Frazier Blog

Woke up to an overcast city but a great view of the local architecture.
Took my time packing up and decided I would bite the bullet and send
some stuff home. Of course this was not an easy feat. I found a box
from a local store and headed to the post office. After struggling to
find it I was informed it would cost 18 Euro, well worth losing the
weight but he had no tape to close the box. After checking 2 stores in
vain, I tried the police/public safety office; they happily taped up
the box. Sadly I had added more stuff which put the price to 40 Euro.
So I had to open back up my box and reuse the tape to get the price
back to 18 Euro.

Now it was time to head to the beach. I decided I’d do the hike but
with how late the trains run in this city I did wanted to leave my pack
at the station I was leaving from. I hiked from town 1-2 with all my
stuff; I’m traveling with one large ski pack a small backpack and my
DSLR camera, and have the photo to prove it. A funny sight. After
taking all the great photos I headed to the station to go to town four
for the sights and beach. Train I wanted was 10 minutes late. Now 25,
30, 45. Lucky they did this within 10 minutes so I knew I had 35
minutes I could use. I headed back to town 2 got a sandwich of sorts
and a cheap bottle of wine. I had a nice picnic at the station while
waiting for the train. Finally came 40 minutes late.

Once at town 4 it was time to store my bag. Approached the ticket
counter with cash in hand only to be told NO. What? “it’s a security
issue.” before I could counter with,” but they do it at the town 1
station” he informed me “you can store it at the town one station.”
That did not help me at all.

I walked down the street to find a hostel or hotel that would let me.
Problem being there are not really hotels in Cinque Terra. There are
places with tiny lobbies that give keys to rooms. After I ended up at
the harbor, which looked beautiful and begging to be swam in, I headed
back up the street to get away from the main drag. I was excited to
find a pension and inquired about my bag. “No it’s a liability, try
the police station.” I did, they recommended the train station.

Annoyed and sick of lugging my bag around I thought fine I’ll just use
it as a chair at the beach. Walking that way I saw a shop that looked
decently big by Cinque Terra standards and felt an urge to try there. I
asked and she looked confused. Then used hand motions to explain, you
store bag I’ll give you 2 Euro I come back I give you 2 more Euro. She
understood and proceeded to say no, to the money. She gladly took my
bag and let me place it in the corner of my store. Perfect. After much
thanking I left.

Hiked a little past town four. Can’t wait to put up photos. So pretty!
Caught a view of the beach and could not wait to get in the water.

Found a cafe/bar with a restroom, ordered a .90 Euro coffee and
changed in their restroom and hit the beach.

Beach is awesome. Started reading the book given to me by Sean, “High
Fidelity”. It’s alright; guy just needs to enjoy life a bit more.
Funny though.

I wanted to get in the water but did not want to just leave my daypack
chilling. I started scoping out people I could ask to watch it. A
group of Americans looked good but then I spotted two friendly girls
my age. Asked them to watch and they were happy too.

The swim was amazing! Water felt great and I love how easily you
float. I swam out to the rocks/bay pier and enjoyed a magnificent view
of the city from the water.

When I returned my bag was exactly where I left it. Started talking to
the two girls Joy and Suzanne. Joy left quickly to meet friends and I
found out Suzanne is on a 1.5 year trip and is from Australia. I have
yet to meet an Aussie guy or girl that I don’t like.

She claims she is 30 I still don’t buy it, I thought 25 max. We chatted
for awhile and I watched her stuff while she went to get water. Then
it was time for me to leave to start my journey to Florence. I did not
have a pen so I just gave her my email and blog address hopefully I’ll
get her contact info they way. I’d love to hear what she thinks of
traveling in the Middle East.

When I got back to the shop I asked the shop keeper what her favorite kind
of gelato was. She refused so I bought a little souvenir from her shop.

I realized I forgot my water bottle in the bathroom when I had changed
so I went back for it. As I filled it up at the public water fountain
I heard “Paul”. Always a great sign in a random place. It was my
friend Suzie from the beach with gelato. Magical timing of 1 of the 2. She
raved about this chocolate chili gelato. We had time before the train so
naturally I had to get some. Delicious. Rich lush chocolate with a nice
spice aftertaste which I paired with a juicy strawberry. Only because
I forgot my water bottle did I run into her.

The train was packed. Nice chatting with Suzanne while we traveled,
said goodbye to her at Riomaggiore as I continued on to Spiez to
catch a train to Pisa and then Florence. As usual train was late so I
had one minute to make my connection. I ran and stopped short of
pushing anyone over, but bumped quite a few people. I had to make it
threw a packed trainful of people leaving. Got on the train as it was
scheduled to leave but it also was 10 minutes late.

Got into Pisa had 20 minutes before next train. As I’m getting ready
to board I overhear two girls make an envious comment about my bottle
of wine. Naturally I say hi and end up traveling with them. We snuck, as
many others did, into first class and the conductor did not care as it
was a regional train. A little bit more spacious. Same seats as 2nd class
just 1 fewer in a row.

Got into Florence and I did not know where I was going. I knew it was
by the Duomo. Luckily the girls knew so I followed them and asked
police for the street I was looking for.

Great hostel I could tell from the start. It is called Academia. You can see the
Duomo from the door. It came highly reviewed and recommended. Got
settled and than heard about a festival going on tonight. Magical
timing moment #2. I did not know about the music fest in Paris or here
but just happened to show up on the right night. Sweet.

Headed across the river and was instantly greeted by music. Great time
down there. I’ll post some videos soon. After watching a magic show
and various bands I was exhausted and time for bed. Great introduction
to the city. It also was a great way to see the local culture as it
was 90-95% Italians who were out. I felt much safer here than I did in
Paris under the tower on the 21st. Much more light.

In Florence,
Paul