Taste of Europe Day 5 and 6

This is Chuck's post for the trip.  Day 5 was a great day in the Cinque Terra area.  We took the train into Corniglia.  It is a village perched against a cliff, as the villages are in this area.  Italy is beautiful, but can be challenging to navigate.  We hoped to hike the trail along the sea between one of the closest towns and Corniglia, but they were all closed due to safety and mudslides.  Sadly.  But we got into our B&B room and then set out to explore the small village, then headed to Monterossa via train and explored that village.  Had a daiquiri (Strawberry) and really enjoyed the beach.  We were quite entertained by very young children playing, by visitors dressed as if it was winter (felt like 80 degrees), and then by people at the same beach bar getting engaged.  He got down on one knee and produced a ring.  Pretty enjoyable and entertaining.  Finally wrapped up, headed back to our room, and then went to a shop and bought a bottle of wine, then food to go at a local ristorante.  Why?  Because we had a room with a balcony, facing onto both the terraced hillsides and the ocean.  What a view!!!!  Best meal so far, arguably.  Karen got a fresh fish (they brought it out for her to say OK) and I had pasta to die for (heavy garlic).  Grilled veggies yumm... and great wine.

So Day 6, was quite a bit of train travel after getting up late.  Getting up sloooowwwww.  Anyway, then got on the train to head out of Italy to Monte Carlo (Monaco) .  Yeah, thanks and courtesy of Starwood, we have a free night in Monaco at Le Meridian.  Oh yeah.  So, a long afternoon on the train.  So, you think you've seen everything right?  Just after changing trains in Ventiglia, the drunk in the seat behind us decided to relieve himself.  Without going to the WC.  He was laying across two seats, and apparently unzipped and began spraying the back of our seat.  We yelled and moved quickly.  Wish I had a picture of it.  Karen stayed angry.  I finally started laughing at the whole thing.  Although, a kick to the balls would have been deserved.

Anyway, we are here in Monte Carlo.  Enjoyed a free cappucino at the bar, hopped in the pool, (very nice on) then to the sauna.  Cant get any better.  Of course, we have a room with a balcony.  Going to get a picture of her standing on the balcony in the morning.  What a nice place. Won;t eat breakfast here, at least not at their prices.

Need to run!