Day 3: Monterosso

Slept through breakfast because Mom's cold caught up to her. Beautiful day so we went to the local beach (Fegina). Grabbed cherries and nectarines to snack on at the market next to our hotel. The beach was packed and somehow we got away without paying. Went in the water because it was SO hot - very refreshing. Mostly the people sat in chairs. So great to be surrounded by the language. Most of the men and little boys wearing speedos. Rocky beach and clear water. To top it off there was a man at the beach walking around selling coconut slices out of his basket - so great, Del's of Cinque Terre?

Grabbed lunch at Focacce Antonia next to our hotel. Shared a piece of pesto and cheese pizza on focaccia  - so good, definitely going to make pizza like that when we get home. Had another piece of vegetable pizza, but it was more tart-like and not crispy. Couldn't resist splitting a fig tart. Everything was just so fresh and homemade.

Went back to the beach and read for a little, but then headed back to the hotel because Mom wasn't feeling so hot. Relaxed and read in the room while Mom took a little nap. Had time to rest and not rush getting ready before dinner at L'Ancora della Tortuga. Mom said she was feeling a little better so that was good.

We definitely had the best table at the restaurant. On the top terrace right on the cliff and such a beautiful night.

Our bread also came with these little warm salty pitas - like focaccia but seemed fried maybe. We started with incredible pumpkin ravioli in an amazing sauce with vegetables. Everything was perfect down to its presentation with a zucchini flower.

Mom ordered salmon with asparagus and I tried angler fish with polenta and olives. Both great choices. Finished our wine then scoped out the the gelato places and enjoyed our treat outside the hotel. Perfetto.