Our next destination was to visit the Cinque Terre coast of Italy but for the best logistics we stayed in nearby La Spezia and made use of the Italian train system instead of driving.

On our drive to La Spezia from where we’d been staying between Florence and Siena, we stopped and had lunch in Pisa.  It was crowded, lots of tourist, so we only caught a glimpse of the leaning tower on our way out, deciding not to stop and fight the crowds.

La Spezia was our first experience with accommodations in an Italian city.

“La Spezia, at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia in the Liguria region of northern Italy, is the capital city of the province of La Spezia. Located between Genoa and Pisa on the Ligurian Sea, it is one of the main Italian military and commercial harbours and hosts the Arsenal of the Italian Navy. It is important for its museums, for the Palio del Golfo,and for the railway and boat links with Cinque Terre.” ~ Wikipedia

Our rooms were in an older building with apartments on the upper floors located about a block from the La Spezia Train Station. At first we weren’t sure if these accommodations were going to be safe…a questionable section of town, iron bars, locked gates and multiple doors.  But once we got in they were fine for their purpose…marching bands in the middle of the night and all.

La Spezia was an interesting town.  We had only a little time spent in two evenings to explore on foot, but soon discovered there could be a great variance of discernible affluence and architectural style from one street to the next.

We had one of our worst Italian food experiences in La Spezia after visiting what could only be considered an Italian fast seafood establishment on the recommendation of a local. It consisted of deep fried seafood…mostly squid and octopus by the time we got there.   The locals however seemed to love it as the there was always a line of customers trailing out onto the sidewalk. We didn’t understand the attraction.

Photo five on was made using the Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens mounted on  the Olympus E-M5.  What a tack sharp and fast little combination this is. Wonderful for street shots…even late in the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

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Monte Stevens
12 years ago

I was not expecting to hear about a bad experience with food but I guess we will most certainly have those. After looking through you images I was wondering if you took a tripod or if all these late evening shots were handheld. The mood of those last few images are warm and inviting. So, now I want to travel there and buy a new camera, as both will make me a better photographer. :-)

Paul Maxim
Paul Maxim
12 years ago

Some great images here, Earl. My favorite is the blue rowboat. I’ve photographed lots of rowboats in New England but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a blue one. Must be an Italian thing………..

Like Monte, I also like the late evening shots. I’m guessing the EM5 jacked the ISO up a bit for these? Can’t see any noise, though.

Niccolò Re
12 years ago

Dear Mr Moore, I wrote you on FB to explai this:

http://www.gazzettadellaspezia.it/index.php/cultura/item/3324-le-cinque-terre-e-spezia-nella-reflex-e-nel-cuore-di-un-viaggiatore.html

Very nice images and words.

Sincerely Yours,

Nic