The first day of the Cinque Terre leg of the trip was another train travel day.
Tim & Monique boarded the train with melancholy feelings about leaving the wonderful city of Florence. This quickly turned to excitement as the final destination for this day would be Rio Maggiore. First, they made a quick pit stop on the way and visited the city of Pisa, well known for its famous leaning tower. Tim had been here before, but for Monique, this was her first time here and she cooperated with the obligatory photo of herself holding up the tower. After walking the grounds and seeing the cathedral and bapistery, they decided to head toward the train. They bypassed the gauntlet of vendors that one usually must pass to get from the train station to the Tower. Feeling a bit adventurous, the two actually found a second, much smaller and much closer train station that seemed almost abandoned, and managed to board a train which headed to their next stop of La Spezia. From here, a regional train was used to take what was a few minute train ride to the town of Rio Maggiore. 
They were now in the Cinque Terre, one of Italy's smallest, but most historically relevant national parks. Exploring the back alleys and stairs of this village was a special treat, especially for Monique who had never been to this region. She had been looking forward to a local fish cup, which she had seen in previous photos of aunt Mary while in the Cinque Terre. Tim had been here twice before, but this time they were staying the night which gave them the chance to see some of the local neighborhoods, enjoy a pleasant dinner and experience a magical sunset in the Cinque Terre. The day ended on the veranda of their flat overlooking Rio Maggiore in the Cinque Terre. The sunset did not disappoint. It would not be the last sunset they would experience while visiting these ancient fishing villages.
