I had originally planned to take a boat excursion to explore the Cinque Terre, but since the sea did not look very inviting, I bought two train tickets instead: one to take me directly to Riomaggiore, and a second one good for six hours, so I could stop at each of the towns as I worked my way back to Monterosso.  I met a sweet little Italian grandma from Genoa while waiting at one of the train platforms, so I was glad that it worked out as it did.

 

Rather than stop for lunch, I snacked all day:  I had to try a small paper cone of assorted fried seafood in Riomaggiore, because I can't seem to pass up fresh seafood.  Manarola did not tempt me with food, but I did find a few small gifts for family.  Since it was my last full day in Italy, I had to have a gelato in Corniglia as I wandered up and down the streets.  Jesse had told us that the Cinque Terre was the best area to try focaccia, so in Vernazza I had a slice with onions while I took a break at the harbor.  The Santa Margherita Church was right next to the area where I had been sitting, so I went in for a moment.  It was not at all ornate, but a rather plain little church, very old, but still an active church serving it's original purpose - beautiful in it's own way.

 

I made it back to Monterosso just in time to browse in the local grocery store to see what they carried, and then I finally got all my postcards mailed at a little shop in town before they closed. The hotel hosted a Happy Hour for our group with a couple of wine choices and a nice assortment of  finger foods.  Hmm, which should I try?  maybe one of each?