In my study abroad program we get two free weekends. This one was three days so naturally, this is the “big trip” weekend. Everyone in my class got very close so we split into two big groups and all booked our train tickets and Airbnbs for Cique Terre.
We chose Cinque Terre because it is the closest beach town to Arezzo. The train is about three and a half to four hours and there are countless Airbnbs, VRBO and hotel options.
Our class ends at 3:30 on Thursdays and we found a train to Florence that leaves at 4:30. From Florence we go to Pisa and from Pisa to La Spezia. Perfect! The plan was to pack our bags and bring them to class so we could go right to the train station. This was the perfect idea until we found out about the train strike.
The “guaranteed” trains were only going from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We couldn’t fit all three stops in the three hour timeframe. After talking to every employee of OU in Arezzo, asking every AI tool and talking to the employees at the train station we found out there was absolutely no way we could guarantee we were going to make it.
As pro travelers and persistent 21 year-olds we decided to risk it. There was no way that the easy one hour train ride to Florence at 4:30 p.m. wouldn’t run. It was the perfect train ride to risk not being “guaranteed.” So we kept our plan and headed from class to the train station.
Low and behold the train came right on time! When the doors opened I was sick. The train was packed. The walkways, isles and stairs were filled with people shoulder to shoulder. We packed in and piled out bags together for more room. It was hot, sweaty and unfortunate.
The train wasn’t going… People continued to pack in and make the area tighter and smell worse. When the train finally started moving I had faith that people would get off at the stops on the way to Florence and the ride would get more comfortable. I was wrong. More people at every stop.
After making it to Florence, we felt hopeful because we were going to catch the train to Pisa. The train ride was the same, if not worse. It was longer, hotter and delayed. The train from Pisa to La Spezia left without us.
It was 11:00 p.m. and we were desperate so we taxied. I watched the price go up throughout the ride, but at least we were finally going to make it. We got to the Airbnb and I instantly fell asleep.
The next day we booked a beach club. We reserved chairs and planned on getting the famous hugo spritz buckets. We had to take a short 15 minute train ride to the beach and even after the trauma from the day before, we somehow soldiered on.
Once we could see the ocean out of the train window, the debacle of the travel day was worth it.
We spent the day in the water and sipping spritz buckets. We had beachside pizzas and soaked in the sun. I wish I had more to say, but the day was swim, tan, nap repeat!
My dream day!
Saturday was boat day. While planning this, we found out that finding a boat for 14 people is virtually impossible. We were very lucky that we were able to book it.
Once we got on, the music started and we were all pretty quiet. We were just taking in the mountains and water as our guides drove us to our swim spot. The breeze from the speed and the water misting on us made everyone pretty chilly.
Finally when we stopped the sun warmed us up so we could jump in the water. The temperature was perfect and we swam, floated and snorkeled. Once we got out everyone was bursting with energy.
The music turned up, the signing started and the wine came out. Our guides let us play our music and encouraged our dancing and photos. I don’t think I’ll ever hear Pompeii by Bastille without thinking of that boat.
Our guides got in the water to catch our lunch. I’d never had oysters because they kind of gross me out, but is there a better time to try them than fresh out of the Mediterranean Sea?
They were just as I expected. Squishy and taste like salt water. I have no regrets though!
The rest of the day the singing and dancing continued. I think that we all got very close and our friendships strengthened on the boat. No one wanted to get off and we immediately started looking at boats to book for our free day in Capri at the end of the month.
Sunday we got brunch and got on a train back. The train went smoothly and we got back to Arezzo right on time. The rest of the day we went to our rooms to relax. We sent each other funny pictures and videos and started reminiscing on something that happened less than 24 hours before.
This was the best way we could have spent our long free weekend and I will never forget this experience with these people.
xo, Rach 🍋