Monterosso - Cinque Terre

We spent the morning of our second full day in Cinque Terre at Monterosso. This is the town with two sandy beaches. Our first day had been cloudy with a chance of rain but our second day was absolutely gorgeous! We enjoyed some beach time.

at the beach - Villa Rosa, Abruzzo

The morning after going to the festival in Teramo, Angela and I got up early to go to the beach with Elisa and her daughter.

This was the first time I met Elisa. She is the daughter of another cousin of my grandpa's. I have met and spent time with her mom -Maria- and her aunt -Italia- both other times I've visited Abruzzo with my parents and brothers. (Maria and Italia are also cousins of Mario... Gina's late husband.)

About a week or so before going to Abruzzo, I called Italia to let her know that I was coming. I was extremely pleased when I put the phone down... as I understood the entire conversation AND she seemed to understand me! (Especially with a full summer without speaking any Italian.)

A day or so later, I received a phone call from Elisa - Maria's daughter... Maria, being Italia's sister. Italia had called them to let them know that I was coming and Elisa called me, on her mother's behalf, to invite Angela and I over for lunch one day! Very sweet!

So... before lunch, Elisa took Angela and I to the beach in her area - Villa Rosa (next to Alba Adriatica). It was a great morning - a lovely walk on the beach... and I really appreciated how good Elisa was at speaking slowly and clearly for me... as well as re-wording some sentences when she could tell that I did not understand.

At the beach with Elisa...

With Maria - at her house for lunch!

The family!

Elisa's husband, son, me, Elisa, Maria, Elisa's daughter, Kimberly (Italia's granddaughter), and Italia:

Alba Adriatica's beach stroll

After a delicious trip to the pizzeria, Angela and I dropped our bags off at Gina's house (Mario, Gina's husband, passed away about a year ago - he was my grandpa's cousin...). Silvana then took us on a nice walk along the beach - Alba Adriatica has a great path that runs along the beach - many walkers, runners, and bicyclists use the path.

Silvana and me...

This was our turnaround point - gorgeous!

A view of the other direction (and the hills!)

Me and Angela - the two ASM Librarians!   : )

Back at Gina's house  : )

I surely don't understand all that she says (being fluent in Italian would be a dream! ...one that I'm slowly working towards)... but we were definitely both happy to see each other and spend time together. And there were numerous laughs and stories told over the next few days.