Cinque Terre with my nuovi amici was quite an adventure. it's extremely rare that i find people that i can really relax and be myself with. especially so fast and fittingly. it was incredible. our train ride from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre was breathtaking. it takes you by surprise. all of the sudden you're on the coast, you can see the waves, you can see the bright city buildings, you can feel the bright sunshine, riding through the stone arches through the hills. oh man. the beach was just what i needed. the water was warm, we went night swimming, no one brought towels, we dripped dry, had fabulous seafood, the trains went on strike and so a few of us refused to pay 100 euro for a taxi and we slept on the beach/cave. really cold. i've been roughing it a lot lately. i am awesome.