On our last morning in Rome, some of us woke up early to go photograph the Trevi Fountain. It was a huge treat getting to walk the streets of Rome before the city had started to stir. The cobblestone alleys were void of the hustle and bustle of the thousands of international tourists. The cafes were just starting to open up, and the sunlight was peeking over the rooftops in warm, golden streaks.
This fountain is absolutely beautiful any time of the day, but there's something particularly special about it in the morning. For one thing, we were some of the only people there, so photographing it was much simpler than the day before when we had to squeeze our way down to the front. A traditional legend associated with Trevi Fountain that I find to be absolutely lovely, is that if you throw a coin into the fountain with your right hand, over your left shoulder- you will guarantee your return to Rome. Of course, I threw a coin in. (Random note on the coin-throwing: I just read that an estimated 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day. Right now that equals over 4300 dollars!)
Here's a few shots from that lovely, quiet morning.
Second part of Day 4, and Day 5: Cinque Terre, Manarola
The second part of day 4 involved traveling to the absolutely lovely part of Italy known as Cinque Terre, which means "Five lands". Cinque Terre is a group of five, tiny villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) that are situated right on the coast of the Italian Riviera. Over the years, these towns have been built up right on the cliffs that overlook the sea. One of the incredibly charming parts of our visit to Cinque Terre, was the fact that these towns have been largely untouched by corporate development- you can't even take your car in, only trains or hiking paths. It was almost like stepping back in time for a bit. It was such a different pace from the constant busyness of Rome, and such a nice break to be able to think about, and digest everything we had seen up to that point. For a day and a half, we experienced authentic Italian life- old school style!
After climbing to the top of the hill with all our bags and luggage, this was our view of the Mediterranean!
My beautiful friend, Anntonette!
I am absolutely captivated by the ocean. I love when the ocean and the sky meet in a dramatic clash.
Manarola at dusk
Day 2 in Cinque Terre:
This is from the Via dell'Amore (Walk of Love) which we took from Manarola to Riomaggiore. These padlocks are put on by lovers, and they are supposed to represent the foreverness of love. I think it's adorable.
This picture, also from the Via dell'Amore, just amuses me.
A happy kitty in Riomaggiore.
On our second day in Cinque Terre, some of us hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza, and then afterward took the train back and went swimming in the Mediterranean (Crossed another thing off my bucket list!). Check out the view from one of the high points of the hike.
Poppy!!!
Best reward ever for a long hike: Pineapple Gelato!!! Words don't even explain how absolutely thrilling this was for me.
We had an absolutely spectacular sunset that night.
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| I love good friends! This was a night filled with sweet conversations and many laughs. |
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| Last night's view from the Via dell'Amore |
Cinque Terre:
It's rugged. It's peaceful. It's quiet. It's beautiful. And I loved it.
Sorry if this was way too many pictures peeps. I loved these two days, and could not wait to share them!
Ciao,
Jazzy
