Another early morning and another day filled with hiking except for this time I took a pair of rock climbing shoes with me. The night before the one girl that showed us the beach location could tell I was a rock climber and mentioned to me a good spot for deep water soloing. It just so happened that the location was right in the city we were hiking to so I thought I would give it a try. Deep water soloing is pretty much just climbing without a harness. If and when you do fall you just land in water. So all you need is climbing shoes and a towel.
Once we had our day packs all packed we were ready to hit the trail. Unfortunately part of the ocean view trail was closed due to huge mud slides a few years ago so we took the higher trail that was further from the Mediterranean. It was a great change of pace. The first mile or so was pretty steep but once we were up near the mountain ridge it was pretty easy going. The trail had different vegetation and a different feel then the ocean view trail we did the day before so it was a really nice change. Another plus was it was a lot less crowded.
Both towns were beautiful and each of the four towns have their own little charm and vibe to them. So once we stopped by Manarola it was time to put the climbing shoes on. I have never done deep water soloing before so I was a little nervous. Plus it involved me jumping in cold water and we all know how much I hate cold water. I stood by the ledge debating if I should go for it or not. After a minute or two. . . . ok maybe closer to 5 or 10 minutes :-) I jumped in the water and swim out to the rock face. Now the rock was really easily visible, about 50 feet from the towns ocean lookout. I got into position and was ready for the climb. In the mean time over a dozen tourists had there cameras out zoomed in on me waiting to see my next move. It was a little nerve racking with all the paparazzi there but like any great celebrity you get used to it haha. Over a few attempts and different techniques I succesfuly made it to the top and threw my hands in the air . .. . and waved them around like I just didnt care whoooop whoooop.
After visiting the two towns, and getting pizza of course, some of the group was tired and took the train back while me and Luke had some energy left. And being that it was our last day we decided to push on and head up to an old church.
The church was nothing special but the view from the top was amazing. You could just make out all 5 towns from that one view point and it was just overall amazing. I attached a picture of the view below.
When me and Luke got back we walked around the town for a little and split one last pizza. At one point while walking around Corniglia we experienced the steryotypical Italians at their finest. Both had their windows open and were shouting across the street at each other waving their hands all over. I couldn't understand them so I wasn't sure if they were mad at each other or just talking. After they were done talking/yelling they both laughed so I assumed they were not mad at one another. Either way I got a kick out of it.
So we both sat down and shared our last pizza at cinque Terra and reminisced about the last two days. About a quarter way through my half of the pizza I realized I left my water bottle back at the hostel and had nothing to drink unless I purchased water which I absolutely hate doing. I hate buying water or other goods that you can get so easily free. Buying metro tickets or bus tickets to places you can easily walk to is another thing I really try to avoid. So I was talking to Luke about that and said I really wish I had my water bottle , but oh well I will just get it when I get back. A few minutes later an Italian gentlemen that was eating next to us that I talked to just for a little before hand came over and asked what we like to drink in broken up English. I looked at Luke and was confused. I wasn't sure if he was curious on what Americans like to drink or what I like so I told him a cola cola. Sure enough this guys goes up to the register and comes back with an ice cold can of coke. Some people are just to nice. I said it was not necessary at all and tried to pay him for the coke. He said it was not necessary at all and for us to enjoy and have an amazing time on our vacation. I think I enjoyed the can of coke more then the pizza hahah.
All and all cinque Terra was an amazing place and would highly recommend that anyone that is close to the area stop by. Great food, great people, and great views.
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