Europe Backpack - The Italian Riviera

9 Sept 2010 - Genova

The journey to Genova is simply beautiful. It's too bad we did not plan to visit Nice and Monaco. But crossing French border to Italy, the feel has not changed at all. Genova. Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and a huge historical center, and a lot of luxury boats. The architecture is very nice too, many buildings and houses has a courtyard which we can wander into.

Example of luxury boat.

Weapons for sale!!

10 Sept 2010 - Pisa & Florence

Next stop: La Spezia. Here we set a base to visit Pisa, Florence and Cinque Terra. La Spezia itself is a nice place to relax and explore. (Note to myself: must visit in future). Nothing much to say about Pisa and Florence, as the tourist traps are quite standard. But comparing the river of Pisa and Florence:

River of Pisa

River of Florence: Seems better..

At night back at La Spezia, we managed to join in a festival with many performances. After watching, we ate at a Chinese Restaurant where the fried rice is very nice. It seems that restaurant was opened by a couple from China. Knowing no English or Italian, they started a business here in La Spezia.

11 Sept 2010 - Cinque Terra

The highlight for our visit to Italian Riviera: Cinque Terra. First achievement we did there is to hike all the way up a 312m hill with slippers. The view is rewarding, and we wrote our names onto the building on top.

Second achievement: we visited all 5 villages along the coast via train since one of our companion has lousy physical ability and there is toll for tramplers. (He almost gave up and complained and want to go back in 4th village) I had good time!

Near the place where we relax and listened to a street singer singing "Time to say Goodbye". He plays piano while his partner plays flute. Very nice!

Even my low-end camera can take a good picture out of Cinque Terra.

Cinque Terra is also a wine producing country! Too bad we did not taste any.