Steps

 Today we walked 34,000 steps. These weren’t normal, everyday waking around kind of steps. These were hiking through beautiful vineyards along the Mediterranean coast kind of steps. Twelve hundred of these steps were actually steps. Uphill, downhill, take a break and catch your breath kind of steps. But actually, they took my breath away more because of where we were. To me, Italy is such a dreamy place after watching movies like Under a Tuscan Sun and such. The images in my head made me so excited to travel here. Actually being here feels almost surreal. Standing at the top of a hilly vineyard while looking down at the village you are staying in. No words. I just feel really…blessed. 

There are so many smells here. Of course there are food smells, which by the way, YUM. But more- there is a honeysuckle vine that captures my senses completely when we round the corner walking up, up, up to our apartment. There were several moments on our walk where the air smelled so amazing that I stopped just to stand and smell it. I love having the time to be present.

On to our adventure of the day. We started in Manarola, hiked Volastra, and on to Corniglia which was an adorable village. We wandered through the winding corridors and made sure our already exhausted legs felt it just a little bit more. Got a great cappuccino and croissant before hopping on a train to Riomaggiore. 

In Riomaggiore we found a great place for a little bite for lunch. Fried anchovies and calamari for Brian and fried vegetables for me. We sat on a bench eating while I got to enjoy people watching- which I love in other countries! I love to see all different people from different places. 

It’s been really hot and humid. We are digging our afternoon swim in the Med. After that, a little gelato, some espresso, and a really delicious dinner at Nessun Dorma. Check out their website, his story is pretty darn cool.  

Tomorrow we wake early, enjoy a cappuccino, and hop on a train to Florence. Two days here was perfect. I think we have settled in to the Italian groove pretty well. Like I said earlier, I feel so blessed to have this opportunity.  Oh and also, I married an excellent travel agent.