So this is Sanctuary

Looks like a cool place, with its arches and tiled floor.

But unfortunately we were too early in the season for it to be open.

Sure is a nice bell tower, on a beautiful day.

Well, after having a snack, and walking around a bit, it's time to head back down.

Guess what mode of transportation I'm opting for?

Try not to bounce me too much, OK Alpha?

Sneaking in

Now this is certainly better than dangling.

I'm catching some air!  Woo-hoo.

Apparently I need to be a little more circumspect.

Time to lie down and enjoy the ride.

Ah, I see.  

Alpha's being sneaky.

And sneaking me into another church.  

Way to go Alpha, 'cause I've never seen one of these before ;-)

Doin' a little window shopping

Here we are strolling around Manarola, checking out some local shops.

I say 'strolling', but in this case one of us is riding in luxury (thanks Mom!)

Alpha, stop slacking.  I want to see more of the town.  Mush, mush.

See, now this is a window.  

All the better so I can do some "window shopping".

And that's a wrap.

Now it appears to be lunch time ;-)

Look who's still smiling

So after checking out Manarola, we decided to take a local bus up the hill and see where that would take us.

Turns out, no place in particular.  But we found another trail that headed over to the next town, Corniglia.

You can see it in the background of this picture.

It was quite a good hike (read, longer than expected).

But hey, Mom is still smiling so that's good!  (And very lucky for Alpha.)

And moi?  I'm still walking.

At least on the downhills ;-)

Told you I fit

Here we are in Manarola (the next town over).  

It's another quaint fishing village, as you can see by the boats stored right along the street.

Oh, and maybe you can see that I've decided it's time for a rest.

So check out how comfy this bag looks for carrying me.

Way to go Mom.

I still get to see everything going on outside, but lie comfy on my fleece blanket.

That's what I'm talking about!

This carry bag is just the best.

Lover's Lane

So here I am in Cinque Terre (pronounced cheen-kway tayrr-rray, and remember to roll those r's ;-)

This beautiful ocean-side walk is from the town where we stayed -- Riomaggiore -- the southern most of the "five lands" to the next town Manarola.

The walk is also known as Lover's Lane.

O jeez, let me outta  here.  Just look at what the 'rents are up to.

See all that stuff on the fence in the background.  That's where people put locks to show there love for each other.

Can someone gag me with a spoon, please.

Oh no, not "spoon" as in cuddling, oh jeez.

Getting ready for vacation

This is my new carry bag that Mom made for me.  Pretty snazzy, don't you think?

She took a previous handbag pattern and then changed just about everything to make it work for moi.

It's what you call a custom job, because hey, I'm special.

So special, in fact, that my parents figured my legs and my energy level might not be up for all the walking needed where we were going on vacation.

So Mom made sure I could fit inside, and lie down and be all comfortable while Alpha schleps me around the terraced hillsides of Cinque Terre, Italy.

So stand by -- you'll be in for a treat for some of my vacation photos.  You guys are almost as lucky as I am.  I say "almost," because I'm the only one with my custom carry bag ;-)