Thursday, October 26, 2017

Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera

A recent trip to Italy started out with a one week
Mediterranean Cruise ...

It was the perfect way to start our European Adventure!

The not so perfect part was our initial trip to the airport
when we became involved in a stop and go traffic jam because of a crash
on the 401 Highway.
We almost missed our flight and literally ran, lugging our bags,
 from the airport parking lot to get checked in and make it to the gate - whew!

Landing in Rome our driver whisked us to the port at Civitavecchia (Rome) where the beautiful
MSC Orchestra Cruise ship waited embarkment.

What a week ...... our wee cabin even had a porthole!

Exhausted and the bed was SO comfy!


The 7 day/7 night cruise included ports at:

La Spezia, Italy

First Port - we bought public ferry tickets to discover part of
the breathtaking Italian Riviera - namely the Cinque Terre (five lands).
This region has been named a Unesco Mankind's World Heritage - and that it is!
What a view from the water!


Corniglia - Fairy Tale town

Vernazza - with it's signature colourful umbrellas!
Sheer rock face and beautiful harbour - this picture
does not give it justice.

Monterosso al Mare - just as beautiful as we
remembered from visiting there in 2006!






Riomaggiore in the rain - breathtaking!

Manarola - perched way up on the rugged rock!


The only two that we stopped to explore where Monterosso and Riomaggiore.
We enjoyed the rest from our sea view.

One of the places we passed, Portovenere, is one we wished we could have
stopped at.
It's distinctive striped church and beauty are yet to be discovered ...


I think the boat listed to one side as we all strained
to get a picture of this amazing place - Portovenere!



My favourite shot of the day - Riomaggiore


It was always nice to get back to the ship for a nice dinner
and evening entertainment. What a day it was!

Stay tuned ....


Next up:
Genoa, Italy
Cannes, France
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Ajaccio, France
and back to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

In the meantime here at home, we are preparing to say our farewell to
my dear MIL who passed away last week while we were still in Italy!
The Lord has taken her home and she is finally at rest. We are so thankful for that.
Till we meet again ...




Till next time ... I am far behind in reading and responding to all the blog posts that I have missed while we were travelling. Looking forward to an evening or two by the warm fire, doing some catch-up. Thank you so much to those of you who have been praying for us during this time.











9 comments:

  1. We've been praying for you and the family during this time. So glad you are home safe and sound and it looks like you had an amazing trip. Looking forward to seeing more from your trip and prayers continue.

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  2. Dear Rosella... oh how I've missed you! We have thinking of you and am so sorry that your trip wasn't without a time of sadness... I love seeing your pictures. It is still a place I'd love to see and until then, I'll just enjoy seeing it through your posts. Hugs dear friend.

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  3. I so enjoyed your photos. The buildings in all colours look so beautiful. I’m sure actually being there is just amazing.
    I’ve been praying for you and Jim as you and family plan to celebrate the life of Jim’s mom. Rejoicing with you that she’s alive with Christ. Our hope is sure. May the Lord comfort you all. Hugs.

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  4. Oh, you saw some beautiful sights! Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) more about your trip!

    Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother-in-law. Even though we are happy for the one who is the Lord's to be in His wonderful and awesome presence, earthly parting is still sorrowful, no matter the age of the loved one. May your memories be sweet and comforting.

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  5. So sorry to hear about your mil passing Rosella. It would have been hard to be away during that time. Praying for you,your husband and family.

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  6. Oh I am sorry to read about your mother-in-law’s passing. It is wonderful to know that you will be together again.

    Beautiful photos of Italy...the colors and the communities perched high on those cliffs are wonderful. I’ll be sure to share these photos with my little Italians.

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  7. Welcome Home, Rosella! I'm sorry it was not the kind of homecoming you expected when you left, but I'm glad to know you were able to finish your trip and feel at peace. Your pictures give us such a great taste of your time away. I had to click and enlarge ... so beautiful! You are making me want to take this cruise. There is something about the quaint, colorful buildings built on the rock and into nooks and crannies that just brings smiles. I'll be looking for more ... but no rush. Sending love and hugs.

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  8. Welcome home, Rosella! You have been missed! So sorry to hear your MIL passed away while your were on your trip. That's big how you would have planned it, I know. May all the good memories bring you much joy...until you meet again bod day.

    Your pictures look amazing. I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your vacation!

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  9. I'm catching up on all of your trip posts, Rosella. Beautiful photos of this first leg, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest. I'm so sorry to read about your MIL - my condolences to you and your family.

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