With an interesting theme by a new host for the Lens-Artists Challenge — Sofia Alves of Photographias — we’re exploring the idea of looking up and down this week. And one of our favorite towns — Manarola — in Cinque Terre, Italy, came to mind. Although we visited on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year during mid-day lunch time, we have fond memories of what we saw both up and down.
In America, one must be something, but in Italy, one can simply be.
Pietros Maneos
Arriving by bus in this quaint seaside down (one of five in Cinque Terre), we were directed by the driver to look up — above the rooftops of the town where views of people and everyday life came into focus: patios with a mishmash of flowerpots, a man working his terraced garden on a steep slope, and laundry out to dry. The way Manarola has been for many, many years.
But when we looked down, glimpses of rooftops and walls painted the colors of the Mediterranean — with a touch of blue, blue waters beneath and beyond — unfolded before us, and we prepared to scale the mountainside to enjoy all views.
As we took the rocky stairs and bridges downward, we could see vacationers and residents enjoying a secluded alcove and refreshing waters.
Boats bound together wished they could join their cousins out at sea.
When I look down, I just miss all the good stuff, and when I look up, I just trip over things.
Ani DeFranco
From the bottom, we saw what we came to see: boxlike homes in orange and yellow and pink and gray — iconic colors of Cinque Terre that have charmed visitors and residents alike for hundreds of years.
And when we took in the whole of the town from a bottom rung vantage point, we saw terraces at the top with underlying box homes stacked one against another. Underneath it all, rock walkways led us in and among shops and stalls selling mementos.
Always remember to smile and look up at what you got in life.
Marilyn Monroe
It’s not until you reach a facing hillside and stand on a stone walkway that you can look both up and down. And that’s where you take your postcard picture, the one you want to remember: people, houses, and terraced gardens above quiet boats in blue waters. Marvelous Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy.
For more glimpses of ups and downs, check out Photographia from Sofia Alves. There’s lots to enjoy no matter how you view the entries.
Travel upward,
Rusha & Bert
WanderingCanadians
Beautiful pictures and very fitting for this challenge. I’d love to visit Cinque Terre someday.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a beautiful, interesting place. Would love to have had more than one day.
lily
Wonderful. I would love to go there, thank you for sharing 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
You’re welcome. It’s unique, unfortunately touristy, but we’ll worth a visit! Hope your week ahead is a good one.
Rupali
Such excellent images, Rusha.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much for taking a look and commenting.
pattimoed
I really enjoyed your photos of Cinque Terre, Rusha. My photos, taken 25+ years ago with a point and shoot camera were far from stunning!! Yours do justice to the place. Fabulous up and down views.
Oh, the Places We See
I do wish we could have been there at early morning or sunset times. We were sweltering in the noonday heat with drops of sweat rolling down under my glasses! I’m surprised I caught anything with my camera! Don’t you wish we could have a few do-overs?
pattimoed
Absolutely. I would love that!!
pam@ichoosethis
Love all the quotes in here and how you captured the Cinque Terre! Just beautiful. I have to admit, I have a thing for clothes lines, so that’s one of my favorites. 😀
Oh, the Places We See
I love, love, love clotheslines. There’s even a group of folks who post on Twitter for Monday Wash Day or something like that, so we’re not alone! Thanks so much for taking a look!
pam@ichoosethis
That’s hilarious! I love it!
Ana
Great post, love it!!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much!!
Greenglobaltrek
Wonderful photos!! Tempting us as we will be in Sicily in December or maybe Puglia but we haven’t decided yet. Such a special location so very picturesque.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
You’re going to beautiful places, and we’re jealous. Be sure to share your highlights.
I. J. Khanewala
Wonderful photos from that charming place. So beautiful in the sun light, even the washing hung up to dry
Oh, the Places We See
So glad you noted the washing. I love to see clothing hung out to dry in the air no matter where we travel! (That may be something else weird about me!) Appreciate your comments on a post about this lovely town.
Grammy Writes
I recognized charming Cinque Terre immediately from your wonderful photos! What a perfect place to showcase “Ups” and “Downs”. Well done!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I wish I had had more time there, but it was picture-perfect even for the short time we were there. Some places just deserve more time! Thanks for your wonderful comment.
JohnRH
Great photos, picturesque place. Well done.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, John
Amy
Ah… Cinque Terre, a great choice! I love these images of Manarola. I’m not sure I can walk 5 towns in one day again, sure is nice to travel through your beautiful photos. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Fortunately, we were on a tour bus for part of the time and then a train. But hiking Manarola alone about did us in!!!! Worth it, though. Thanks for commenting.
Tina Schell
An excellent subject for the challenge Rusha. Your images are wonderful, the last is perfection! We absolutely loved Cinque Terre and did the walk through all of the towns from up above but you found much more detail in your approach. The colorful homes so tenuously built on the cliffside gave me the “willies”! Can you imagine living there? And yes, hotter than hot!!!
Oh, the Places We See
I agree that those cliff side homes were a bit scary. Someone told us (but I can’t verify) that the majority of these homes are rented to tourists. The owners live elsewhere. Makes sense after seeing how many people were there to visit. A marvelous experience for all of us!
Sue
Love this post! I never got to Cinque Terre, and don’t have the health for it now, sadly
Oh, the Places We See
I probably couldn’t retrace my steps. It was arduous and hot, but worth it at the time.
Sue
😄
Toonsarah
Oh yes of course – the Cinque Terre is a perfect location in which to explore both upwards and downwards! Your beautiful photos took me straight back to our visit some years ago and reminded me of everything I loved about this area 🙂 Thank you!
Oh, the Places We See
I think everyone who has been there has fond memories. It’s just a special treasure.
Sofia Alves
This is a wonderful, well thought post, where everything works perfectly. I enjoyed travelling with you to Manarola, now I just wish I could retrace your steps myself.
Oh, the Places We See
And I’d love a return trip with more time there. What an interesting place. Thanks for your prompt which helped me relive the day.
Sofia Alves
Thank you for taking us there through your memories and experiences.