The Long Over-Due Italy and Monaco Post

It seems like yesterday we were leaving for Monaco/Italy, but it was over a month ago now.

In case you missed it, I had to go to Monaco for work again (I always get the tough assignments.) Ali and I planned essentially the same trip we took two years ago, with two big differences. This time, we went to Italy first, and Kristi and Ben joined us for that leg of the trip.

So, we headed over the pond on Sunday August 9, and due to a delay getting out of Chicago, we missed our connection in Frankfurt. So, instead of getting to Italy around 7pm, we arrived around 9:45pm. Thankfully Europe likes to eat late, so we were met by Kristi and Ben at the train station and headed to dinner around 10:45. A long and tiring day, but definitely worth the hassle.

I guess I should clarify that we went back to Cinque Terre in Italy, stayed at the same hotel, ate at some of the same restaurants, went to the same local beach, did the same beautiful hike (although the opposite way this time.)

Here are some pics:looking back at monterosso

looking down on vernazza

vernazza harbor

the standard, they speak different, so i am going to make fun of it sign

riomaggiore

kristi and ben

from the dinner table in vernazza

side trip to portofino for lunch

On Saturday, we headed back to Monaco. The trains are definitely easier the 2nd time around - hated them the first trip, fine with them the second trip. We hit the beach on Sunday and had a delicious dinner at Beef Bar with my co-worker. Ali left on Monday morning and I followed her home on Friday. We didn't take a lot of pictures of Monaco, but did squeeze in some shots of the small motor boats directly outside my hotel.

some small rowing boats

hunt, you're not invited

If you want to see the entire album, including action shots of Ben diving off a rock from about 30 feet, CLICK HERE.