Mom-cation in Cinque Terre, Italy
Over the weekend I went to the west coast of Italy for an Artistic Escape trip with Sunny Side up studio. We stayed at a rustic retreat, Brucaolivo, in the mountains and what an adventure that was. The owners, Leonardo and Costanza were young and very down to earth. They just recently opened the Bed and Breakfast last year so everything was newly remodeled. The ride up was steep with lots of bends, Leonardo picked us up from the train station when we arrived, We took the road up the mountain then turned off onto a dirt trail, all the way down to the house he had to make 2 point turns at every bend. Once we got closer to the house it was too steep and narrow for his vehicle so we had to walk the rest of the way down. The house was surrounded by gardens, olive trees, a vineyard, and lots of steps/inclined trails.
On the way to dinner, this Italian man had to stop and let us pass on the dirt trail, he showed us his baby goat only 5 days old.
When you go to a sit down restaurant they serve you by course, appetizers, 1st course, main course, and dessert and everything is served more family style. Some of the dishes couldn't be ordered as single servings. We were told that its normal to do the courses as a family. So everyone at the table eats the same things. They bring out a big pot and serve it to you, just as you would at home.
Leonardo and Costanza made us breakfast every morning. Fresh cakes and cookies, bread with homemade jams, tea and stove brewed coffee with fresh milk.
Costanza had to show us the way to the trail to get into town. We had to walk through their vineyard which they harvest in the fall and sell to the local wineries.
The trail into town was completely downhill. The walk down isnt bad.....you will see our hike up later lol.
We visited all of the 5 villages in Cinque Terre, I think I know which is which in the photos but just in case Im wrong I wont try to list them lol We went from Monterosso to Manarola, then Riomaggiore. The second day to Corniglia, then Riomaggiore to Vernazza.
Riomaggiore was my favorite, I loved how the base of the village ended into the boat ramp.
Leonardo showing us how to make pizza.
Our hike up to the B&B was hot and sweaty....the Sangria helped a little lol.
Leonardo showed us how he makes pesto. For dinner we had pesto, creamy lasagna and salad. They told us that for that region it is normal to put potatoes and green beans in the pasta. It was very yummy!
We didnt get to paint as much as planned for the trip. It just took us so long to travel from town to town and check each one out, but the times that we did get to were awesome. How many people can say they sat on the coast of Italy and painted the landscape? :) This trip has definitely changed my first impression of Italy around. I can't wait to go back with Adam, maybe in September. I dont plan on bringing the girls though, they wouldnt make it through all the hill climbing and walking, especially our lazy Gracie.
On Sunday there were people swimming in Riomaggiore, I dipped my feet in and a tide came up to get my entire bottom wet.
We took the Ferry from Riomaggiore to Vernazza, it was a much better way to travel over hiking or train on a hot day.