In all, we spent 8 excellent days in Cinque Terre: 5 in Riomaggiore and the remainder in the tiny (population 150) village of Corniglia. The previous blog showed the pictures that “everybody” brings back. This blog tells a little more of the things that WE found interesting. Towns are crowded enough that it is not a place to relax for long periods, and we are too old for a lot of the hiking, so we don’t expect to be back here. But our hearts are full from this experience!
This is normal; Cinque Terre is one continuous staircase. Ellen’s knees struggled, and it limited exploration. 
Taken in Vernazza when we came mid-day almost exactly 5 years ago. Crowds everywhere. 
Same street at 8 a.m. this year. THIS is why you stay overnight in Cinque Terre. 
No crowds and early light let you take shots like this. This picture would be impossible for a “day tripper.” 
Michelin recommended restaurant. Stunning view. Beautiful company. Best way to celebrate my 70th birthday. 
Cornelia room tiniest we every had, but the balcony was worth it. Watched glorious sunrise every morning. 
And the room included this breakfast, which we had almost every morning in Italy. Cappuccino, filled croissants, sometimes freshly squeezed orange juice. 
Ellen was delighted to learn that not only was it OK, and even expected, to hang laundry on the clothesline outside our window. They even provided clothes pins. Ours later waved in the breeze like our neighbor’s, shown here. 
Find a romantic place and you will find love locks. We have just come to expect it. 
Trains marvellous. Half the time traveling between towns will be in tunnels. Expensive to build, but efficient and effective.