|
I remember our first trip to the Cinque Terre. Like so many
tourists we arrived in the afternoon from Florence, headed
to the beach and rested our museum weary feet. We were
traveling with our teenage sons who got their first glimpse
of topless beach goers. But the views we appreciated most
were down the coast. Manmade vineyard terraces like a tiered
petticoat, tiny pastel villages clinging to the cliffs and
the navy blue sea combine to make it pinch-yourself gorgeous
scenery. But I don’t remember any real exchange with the
people who lived there.
Today, the scenery is still as breathtaking but the
experience is more personal. As we enter the village of
Monterosso we duck our heads into the ceramic shop to say
hello to Cristiana who always has a ready smile and welcome
for us. Then we head down to the street and see that the
only butcher in town has finally retired. At the fruit and
vegetable stand we see Roberta and her husband Lorenzo (also
the ambulance driver), neighbors of ours a couple of summers
ago. We never fail to drop in and see our favorite sommelier
Susanna at her wine shop. Finally we have a mojito (made
from fresh mint on the hillside) at the bar overlooking the
beach and catch up with our friend Kate.
When you know the people the Cinque Terre comes alive. When
you drink the wine you know where it comes from thanks to
our friend Gianni who owns a well-known restaurant here and
has invited us many times to the cantina at this house in
the vineyard to show us how wine is made here. When we eat
focaccia bread for breakfast we compare it to our friend’s
bakery in Manarola who uses the best olive oil, herbs from
the valley and lots of kneading to make the best focaccia
anywhere. Even when we sit down to a fish dinner here we
recall the times spent fishing six miles out to sea with
Fabio and all the hard work that go into getting fish that
is just-off-the-boat fresh. Our favorite cheeses in the area
come from the Cheese Cooperative of the Val di Vara. This
valley is nicknamed “The Green Valley” because the soil,
air, water, and energy sources are all green. We bite into a
creamy cheese and remember the tours of the cheese
cooperative we’ve taken with the director and his passion
and pride for the area.
Quality travel requires a look into the real culture of the
places you visit. Anyone can see the views and have a nice
dinner but in order to really get to know a place you need
to see where your meal comes from, and hear the stories of
the people who call this place home. For an unforgettable
trip join us in the Cinque Terre this fall. We’d love to
introduce you to our friends, have you tie on a apron and
cook with the locals, and take you on a walk along the paths
down the coastline.
Get a detailed itinerary for the
Italian Riviera Cooking
Trip or the Cinque Terre Adventure Trip by clicking
here or
go to www.WishYouWereTours.com or call 877-576-0975 to book
now.
|
