out of the blue

Some of you will think I'm crazy, but I was bored with this part of Italy by the middle of the third day. Sure, it's absolutely beautiful, with dramatic jutting cliffs and grape-laden slopes upon which perch yellow and red and orange buildings in the small villages that compose the Cinque Terre. And I have to admit that the warm Mediterranean waters make for perfect swimming, especially when jumping from low cliffs into the deeps after a boat has passed and sent its wake on a collision course with your cove. And there is indeed a panoply of fresh foccacia, Italian-style pizza, flaky delicious croissants, pasta and other Italian fare. But the heat withers me, and I can't stand the taste of salt water, and all the restaurants have pretty much the same menu. I liked our trip over the Alps and down into Italy a lot better, but that only comprised a couple of hours of the trip. I'm ready for the UK and its cool weather, and for Portland after that. Pretty much, I'm living for seeing Sarah the night I get back. Six months is a long time.