The only number I like to remember is the first. I love saying 'my first trip! My first day!' Each first is a new beginning but gives no clues for a limited future. Which is why my 'first' trip to an Italian beach was to die for.
On Saturday we all woke up early for the bus ride to Le Cinque Terre in the region of Liguria. It was our first time leaving Tuscany on the trip and for me it was unbelievable. In English Le Cinque Terre literally means the 5 earths but they're referenced to be towns. In between each town there were long and tiresome hikes along the mountainous coastline.....or a fairly short train ride. While the majority of Abbey Road enjoyed the quick train, 27 of us were up for the rather long hike. Both groups would meet up at the 5th town's beach but for us it would take a little longer.
The hike was...well...long, tiring, dangerous, but completely worth it! I can honestly say I've never done anything like it. After climbing up countless of rocks, praying my feet down slip, or thinking that maybe turning back is the best route...all I had to do was look to my left. Each glance out to the ocean was magnificently breathtaking. On each side of the sparkling blue sea stood large cliffs...but they weren't threatening; they were just the oceans neighbors giving the atmosphere that much more dynamic.
When we finally made it to the beach we practically dove into the refreshing water. All I heard around me was 'its so relaxing!' but i was rather fearful at first. I was used to the smooth sand and rough waves of the Jersey Shore. This beach was much more rocky and deep than expected. But it only took me a few minutes to fall in love with it too.
I've aways loved the ocean, maybe its because of my frequent travels to Avalon or my obsession for the Little Mermaid but every beach I've ever gone to somehow comforts me. But no beach I've ever seen was as extraordinary as Le Cinque Terre.
