I know this is kind of overdue, but I wanted to get it done before too many things happen so I don’t have to cram everything down all at the same time. This past weekend, aka Easter Weekend, I went to Cinque Terre.  Cinque Terre is composed of 5 villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The hotel we stayed at, Hotel Palme, was in Monterosso, the farthest town. Saturday was a super long day because I woke up at 5:30 to pack and get ready before we had to meet at the train station at 7. We changed trains 3 times at Pisa, La Spezia, and Cinque Terre, which was kind of annoying. Once we got there, we started the 9+ mile hike from Riomaggiore back to Monterosso. We were kinda bummed because the weather wasn’t so great, but it ended up working out anyway cause it would’ve been too hot to hike if it was sunny. You really do sweat up a storm climbing up those mountains. It took us a total of about 6 hours because we made stops in between towns. It was the ultimate hike of life, and I’m glad to have done it! I can now say I’ve climbed enough stairs and hills to last me a lifetime. UCLA’s hills got nothing on 5T. It was so worth it though! The views from up there were breathtaking. Apparently, more than 30 people die a year hiking that trail. And I almost witnessed one of them!! While we were passing through one of the narrow ledges (with no bars or anything to protect you from falling), this man missed his step and almost fell off the cliff! It was so scary! Thank goodness Maiyah came to the rescue and caught him on time! It would have been traumatizing to watch someone fall and die!! 

We made a pit stop somewhere for some freshly squeezed lemon juice and it was so refreshing! Refreshing in so many ways ;) Then we made another stop in Vernazza for some pesto pizza. It was hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. Especially if you add some chili sauce on top, oh my.. molto buonooo! Sooo good I had to come back to Vernazza on Sunday for some more! haha The area was particularly known for good “Genovese pesto” and I completely understand why now! After the heinous hike, we all went back to the hotel to shower and then got ready for dinner. We ate at this restaurant called Belvedere or something. Since we were on the coast, we had seafood :) Mixed seafood salad to start, then AMAZING seafood risotto, and then swordfish fillet. And this fruitty dessert to end. After dinner, we headed to this “American bar” haha They had really good long island iced teas! For Sunday, we only had kayaking planned, but we ended up not going because of the weather. Plus, it was Easter so they were probably closed anyway. So we just spent the day walking around town shopping. Oh yes, and we went back to the other town to get some more pizza! Soo worth it! After that, we just chilled out on the beach. After Tree Experience and this weekend, I was sore like no other so it was nice to just lay out and just relax for a bit. 

Monday was a holiday, so we didn’t have class. Unfortunately, I was too tired and sore to function so I didn’t do anything. haha Tuesday was Orquidea’s 21st birthday. The two of us went up to Michelangelo (she’s been here longer than me and she’s never been!) and San Miniato. We chilled there for a while and it was really nice because the weather was perfect. Then we went to get some gelato at Emporio. For dinner, we went to Tijuana, a Mexican restaurant!! I had a burrito! I’ve missed Mexican food so much! It doesn’t compare to California’s burritos, but that’s pretty much the closest thing I’ll get to it here. Again, not so Italian, but I just had to have it! They’re nachos were pretty bomb too! But my faves have to be their strawberry and mango margaritas <3 After dinner, we went to their apartment and played “Cheers Governor!” (pronounced ‘Cheers Govna!’ lol) It was so fun. I’m pretty sure Orquidea had a great birthday, she was dunzo by midnight haha :)

Tomorrow, we don’t have class again so we plan on going to Siena (hopefully it doesn’t rain!) And this weekend, ahhh!!!! :)))