Cinque Terre: Monterosso Beach Day

So last post I filled you all in on my 2 hour hike from Vernazza to Monterosso. It was hell…but I’m really glad I did it. I feel bad for my poor Nike’s though because they definitely need a good scrubbing. Once we got into Monterosso we headed to a restaurant to replenish all the fuel we just burnt on the hike. We toured around the largest of the 5 Cinque Terre towns and I bought a lovely pair of Lanapo sandals, which are apparently a huge hit in all of Cinque Terre. Afterwards we made our way to the private rock beach where we set up under an umbrella and then took a dip in the ocean.

Monterossa beach is much lovelier than Vernazza’s beach. It was absolutely stunning with two huge black rocks jetting out of the sea with just a tiny sliver between them. The waves crashed through the canal and it was breathtaking. I swam and then I lay on my beach chair, with the sun on my skin and looked out over the sea to the hills filled with trees that encased the town, making it the center of a sea made alcove.

Photography by Jade B. Ford

Bathing Suit: Victoria’s Secret | Sunnies: Ray Ban | Handchain: Monroe x Midori Line | Body Chain: ASOS | Green Bracelet: Souvenir from Cinque Terre

After a lovely day of leisurely swimming, sunbathing and just being, Jade and I made our way back to our town of Vernazza via train. By the time we arrived the town was winding down. There was a chill in the air and the street lamps illuminated the large cobble and stone streets with a warm glow. At about 11pm (5pm New York Time), I usually make my way down the steps (about 120 of them) to the beginning of our street so I can pick up the internet connection to write up these posts. Wifi is scarce in Cinque Terre but for 8 Euros I have unlimited access for two days. Only I have to be within 50 ft of the store. lol.

So I sit on the steps late at night. And mostly I am alone except for the sounds of the waves crashing against the boats in the harbor and the train that runs through the hilltop of the town every hour or so. The wind smells like red wine. Somewhere someone is laughing. There is a couple huddled close in an alleyway kissing. One of the many town cats is lazily licking his paw on a stone step across from me and another is fast asleep on the wooden chair outside the Gelatoria next to me. This is how the town is after 11pm. It’s quiet except for the man coughing violently in his second floor apartment.

On my way back to my tiny apartment up the steps with the green door, I hear a women scream. I stop and I listen. When I’ve figured out it’s a scream of pleasure followed by several si si si’s I realized they are just making love and I don’t need to save anyone. My footsteps are all I hear now and my keys jingling as I count to 120 in my head  ascending step by step.

Keep up with my Cinque Terre adventure on Instagram @monroesteele or check out my hashtag #MonroeDoesCT. Tomorrow afternoon, I’m off to Paris for Paris Fashion Week!!!!! You can follow me there with hashtag: #MonroeDoesPFW.

ciao ciao

ps..just this instant an italian man asked me if i’d like to make love..i respectfully declined.
Monroe