Marina di Massa, Italy.

Now for the beachy part of our vacation--the north western coast of Italy, Tuscany.  I think Chris was pretty excited about this stop because it meant going on a hike (Cinque Terre) between 5 towns along the coast--stopping at eachone for snacks, a swim, or a rest.

It was a beautiful hike, but so unbelievably hot hot hot (and humid).  I wasn't working too hard, but I have never sweat so much in my life, even in Costa Rica.  We loved the small, colorful towns and of course watching all the different people hiking the trails (or taking the water ferry or trains between the little villages).

Looking back at the first town on the hike, Riomaggiore (this hike was wheelchair friendly).

Overlooking the rest of our hike from the second town--we will end up at the last town along the coast in this picture.

Coming into Chris's favorite town, Vernazza.  Here we jumped in the ocean and took a nice swim.

Leaving Vernazza--the next leg of the hike was long--but isn't that a great view?

This is our final stop!  I was so ready to get an ice cream and cool off.

My reward--renting a set of beach chairs, taking a nap and a swim in the ocean.

We also spent an afternoon at the Marina di Massa beach where we rented beach chairs and an umbrella and spent time swimming in the ocean.  I loved all the topless little girls--only bottoms until about age 10.  My girls would have loved it.  Relaxing, but on to Venice next!