Chapter Wanderlust: Girasole Room – Accademia Museum Florence Airbnb X Thoughts on Airbnb

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Welcome to another milestone of Seeing The World In Steps! This is the first time that I am staying in an Airbnb! Seemingly I have heard many good stuff about Airbnb and how it has revolutionize the hospitality industry! In this post, I would like to share my thoughts on it and the Airbnb that I have booked in Florence, the Girasole Room – Accademia Museum. On a side track, you peeps can look forward to another trip report that is coming up in the later part of the year! Peking to Beijing! Yes! I have just booked my tickets to Beijing! That is going to be No.59 coming up very soon! While I was looking over my accomodation options in Florence, I chance upon this lovely listing that looks really good. I am also very keen to give Airbnb a try after hearing so much about it!

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Chapter Wanderlust: Manarola

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Finally I would like to share with you the cream of the corp, the love of my life, Manarola! It is the gem of Cinque Terre. Manarola is also the place where I use as a base to explore Cinque Terre! Out of the 5 village of Cinque Terre, I love Manarola the most. it has that undesirable charm and pull on me! It felt like a little romantic spot off the coast! The day that I saw the sun set over the horizon, it is one that I will never forget! Of the 5 Manarola is also the most picturesque one. I love how the village look when the sun falls on it, especially during sunset!

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Chapter Wanderlust: Corniglia X Bar Terza Terra

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Sadly to say, Corniglia is my least favourite out of all the other towns. Corniglia is also the only one that does not lead to the waterfront. Instead it is perched on top of a hill! It is very different from the others! This is also the village that I will not recommend anyone to stay at or use as a base for travelling around Cinque Terre! The location of Corniglia does not make it very easy to travel around. The train station is located at the foot and you can either take a bus up or hike up. The walking path is well maintained and easy enough to do so. It is pretty tough though, with 365 steps to reach the top and also slope. Each step of the path represent each day of the year! Although tough! You also get sweeping view of the surrounding! At the top you can even see Manarola, which is the town that is next to Corniglia!

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Chapter Wanderlust: Vernazza X Taverna del Capitano

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Coming from Monterosso where I spend the morning at! I am off to Vernazza, the second village of the day! Feeling famished since I had not have much to eat in the morning, I am also on the hunt for lunch at Vernazza! As per the usual! I missed the train again, although my time have always past by in a breeze! Afterall, resting on a bench, using your phone with such a view isn’t too shabby! Vernazza is the 4th stop of my Cinque Terre adventures! It is a short 2 mins train ride away and there is sure a crowd now in the afternoon where all of the day trippers just made it to the area! Vernazza is the only town that have a natural harbour and you can still see many of the fisherman activities around here! It sure felt more vibrant and happening from Monterosso!

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Chapter Wanderlust: Monterosso al Mare

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The second day, I was up bright and early, excited to check out the other villages in Cinque Terre! Monterosso al mare or more commonly known as Monterosso is my  destination! Of the 5 villages, Monterosso is the furthest from La Spezia, it is also the most touristy village out of the 5! In Monterosso, you can find many nice tourist resort and fine hotels. It is also the only one out of the 5 that you are able to find an actual beach! My plan was to check out two villages this day! One in the morning and one in the afternoon! As per the norm, there was quite a wait for the train since one had just left when I arrived at the station. Thankful Manarola station was pretty chill, you get a nice view of the waters and the constant sound of waves crashing onto the rocks also kept me entertained! I later met two american tourists who one of them was a member of United States Air Force based in Italy! What a coincidence! We had a little chat and were both making our way to Monterosso! Sure nice to have someone to take picture for you!

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Chapter Wanderlust: Riomaggiore

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Apologies for the slight disappearance in recent time, I have been pilled by my recent work commitments and a couple of other downpoint in my life where I actually really did think hard on whether, how far ahead should I push on! Tsk Tsk, SQ Cadet Interview! Anw back to my travels, I am so thankful to be finally in Cinque Terre. Pronounced as “Ching-ke Tear-ry” is it an amazing charm located on the rugged coastal area of the Italian riviera region. Rugged cliff sides, see through waters, colorful houses and jaw dropping huts, you have it all. In fact the lack of development in the area is exactly why the place is so charming! Previously as mentioned. Cinque Terre consists of 5 different villages, each of them are unique and have their own traits. From La Spezia, which is the main transportation hub, Riomaggiore is the closest! Riomaggiore is also the only town that have a natural slope down to the waters. I can’t imagine how the scene would be when it is in the summer. I am sure the kids will just fling themself straight to the waters!

 

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Chapter Wanderlust: Trattoria dal Billy

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Cinque Terre is famous for its view, landscape, olive and wine! Fish dishes is of course another famous part of the region, after all it is just next to the waters. In fact, I don’t believe that there is a bad place to dine at in Cinque Terre, but perhaps places with touristy prices or not! Almost everywhere serves up seafood and it is one of the must have at least if you are ever here. Seafood and the local white wine, a perfect match for the impeccable view itself. Trattoria Dal Billy is located in Manarola, it is one of the little hidden restaurant and yet a famous one. I will definitely recommend a reservation if you are ever coming here. Trattoria dal Billy pride on cooking the freshest fish and seafood, their hand made pasta is also very lovely! In fact many restaurant in the area itself are owned by the fisherman, which explains why someplace are open only in season!

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