Monterosso al Mare

We were up early to have breakfast and to check out of our hotel in order to get to the station in time to catch the 9.08am train back to Pisa. It was overcast and misty this morning, but I knew that when that mist lifted it was going to be another hot day. I managed to sneak in a few photos as we walked to the station. This rock seems to attract all the photography groups - it is quite attractive but I don't quite get why it is so popular! If you look beyond the rock you will see the castle, and below that a Nazi 'pillbox' bunker. During the war the men of Cinque Terre  fought for the resistance against the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, and the subsequent Nazi German occupation of Italy. I have added an extra of this same scene taken the day before in sunshine.

It has been a wonderful 5 day break, it came when we needed it most and we have fallen in love with Italy in a big way! We had an effortless journey back to Pisa, we found a fast direct train and it was very comfortable. The train fares are so inexpensive compared to the UK, it was refreshing to see that.

Now we are home again and settling back in - Murdoch was collected on the way home from the airport, the washing machine is going, groceries have been bought, and we look forward to a quiet evening at home.

We received an exciting phone call when we got home - the council have finally approved the LDC certificate relating to the planning technicality and so the purchase of the new house is going ahead! We will be completing next week!