Cinque Terre and Nice

Bonjour! We're currently in Nice. We arrived here yesterday evening after a long day of traveling. We had originally planned to come straight here from Florence, but we decided at the last minute to stop in Cinque Terre, located on the coast of Italy. I took a day trip there when I studied abroad in Florence and really wanted Nina to see it. After finally getting our act together on Tuesday morning, we made it to the train station in Florence and hopped on a train to La Spezia (where you have to transfer to a smaller train that goes to Cinque Terre's five towns). Since we hadn't originally planned to go there, we didn't have accomodations; therefore, we asked about hostels at the information booth at the La Spezia station. The woman pointed us to a hostel in the town of Manarola, just two stops away. So we hopped on the train for a short ride. However, at our stop the door near us was broken (of course), so we missed the 30 second window we had to make it off and were forced to get off at the next stop and turn around. We were waiting ready at the door when we made it to our correct stop. I went to step off the train and the door closed on my chest! Nina was there to push it open (my savior), but it wasn't too pleasant and pretty embarassing, especially considering about 20 people on the platform were watching this unfold. Finally, after a bit of a struggle, we made it onto the platform. I was admittedly flustered from being trapped in the train door (who does that happen to???) but was happy to finally be in the right place. However, as soon as I went to lift my huge backpack, I immediately crashed the thing into my shin, creating an instant and enormous bruise. (Seriously, the injuries on this trip just keep piling up). After the pain subsided and I calmed down a bit from the events of the last two minutes, we got directions and walked up the steep and endless hill that led to the hostel. We were both panting and sweating profusely when we got there, only to find out that it was completley booked! It was quite the series of events. Fortunately, we met a guy (Nate from St. Paul, MN), who was in the exact same predicament, and the three of us found a very lovely and reasonably priced bed and breakfast just up the hill (I swear we're going to have very toned legs after this trip). The view from the window was gorgeous and the breakfast the next morning was incredible.

Nice is nice!

After the disastrous series of events that occured immediately upon our arrival, everything worked out and we were glad to make a new friend to hang out with in Cinque Terre. After throwing down our huge backpacks in our room (clean with a private bath!), we put on our bathing suits and headed back down the huge hill to swim in the ocean by the rocky cliff. The setting was beautiful and the water felt incredible. We all agreed it was so much fun to swim like a little kid again. Later we headed back to town for a delicious seafood dinner and to watch the France vs. Italy Eurocup game. I am a big fan of France, but I had to keep my mouth shut while watching the match with all those Italians. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to cheer for as France lost 2-0 and were knocked out of the tournament. It was still great to watch the game in a big group of rowdy fans. There's nothing like watching a soccer match with a group of Europeans. It's just not the same in the U.S...I really don't believe we have that kind of passion for any sport. Anyway, Nina and I are now both Netherlands supporters! Although I think I look pretty horrible in orange... 

The flower market in Nice

On Wednesday morning, we packed up and headed to Nice. After a lenghtly train ride, we finally arrived here last night and found the hotel that we booked just that morning. It was located by the train station near several sex shops with neon signs (note - planning ahead does pay off sometimes). After grabbing a quick dinner at the market across the street, we headed towards the beach and the center of town (Old Nice) where we grabbed a few drinks at a place called Chez Wayne's (we really know how to immerse ourselves in the local culture). Despite the name and all the Americans, it was fun - live music and reasonably priced drinks. Today I've been walking around Nice, enjoying the incredible weather, while Nina is dealing with the logistics of the rest of her trip since she's decided to travel by herself for an extra week.

The view of the town we stayed in, Cinque Terre

Tonight we head to Barcelona on an overnight train. The total trip time is about 15 hours...ugh.  We'll give one last update at some point during our time in Spain. Until then...au revoir!!!