Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre - five fishing villages perched along a stretch of mountainous coast - is exalted by tourists from around the world. For many, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see on a first, second and third trip to Italy. So what's the allure? For starters, the villages or 'five lands' of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore were until the 1960s only reachable by foot, rail and sea. And while the once sleepy villages are today connected by road, the Cinque Terre hasn't lost its charm. Even in the peak tourist season. Apart from Monterosso, which has gro... Read Morewn in size, the villages are tiny. And when the afternoon tour bus and train crowds depart they are deliciously serene. But make no mistake; there are no luxury shops, gourmet restaurants or five star hotels at this bend in the Ligurian coast. Instead the quaint streets offer what discerning tourists want. Casual cafes and restaurants serve simple yet delectable local cuisine. The shops sell primarily local foodstuff - olives, wine and cheese. And the quick-witted proprietors have turned modest apartments into modern affittacamere complete with private bath, minibar and, in many cases, a room with a spectacular view. So why bring the kids on a family vacation in the Cinque Terre? There is no reason not to!
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Terrace Farming
 People who live in mountainous regions have to be creative to grow food. Imagine pushing a plow up a steep hill! Its really hard work. And even if you managed to till the land and plant seeds water would probably destroy your work. When water from rain and runoff rushes down the mountainside it carries everything in its path with it. So how do people who live in the mountains farm? They cut steps of flat land called terraces into the sides of the hills. They use the level part to grow their food. To keep their crops from washing away they build a wall of stone to support each step. While there are a lot of terraces in the Cinque Terre terrace farming wasn't invented here. The Incas were the first people to farm in this way. |