I mean, the first image that comes to mind when you think of the gorgeous Cinque Terre coast is this, right?

But seriously, there was no way we were going to pass up this photo op.

Ahhh, there it is and there we were (still can’t believe it sometimes)!

We started at the top in Monterosso al Mare. This is where we had our only taste of fresh focaccia. It’s stomach-surprisingly good for an oily piece of bread!

This is also where we had our first encounter with strapping, slapping Italian men changing in and out of their skivvies, running for a refreshing dip in the sea. Wowza!

Our second and final “land” was Vernazza. We didn’t hit all five towns because we enjoyed exploring this one so much and we got everything we needed right there.

Views? Yup. We climbed the hill behind the town, visited with some Chinese and French tourists, and mused all the rocks on the roofs.

On our way down, we very much enjoyed weaving in and out of all the stairways and alleyways. I felt like I was in a story, trying to find my way out while never really wanting to close the book. By the end, I realized I could’ve happily wandered inside forever.

We then walked under a passageway between buildings into a grotto lined with thousands of cairns. This one seemed like a passage from an ancient tale.

Annnnd then we got gelato. We had a lot ‘o gelato all over northern Italy and this was, by far, the best for me by a long shot. I was haaaaaappppy!

Pistachio. From the other gelateria on the left, down from the other gelateria, across from the other gelateria.

Then we went to the edge of town to watch the sunset, but we also watched another Italian gentlemen change into and out of his scivvies to take a quick dip in the harbor. Oh, to be so confident and indifferent. I will simply never know.

Nate stood in this spot for a good ten minutes watching (analyzing) the waves crash into the wall.

The kids climbed all over the rocks, respectfully disturbing all the other couples there with their wine who were trying to have a romantic moment after literally traveling around the world for it.

Don’t worry, I’m sure they all just loved watching my darling children weave in and out, up and down between special moments. Besides, I was probably more disturbing by trying to get my kids to stop being disturbing. Isn’t that the way it always is?

Then the kids less respectfully disturbed Rob and I trying to have our own moment.

There you have it! Two-fifths of the Cinque Terre. Done.