I am a little sore tonight after an exciting day at Cinque Terre, which is what many of my most recent photos are of. It is a gorgeous place, and apparently everyone knows it--it was jam-packed with tourists so much that I almost forgot we were in Italy with how many people were speaking English. I even overhead one little boy say to his mother, "Why are there so many Americans? We're not in America!" There were also lots of Brits, too, as well as people from other countries.
Cinque Terre literally means "five lands," referring to the five villages that make it up. There is a walkway surrounding the rocky hills where the villages are located as well as a swimming area. The water is crystal clear but very salty. There are also lots of rocky places to climb, including one particularly high cliff where daring people would climb up and jump off way down into the water. When I first saw people doing it, I didn't think there was any way I could ever be convinced to do it myself. However, I decided I wanted to at least climb to the top of the cliff. Then I realized about halfway up that trying to climb back down would be scarier and more dangerous than just jumping off.
When I got to the top and saw just how high it was, I almost chickened out. But by this time, everyone below was watching and cheering--both friends and strangers--and I realized that there was no graceful way to bow out. Plus, I figured I should prove to myself I could do it. So, after several minutes of hesitation and procrastination, I took the plunge. Unfortunately, I did not meet the water as gracefully as others before me. My backside smacked that water so hard that I ended up with bruises, a VERY sore tailbone, and...what I would refer to as the equivalent of a patriotic wedgie (if you don't know what I mean, Google it :)). But I faced my fear! So...who cares if it hurts to sit down for a few days, right? :)
Anyway, I would write more, but I'm pretty tired from today, so I will probably hit the sack soon. Ciao for now!
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