Unknowingly I started a tradition three years ago when
I took Dallin to Rome when he was in grade 4. I can hardly believe that my girl is now just a month away from officially being in grade 5 (also middle school). So I did the same for her that I did for Dallin, let her choose anywhere she wanted to go for a long weekend within a two-hour flight of London. Despite the fact that we've hit Italy several times, it's not a place we've taken the kids on a family holiday. So like Dallin, she chose Italy, but she wanted a relaxed beach setting as opposed to city sightseeing. She also wanted to see the leaning tower of Pisa. So the Cinque Terre, five gorgeous tiny towns clinging to the coastline on Italy's Ligurian coast, was the perfect spot to enjoy Italy with all five senses!
Boarding the train from Pisa to Monterosso
Our darling little apartment in Monterosso. Airbnb is quickly becoming my favourite place to find holiday rentals.
This place was great, and I'd highly recommend it! It was a perfect little hideaway.
Having a fun girls night in painting our toenails and giving each other facials.
My girl never goes anywhere without a book.
Exploring Monterosso
One of the attractions of the Cinque Terre is the hiking trail linking all five towns. I hiked the whole five-town trail with a friend years ago. It's a wonderful way to explore every town, plus it helps mitigate the effects of overindulging on gelato and pasta! Due to unstable rocky hillsides along the trail some of the route was closed, but we managed to get in the most difficult trail from Monterosso to Vernazza, a virtual, two-hour Italian stair master! It was great fun and came with many scenic rewards. Madeleine is a great hiker!
Overlooking Monterosso as we begin the trail.
At last, reaching Vernazza!
Liguria is home to the world's best pesto. You haven't had good pesto until you've had it here. It is so fresh! You literally dine steps away from the basil they grow on the hillside they use in making the pesto. Something about the sea air that makes the pesto even better, and the undefiled recipes they use here. I could eat this food everyday!
One of 12 gelatos Madeleine managed to put away in three days! I couldn't keep up.
Selfies with a 50mm
Corniglia
Back in Monterosso for dinner and a stroll
Train to Manarola
Photo cred: ledge and timer
Twinner nails!
Riomaggiore
Beach time in Monterosso
Our day in Pisa
Fun browsing the market stalls in Pisa
It was a fabulous trip. Italy was wonderful, but my favourite bits were the nice conversations I had with my girl. She is 10 today, and growing up to be such a wonderful young lady.
6 comments:
the bond between mother and daughter rocks, but when its the only daughter and mom, it is just that much better! Happy birthday Madeline!
What a fun tradition! It looks like you had a fantastic time! What a wonderful memory for both of you! Happy birthday Madeleine!
She is just precious! A yummy time and so many special memories. We just loved getting to "celebrate" along with you girls! Beautiful young lady!
She is just precious! A yummy time and so many special memories. We just loved getting to "celebrate" along with you girls! Beautiful young lady!
Awesome. Another beautiful trip.
What a beautiful young lady, who looks like 10 going on 14 in some of these gorgeous shots! She's a perfect mix of you and Scott. These pics bring me back--loved them all.
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