Riomaggiore

Ah, Cinque Terre.  Apparently it used to be a hidden treasure until it wasn't.  Some articles still call it a "hidden gem" on the Italian Riviera.  I'm not sure about that--  I can't even imagine what this place might be like without elbow to elbow crowds. Despite the mobs of tourists (of which I understand I am one), it's still one of the most magical places on earth....the waters are pure turquoise, and the colored homes make you feel like you are in a fairy land. 

I didn't hike the trails this time as I'd actually planned on spending a weekend in Cinque Terre later in the season.  Italy has a surprise (to me) national holiday on Aug 15 though so I took a quick day trip to spend the afternoon sitting by the water and reading a book.  Wow, even as I write that I can hardly believe I get to do things like that for awhile.   

Riomaggiore is the first town if you are coming from the south/east.  The sea was a little dramatic that day so there were no boats out, but it was a perfect "breeze" to cool down after what had been a hot, hot week under the Tuscan sun. Ha. 

I don't know anything about the history of Riomaggiore except that once upon a time, long ago, a great explorer named Rick Steves sailed the oceans blue and discovered it and Americans such as myself have been flocking to to it ever since.   It's also even more popular with the Italians themselves--they know what a national treasure they have here.

Yeah, this person just lives here on  this little cliff with beautiful swirling turquoise waters below him.     No big deal.

Riomaggiore has seafood galore--you can go schmance sit down, or pick up some seafood picked up in the morning catch and deep fried.  Have you ever had same day fresh caught calamari? Outstanding and yet I, the queen of taking random picture foods, neglected to capture its beauty on camera. 

I don't think seeing hanging laundry will ever lose its charm.  

So even with the stunning views and Italy all around me, I spent a good amount of time gushing over this one...obviously, since I felt it appropriate to photograph a stranger's dog.  This little Frenchie belonged to an American family that lives in Barcelona and  I really, really, really just wanted to sit there all day getting puppy kisses.  Love that smush face.

I guess I am missing my little peanut even more than I knew I would.