Cinque Terre, translated to 'five lands', are 5 small character-laden old towns taking up a beautiful stretch of the Ligurian coast in North West Italy, a 2 hour train ride from Florence. After much research, I'd based myself in Monterosso with a population of only 1,900. Sounds promising already, no?

I stepped off the train not expecting the stunning sea view stretching from one corner of my eye to another. A short stroll later, I stumbled across BnB Marisa, with your typically Italian mother welcoming me into her humble casa. Again, 'no-speakee-me-englis'; That's okay, I'm in Italy, embracing to all.

Monterosso oozed the small-town charm, the dramatic cliff-faced coastline, crystal clear water and the tiniest of markets along the beach front. Admittedly I would have liked less tourists, but not surprisingly, this was quiet in comparison to June-August! I weaved my way around the narrow lanes of town, white linen hung on every line contrasting the colourful houses lining the cobbled streets, candle-lit churches so peaceful you could sleep in and friendly Italians 'Ciao Bella'-ing me in every direction.

I met Stefano, whose family own the beach & bar in the old town. As a fellow traveller, he prides himself in helping people get the most out of their experience in Cinque Terre and with me there was no exception; I was open to each and every recommendations by someone so passionate about their home-town, he's a true PR at heart ;) On both nights we dined in typically Ligurian restaurants - we had local wine, amazing smoked halibut with picked onions, tuna with tomato, squid and octopus salad finished by an indulgent Tiramisu [insert Italian accent] 'just how Mamma used to make it'. On the final night he undoubtedly got it right again - homemade fish Ravioli, and pasta stuffed with cheese, basil and nuts and Amaretto cream cake. (Yes, I know, I go into detail about food on my blog, but come on, I'm in Italy and you all know how much me and food get on!) There was a religious festival that night so the whole town, locals and tourists alike, watched a firework display into the night overlooking the beach and nearby cliff was romantically lit by candles, and then of course, in true Kejal-style, cocktails and conversations drew the night to an end :)

So the main reason I'd visited Cinque Terre was for the 12 km hike taking in each of the five towns, which I enthusiastically embarked upon the next morning after a Cappuccino to get the ol' metabolism working (well, I can hardly rely on my fitness, can I?) All I can say is *Oh-Em-Gee*. It was a blistering 30 degrees, stunning coastlines, countless number of rocky stairs (bane of my life, still), colourful vineyards and steep hiking all equalled one very sweaty-hot-heavy-breathing Indian tourist on a personal mission. It was gruelling at some points. I think I've got this pleasure/pain relationship with hikes, much like I do with life in general. They cause me pain, they create obstacles and there are uphill struggles; but I am graced with beauty upon my efforts, a sense of achievement and a feeling of fulfilment having explored the new and unknown, something that always ignites a spark in me. Doing it alone was particularly gratifying (although, admittedly, I did give myself the eye-of-the-tiger motivational kicks at the tough points. Let's keep that between you and me though). The prettiest town was Vernazza - when I put photos up, you'll see why. By the time I got into the last town of Riomaggiore I had jelly-like legs, swollen fingers, achey muscles and.. wait for it.. a tan!

It was back to Monterosso for a well-deserved shower and rest, followed by a chilled night out in town - after all.. I'm to get up early to catch my train to the much-anticipated Rome.. More to follow soon. X

P.s OUCH. Everything hurts, but the pain's well worth it ;)