About Cinque Terre

Summer Getaway: Italian Style 

Milan is hot.

I mean this in every sense of the word. The people, the fashion, the food... I'm sure if Paris Hilton were in my study abroad program she would agree by tossing out her signature phrase, "That's hot...." But seriously. The heat index in Milan has broken records since I've been here. Oppressive is a strong word but it most definitely applies to the weather in Milan this summer. However I must let it be known that even if the Sun were to explode right in the center of this city, there is absolutely nowhere else on Earth I would rather be. Fact. With that being said, having a weekend by the sea was exactly what I needed.

I remember riding to the beach when I was a child, peering out of the car window to catch a glimpse of the ocean. At nineteen years old I still have this very same excitement which was in full effect on the train ride to Monterosso, the town I visited in Cinque Terre. The countryside which looked exactly like that of my hometown in Virginia was quickly replaced with ocean views and villages lining the mountains. I watched the royal blue water turn white as it crashed against the massive brown rocks protruding from the sea. This train ride was like a front row seat to an art show thanks to Italy's endless beauty... It was a nice change from my usual train experience which consists of an Amtrak jaunt from D.C. to NYC where the scenery is questionable. I paused to think about everyone back in the States and I thought of the beach trips of my childhood as the train barreled through the coast on the way to Cinque Terre. When I arrived in Monterosso I immediately felt the familiar breeze of the Italian coast which was so refreshing after the intense Milan heat. I wasted no time exploring everything Cinque Terre has to offer from the seafood to the sunsets. This weekend trip was incredible from start to finish (re: train ride) and I urge you to visit the region if you have the opportunity. It is an ideal weekend trip for those who need to see the ocean in the summertime like myself. Be forewarned that the beaches here are very different than those of the Caribbean as these do not have white sand but small smooth pebbles. I personally love these little "rocks" because I didn't have sand in every crevice of every bag I own after going to the beach. You know exactly what I'm talking about! Sand and pebbles aside, this beach getaway was ideal. I caught up on some sleep while sunbathing, I ate deliciously fresh seafood, and went full fledge mermaid in the ocean as per usual. No matter where I am in the world, when it's summer I am longing for a dose of the beach. Cinque Terre and Monterosso provided me with the perfect summer getaway.

Check out more pictures from my Cinque Terre trip on Instagram - @thefashionspeak