<

Cinque Terre - Monterosso - May 22, 2006

Casa de Manuel was one of the most fun places we stayed. Manuel is an artist and has been hiring out 6 rooms in his private house for years. His father built the house in the 1950's. It is bohemian, casual, the antithesis of 4 Star. But is/was the most fun, and we both fell in love with the town and with our charming host, Manuel.


Manuel studying for his English classes. His English is excellent.

All the tenants share a common patio with Manuel. Cold wine and beer spigots are set on a countertop (1 Euro per large glass)-honor system, help yourself. The patio is also where coffee is available in the mornings. Manuel's nephew, the gorgeous Lorenzo (and I failed to get his photo!) helps out around the place when he's not in school in Milano.




Coffee on the patio


A painting by Manuel sits on the patio.


View from the patio



I was able to go down the stairs for dinner that first night, but ate nothing but soup and bread. NOW we're talking food. The best minestrone I have EVER tasted.

I attribute my rapid cold cure to the minestrone of the restaurant Manuel recommended. The town just oozes charm.











Many cats run feral in the town, but they are well fed by locals. You see plates of sardines and water placed publicly at the corners, all over town.



##