Off to Pisa to drop off my father at the spa, Bagni Di Pisa.  We didn't stop to see the Leaning tower of Pisa because we had a long ride to our destination.   For the next two days we our on our way to Cinque Terre.  We drove through La Spiza which is a city on the water similar to home with a port and high rise buildings but our ride has only just begun. 

Our ride up the mountains was close to 200 plus turns, gasp!!  But the scenery was magnificent to see to say the least.  Finally we arrived at Cade Ventu with one more miss turn that only wine and beer could help.  So we thought that Pienza's view was out of a picture well this one topped it.  Our villa sat on top of the mountain overlooking the Cinque Terre ( 5 towns).  We relaxed that night sipping wine and having dinner,  the owner made us dinner, spaghetti with pesto and fried olives.   Basil pesto originated in this area, so it was a must try.  

The next morning we had breakfast on the terrace.   We decided that we would ride the bus down the mountain and experience the hair pin turns and near collisions with on coming traffic on the bus.   Our first stop, Vernazza.  It is a very busy town with a lot of tourists coming off the cruise ships, small shops, cafes and a small port.  It was nice to sit on the edge of the dock and watch the water pound up against the rocks.   We took the train ride to Corniglia which took five minutes.  Then the fun began, with at least 400-500 steps up the mountain.  It was very challenging.   

For lunch we ate in a ristorante along the walkway.  We ordered fresh anchovies with lemon and oil, and a Napoli, which is a classic pizza with anchovies and capers. Anchovies are at there freshest here so it was a must.  Then we took the train to Montorrosa, WOW what a beautiful beach town with shops and cafes right on the beach.  Sorry we didn't bring our bathing suits.  The weather was perfect.  Then we took the train to Riomaggiore which took about fifteen minutes.  By the time we reached there it was time for dinner.  For dinner we stopped at Veciu Muin in Riomaggiore,  we had Seafood Antipasti with white and brown anchovies, again, mussels, two smoked fish served with a shrimp egg pancake.  It was very fresh and delicious.  We heard Led Zepplin music playing in the back ground and walked across the way and stopped in for a few beers to listen to some music.     After this, we went to our villa and brought back with us a focaccia from Montarossa and had it with some Pecorino cheese that we brought with us from Pienza and paired with wine for later that evening, as we watched the sunset and relaxed the rest of the night.  These two days were very challenging but relaxing.