Today was to be our travel day. Florence to Manarola. We were up early to get to the train station, we were there early enough that Vangie and I were able to leave our bags with Vance and Cathy and go to a little shop to pick up some sandwiches for lunch.

The train went form Florence to La Spezia, which Vance kept calling it La Senza, but there was not sexy lingerie when we got off the train. We had a tight connection, only 7 minutes to get from one platform to the other to catch the train to Manarola, but it was enough time.

We pulled into Manarola, it is a beautiful little town. Although without Vance I would still be pulling my suitcase up to our room. One path is about 217 stairs to get here. I was luck enough to catch the little methane powered bus that dropped me very near our place.

Our apartment is spectacular. Well the apartment itself is nice, but the balcony view is spectacular. It seems like we are up on the top of the mountain looking down into the village. When in fact we are one of the lowest points of the hill. I am sure glad we don’t have a place at the TOP of the hill!

Cathy and Vangie went and picked up  some cheese, meat and bread for happy hour, which was yummy. So we noshed on that and then decided it was time for dinner.

We heard of a restaurant in Rick Steves guide called “Billy’s”, he says it is worth the hike to give it at try. It is 4 doors down from our place. Guess where we had dinner. The food was very good. The service, did not live up the the food. Too bad.

After dinner we headed back to our apartment and crashed out. Tomorrow is another day and more adventures.