It's been three amazing weeks since we arrived in Vernazza as sweaty backpackers, then unsure of our plans and skeptical of Italy. Now we have a whole new appreciation for the beauty of this nation and its people, and our love of these five small coastal towns has exceeded most places of our trip so far. Here we were transported to a world somewhere in between college life and our travels of the US national parks. In college we were able to meet people and make new friends without batting an eye, in the national parks we felt free to roam and explore trails and hidden beauties, to be adventurous. Cinque Terre had both, a melting pot of relaxed and friendly vacationers from across the globe, and endless adventures. I (Austin) remember the first time we took the train between villages without paying. I remember sneaking through hillside vineyards to avoid the outlandish coastal hiking fee booths. I remember all our chats with Brittany at the Internet shop. I remember our romantic evenings eating out of this world good take out pasta and watching the sunset.
The memories go on, like meeting Ines and Muhammed, the Moroccan couple who shared their wine and olives. The Grindwald family who told us of cliff jumping in Manarola.
There was swimming long, lazy strokes before the heat of the day. Listening to the mother daughter team at the local market argue and laugh in Italian. Breathing it all in and wondering if I am dreaming.
Right now we ride the train to Milano, to catch our connecting ride to Switzerland. This morning Kindra gave me for my birthday a beautiful cork necklace that she hand carved into a water drop shape, so I could carry a symbol of the tranquil Cinque Terren waters with me. It makes me think of our Gelateria buddy Powell, a local who said dreamily to us, "Vernazza is in the blood." He is right, Vernazza is now in our blood, in our hearts. Goodbye for now, Cinque Terre. Thank you God for the gift of this place, a temporary home where our hearts expanded and our souls rested.
I hope we return.
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