Cinque Terre: Devastating Flash Flooding






















Beauty Lost



Since putting this post up I have heard the sad news that there were flash floods in the Liguria region of Italy just over a week ago..  Devastating damage has occurred to much of the region and the villages of Cinque Terre.. The worst hit being Vernazzo and Monterosso. Here I was celebrating spring finally returning to Sydney.. and little did I know that this heritage listed beauty has suffered irreparable damage in recent days...

Still at a loss to know what to say.. Other than my heart goes out to all that live here and all that make their living in this most beautiful part of the world.. I am so grateful that I managed to visit here this trip.. It was only a few hours.. but the beauty will remain with me always.. I have visited Italy twice before and always regretted not making it there.. So this time I visited Cinque Terre as part of a day trip on my recent Mediterranean cruise.. The tour guide we had this day was a gem [my memory is foggy and I can't recall her name right now] .. A beautiful local girl who was able to impart to us .. not just the facts... but also infuse the day with her love of the area.. To see it through her eyes.. I hope she is well and her home is safe.. 


Here in Australia we felt the cruel hand of flooding not that many months ago with the devastating floods in Queensland.. I know all Aussies affected or not, appreciated the help from locals and those further afield.. Perhaps we too can help Cinque Terre.. I will look into what reputable organizations are taking donations and update this post [or my blog] accordingly. Meanwhile say a little prayer for those affected..  These residents have lost their homes and livelihood and the world has lost a place of immeasurable beauty.. Let's hope the loss is only temporary.






Thinking of Those Affected

Apologies to those who already commented prior to my knowledge of this devastation and subsequent update to the post. Thanks to Sharon for letting me know.





IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS:
ALL Text, Original Photography & Artwork [copyright beingRuby©]
Shots taken at Cinque Terre, Italy,  August 2011


37 comments:

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hey Julie...
I have not been here and your photos tell me I have missed much! All your photos are wonderful...Piazza Navona has a similar effect on me...so beautiful! :)

helen tilston said...

Hello Julie

These images are wonderful. It must have been a dream come true to visit this magical place. Then again Sydney with its incredible beaches, including Bondi Beach hold fond memories in my heart, having lived there many years ago.

To a great weekend.

Helen xx

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

E' bellissimo Julie. I needed that! Ciao Rita

Mise said...

What a perfectly composed beach - the colourful swirl of parasols and then the upward swoop of the imposing buildings. Absolutely lovely.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Now this looks like a place to vacation! Such beautiful water and the umbrellas are so pretty.
Thank you for sharing. You live a great life, lady!
Have a great weekend, Julie.
Teresa
xoxo

rjerdee said...

Oh, you know how to make my heart beat! I posted the Cinque Terre on my beachsnaps blog most recently...we stayed in Monterrosso.

vignette design said...

Your photos are so gorgeous and make me want to return to my favorite place!

mermaid gallery said...

That looks so lovely! The people watching must have been superb! It looks so pretty and pastel...and a bit crowded....but if the water is warm...I'm in.....I am really enjoying your holiday!

Carole said...

Gorgeous Julie....you make me wish it was Summer and I was on vacation though our beaches look nothing like that. Its so cool to see all those umbrellas but they probably call them something much more "romantic".
Hard to think we will be going into deep freeze here and you are just getting into Spring. Can't complain its a beautiful sunny day today and on the 60s.

Keep up the inspiring European tour!!!!

hugs,
CArole

Pinecone Camp said...

Where have I been? I've missed popping by your blog for awhile now. That will change! I love these images. You've made me forget that it's autumn here, and the weather is a touch bleak ;)
hope all is well!

Giulia said...

Ah, lovely as always. I've been cooking from some recipes that are from this area. Hope your weekend is going very well, indeed, J. xo

Martina said...

Oh, this makes me homesick for Italy - one of my fave countries! Hope your weekend is just as lovely!

Claudia Lane said...

Hi Julie, such stunning images and beautiful colours...your lovely touch makes them extra special :)
Enjoy this beautiful day
Claudia xo

the old boathouse said...

Oh Julie those brollies...so amazing. (umberellas...my son just said what is a brolly...what is wrong with the youth?? ha and why are they reading what I am typing ha) Big news..I have finally framed my photos of the birds on the wire...LOVE !! Will post pictures soon xxx Katherine

Viera said...

