Can we give Jeremy a round of applause?

This past summer, my friend Jeremy suggested that I take a trip to the Cinque Terre in Italy while I was abroad. After listening to his description, and doing some research, I knew that I wanted to see this place for myself. So this past weekend, three friends and I embarked on a journey to the west coast of Italy.

On Friday, Jeremy was not my friend. I arose at 5:15, having returned home only four hours earlier, and gathered up my things in order to get a taxi to the bus station in time for the 7:00AM bus to Malaga. Two taxis, an airplane, two busses, four trains, and 17 hours later I finally arrived in Vernazza, Italy. By the time my train pulled into my final destination, I was not a happy camper; I didn’t believe that this place could be amazing enough to be worth all the trouble I went through in order to arrive…I was wrong. Even in the dark I could tell the place was special.

The following morning revealed just how special Vernazza was. The water was beautifully blue, the air smelled sweet and clean, the landscape was unbelievably lush and green, and the people were welcoming and polite; I didn’t ever want to leave.

After exploring the village for a bit, my friends and I decided to trek up into the hills in order to visit an old monastery. (Unfortunately we weren’t able to hike to any of the other villages because the paths were wet and dangerous because of all the rain.) Our hike was astoundingly beautiful, words can’t even describe the view of the water and the village bellow, the wildflowers on the hill, and the changing leaves falling from the trees. It was magnificently peaceful.

Saturday night found my friends and me enjoying real Italian pizza in our inn while sipping on the most brilliant white wine I’ve ever tasted. Despite the rain that kept us inside, we enjoyed our evening just relaxing.

I awoke early on Sunday morning, and I made my way outside to watch the sunrise across the water. I just sat and listened to the crash of the waves and marveled at the peace and beauty around me. I was even blessed with a rainbow. It was a time for prayer and reflection, a time to enjoy the loveliness of God’s world.

Sadly, it was necessary to head back to Milan on Sunday afternoon. Thankfully the return trip was much less hectic. There was even time to make our way to the beach in Levanto and play in the water for a bit.

I am so thankful for Jeremy and his travel suggestion.