Cliffs of the Cinque Terra

To get an idea of where we are, have a look at this dramatic footage of the October 2011 flood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFnoT0WEdoI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DAuXFUx9r8

Flash flooding devastated two of the five Cinque Terra villages (but not the one in this pic) and mud slides damaged the fragile walking trails. Six months on: the villages are continuing repairs and two of the main trails are still closed, but each village is accessible thanks to an efficient train service running along the coast.

And what a coast! Check out the picturesque train station in the pic below. There are miles of tunnels - and vineyards and vege gardens - on one of the steepest, highest coastlines I’ve ever seen.

We nearly didn't come to the Cinque Terra as we knew some things would still be closed, but on reflection we felt it was even more important to spend money here. The villagers need to rebuild their businesses.