tnchick's Original Photo Hunt:  HERE!