Beautiful images Julie.
Thanks for memories.
Have a wonderful weekend
X
V

oldgreymare said...

the switch back to other seasons is too difficult for my head these days..I have trouble even knowing what day it is!

lovely shots :D
xx
z

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Apologies to those who already commented prior to my knowledge of this devastation and subsequent update to the post...Julie

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Julia-
Horrible news to learn! My thoughts and prayers will go out to this people. I have lived through a flood and lost a lot of things that could not be replaced. It is a horrible feeling.
Teresa
xoxo

oldgreymare said...

I had not heard of this..how awful...there seems to be so much devastating nature events ...whether it is global warming or evolutionary climate change, we had all better beware and be careful and be prepared..
xx
z

beachcomber said...

so sad! your first 2 photos are not showing up to me.
the last one is gorgeous. hope i get to go to that area one day.
x

Millie said...

Italy has alluded me, but after reading your wonderful words Julie, it's moved up to #1 on my list of Must Sees.I hope the residents can muster the strength to rebuild once the acute stage of this disaster has passed.
Millie xx

rjerdee said...

Heartbreaking turn of events, Julie. This makes me so sad, as Monterrosso was at the top of my list for the most enjoyable days of our Italian tour. Hard to imagine how the sea could come in and sweep them away like that...I must find out more...

**Anne** said...

This is so sad to hear. Hubby and I are planning visiting this area next May and we still will if they are able to receive visitors.
I've been enjoying your Europe photos immensely and was going to ask if you could recommend somewhere to stay in Venice and what you like most about staying at Sharon's holiday cottage in France.
If you wouldn't mind replying to my questions, I'd love to know what you think.
My email is on my blog profile.
Thank you,
Anne xx

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

OMG I HAVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS, for CINQUA TERRA is my favorite place when my husband and I were there 9 years ago! I must go look into this..soooooo sad, indeed....Anita

Completely Coastal said...

Oh, gosh. I did not hear of this... (am living under a rock obviously, haha). Is this beautiful beach damaged? I must assume so. Weather has just become more extreme, it seems.

Loree said...

I am ashamed to say that I had not heard of the floods prior to reading your post. I rarely listen to the news these days and I admit that I need to remedy that. That is sad news. My husband and I long to visit Cinque Terre.

Blue Muse said...

Oof. It's surreal looking at the beautiful photos and reading the devastating news at the same time. Strength and love to all affected.
xo isa

michelle said...

What a beautiful place, so scenic! That is so sad about the flooding, I had no idea. It so odd what the weather has been doing lately all around the world.
xo

Pooch Purple Reign said...

ah, i feel sad.. so much going on in the world and always that contrast of good things and sad things...
beautiful photos ruby, as always
~laura xx

Jen Beaudet said...

So many tragic disasters going on in our world everywhere you look. How lucky for you to have visited this beautiful place! I absolutely love what you did with the first photo! Award winning!:) Have a great week! Jennifer:)

Don said...

I hadn't heard anything about the flooding in Italy. So sad but thanks for the update.

Val's alentejo blog said...

Hello Julie,
Its very sad what has happened in Italy. Its devestating.. So sorry for the people who have lost everything.
Some people, will never be able to return to their homes.
I have just come upon your lovely blog.. tomorrow will read more.
Here in Portugal, we too have had some bad floods this year. "Global warming" is what the met men put it down too. One wonders!
I send regards to you in "Down Under"... once upon a time .. i lived in Fremantle.. great memories.~~ vals alentejo

Renée Finberg said...

i can't believe that you were
actually there....
taking these pictures.

lucky gall xxx

Sue said...

I am not familiar with many (most) of the places you take me with your blog. I am always so thrilled to see the photos of the unique places you have traveled. The photos here are gorgeous and I just couldn't believe what I was reading. So sad and yet I'm so grateful that I got to see it through your pictures.

Angie Muresan said...

I am praying the loss is only temporary. I was planning to take my kids to see the beauty of Cinque Terre next year. Keep us posted, please.

Life love, clutter and other beautiful things. said...

so very very sad. i love this beautiful little part of the world, the weather this year has been devastating : (

your images are gorgeous xox

June said...

Oh how sad Julie. The area is so beautiful. I feel so much sadness for all those who will be affected by the devastation. Your photos show a much happier time.
hugs from here...